Legend of the Female General Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Legend of the Female General Synopsis
To preserve her family's noble title, He Yan, the eldest daughter of the He family, is forced to wear a mask and disguise herself as the family's legitimate heir, "He Ru Fei." In her youth, she meets the prodigious Xiao Jue at Xianchang Academy, but to escape her family's fate, she leaves the academy and heads to the battlefield. Years later, He Yan returns in glory, only to be betrayed by her family upon her brother He Ru Fei's return. Surviving the ordeal, she assumes a new identity as the daughter of a city gate captain, disguising herself as a man and enlisting in the army in Yezhou, determined to reclaim what is rightfully hers.
Along the way, she befriends the gentle and refined Chu Zhao and reunites with Xiao Jue. However, Xiao Jue suspects her of being a spy and repeatedly tests her. Undeterred, He Yan proves her worth by excelling as the top recruit in the Yezhou garrison. Through trials like the Sun family incident, the Princess of Jiyang affair, and the battle to defend Rundu, they face life-and-death situations together, gradually uncovering the truth and confessing their feelings.
Legend of the Female General Recap
Episode 1 Recap
For years, a young woman known as He Yan lived disguised as a boy, forced to wear a mask and assume the identity of He Rufei, the He family's eldest son. She yearned to know who she truly was, shaped by the cold mask that both stifled her identity and forged her purpose. Fighting through the smoke of war and seas of blood, she rose from a nameless foot soldier to the invincible General Feihong.
Despite her triumphs, she was haunted by the question, "Who is General Feihong? And who am I?" In the 20th year of Wei's Qingyuan era, the Wutuo people invaded once more. Emperor Chengping commanded the renowned General Xiao Zhongwu, who had defeated the Wutuo five years prior, to lead the Xiao Army against the enemy. However, during the decisive battle at Mingshui, 30,000 of his troops fell into a devastating ambush.
Despite Xiao Zhongwu's fervent belief that He Rufei's Fuyue Army would arrive, the reinforcements came too late, and he was tragically killed in battle. His son, Xiao Jue, consumed by grief and resentment, confronted the newly arrived He Yan, still disguised as He Rufei. He seized the Qinglang Sword from her, declaring her unworthy of the blade his father had gifted her years ago as a symbol of his hope for Wei's future military leaders.
Upon her triumphant return to the capital, He Yan was summoned to her father's study. There, he informed her it was time to shed her male disguise and live as a woman, as her family's honor would now be upheld by a man. He then introduced her to the real He Rufei, her elder brother, whom she had never met.
Her father explained that due to congenital frailty, He Rufei had been secretly recuperating at Yuhua Temple since childhood, forcing He Yan to take his place. Now that her brother was well, he would assume his rightful identity as He Rufei, along with the title of General Feihong. He Yan was distraught, protesting that she had sought military glory to honor her family and emulate heroes like General Xiao Zhongwu.
Refusing to believe Xiao Zhongwu was a traitor, she vowed to appeal to the Emperor for justice, even if it meant sacrificing her military honors. However, before she could act, her father and brother conspired to drug her, rendering her unconscious. At the Imperial Palace, Emperor Chengping held Xiao Zhongwu responsible for the loss of 30,000 soldiers, ordering him to be buried as a commoner and stripping the Xiao family of their military command.
Xiao Jue, also known as General Fengyun, knelt before the throne, pleading his father's innocence. He argued that their ambushes had been systematically discovered and destroyed, suggesting an intelligence leak, and begged the Emperor to reopen the case. When General Feihong was summoned, the real He Rufei entered. He falsely testified that the defeat was solely due to Xiao Zhongwu's reckless pursuit of glory and his failure to request timely aid.
Enraged by the lies that sealed his father's fate, Xiao Jue accused the imposter of twisting the truth. When He Rufei mockingly questioned his loyalty to a "sinner," Xiao Jue, overcome with fury, drew his sword and shattered the mask, revealing the imposter's true face to the court. For his breach of court etiquette, Xiao Jue was sentenced to twenty strokes and forced to kneel outside until dawn.
After enduring the punishment, he admitted his fault for the outburst and volunteered to lead troops to Que City to reclaim lost territory. Emperor Chengping granted his request but stipulated that the court would provide no soldiers. Xiao Jue accepted, determined to clear his father's name, even if it meant facing ruin. Meanwhile, a now-blinded He Yan was sent to Yuhua Temple. Her brother, fearing she remained a threat, dispatched his guard, Ding Yi, to kill her.
Ding Yi tried to stage an accidental drowning by moving the rose bushes to misdirect her path to the pond, but Xiao Jue, visiting the temple, unexpectedly intervened and saved her. Undeterred, He Rufei allowed He Yan to "escape" the temple, only for Ding Yi to ambush her on a hidden mountain path. Despite her superior martial arts, He Yan's blindness left her vulnerable. Ding Yi's sword pierced her chest, sending her tumbling off a cliff into the water below.
Against all odds, He Yan survived. She was rescued by her master, Liu Buwang, who not only saved her life but also healed her poisoned eyes. With her sight restored, He Yan removed the mask for good, severing all ties with the He family. She was no longer anyone's substitute, but simply He Yan, free to forge her own destiny.
Vowing to never forget her brother's treachery—stealing her identity, attempting to murder her, and destroying her reputation—she resolved to re-enter the military and honorably reclaim everything that was rightfully hers. As Xiao Jue began recruiting soldiers, He Yan, once again donning male attire, rode towards the recruitment site, ready to begin her journey anew.
Episode 2 Recap
He Rufei, wearing a mask, attended Xianchang Academy, where Master Wei questioned his obscured face. He Rufei explained he hid his visage to avoid startling others. Later, Xiao Jue, the second son of the Xiao family, arrived late, apologizing to Master Wei for his tardiness, his exceptional demeanor noted by others.
Xiao Jue, upon encountering Cheng Lisu, the Imperial Medical Bureau's Top Disciple, in the army camp, warned him against "flashy things," explicitly stating that Cheng Lisu himself was among them. Cheng Lisu expressed dismay at Xiao Jue's harshness after traveling so far to join him, to which Xiao Jue coldly offered him the option of returning home for an arranged marriage. Cheng Lisu, frustrated, remarked that if he could defeat Xiao Jue, he would have killed him long ago.
Xiao Jue retorted that fleeing a marriage would only result in being maimed at most. Xiao Jue then instructed his aide, Feinu, to escort Cheng Lisu away. Cheng Lisu, revealing Xiao Jue was his "uncle," pleaded to be allowed to stay. Meanwhile, Liu Buwang prepared a male identity for He Yan, providing her with a household register under the name "He Yan" (禾晏), explaining that her true identity as a woman would be a liability in the army.
He Yan noticed the subtle, one-character difference between her new name (禾晏) and her previous male identity (何晏), acknowledging her master’s thoughtful foresight. She was instructed to undergo a screening in the left tent before proceeding to the right for military registration, uniforms, and subsidies. Upon inquiry, she learned the screening involved stripping naked for a physical examination by a military doctor, with passage granted to all who were healthy.
Knowing she could not undergo such a screening, an opportunity soon arose. Xiao Jue tasked Cheng Lisu with examining a high-spirited Gaoxia mare that had refused to eat, suggesting Cheng Lisu, as a healer, should treat all lives equally, especially since Yezhou Garrison had no place for idlers.
Cheng Lisu initially protested being asked to treat a horse, but then declared he would not only treat the mare but also tame it, especially since it was a mare, not a stallion. He Yan, observing from a distance, saw her chance. The horse suddenly spooked, throwing Cheng Lisu. He Yan swiftly intervened, saving Cheng Lisu and expertly taming the agitated mare.
Xiao Jue, witnessing her unique horse-taming technique—a method exclusive to the Fuyue Army—immediately suspected He Yan was an agent of He Rufei, though he remained outwardly composed. He Yan, realizing her slip-up, inwardly worried that Xiao Jue might be planning to use her to uncover a larger plot.
The Head Instructor, impressed by her skill, praised her and declared she wouldn't need to undergo the screening, instead taking her directly to complete her enlistment documents, which perfectly suited He Yan's plan. Xiao Jue discussed his suspicions with Feinu, who suggested eliminating the potential spy. Xiao Jue countered that killing one would only lead to replacements, preferring to keep He Yan to potentially uncover the true mastermind, be it He Rufei or Xu Jingfu.
Feinu recalled how Xiao Jue’s father had impeached the prime minister before the Mingshui campaign, only to be ambushed days later, with He Rufei's troops arriving suspiciously late on the seventh day after the request for aid. Feinu believed the two were colluding. Despite these suspicions, Xiao Jue acknowledged the lack of concrete evidence to link Xu Jingfu and He Rufei to the Mingshui defeat or prove their collusion.
With the Xiao Army weakened and under the Emperor’s suspicion, and the Yezhou Garrison suffering from troop and fund shortages, Xiao Jue instructed Feinu to thoroughly investigate He Yan's background. At the Xu Mansion, Xu Jingfu's disciple Chu Zhao reported on his mission in Que City. He claimed to have monitored Xiao Jue, painting a grim picture of Xiao Jue’s ruthlessness in flooding Que City, resulting in tens of thousands of lives lost.
Chu Zhao ordered Zilan to spread this infamy to further solidify Xiao Jue's negative reputation. Xu Jingfu noted that even with victory, Xiao Jue had been effectively demoted to the desolate Yezhou Garrison, underscoring the Emperor's growing apprehension. Chu Zhao also revealed he had found a "fish that slipped through the net" in Que City and had positioned him as a hidden pawn, hoping he would become a valuable asset.
Later, Chu Zhao reunited with Xu Jingfu’s daughter, Xu Pingting, who playfully demanded a gift. Chu Zhao deliberately burned his own arm with a tinderbox, feigning an accidental injury from refugees while monitoring Xiao Jue, all to gain Xu Jingfu's sympathy. His maid, Yingxiang, inwardly noted that Chu Zhao intentionally wounded himself severely to earn his master's favor.
He Yan, in a private moment with her master, expressed her disbelief that Xiao Jue would order the flooding of Que City or sacrifice its citizens for military glory. She confirmed her decision to join the Xiao Army, confident she could rise quickly within its ranks, especially since the army urgently needed new talent.
As a new recruit, He Yan was assigned to a large shared tent where she met her bunkmates: Wang Ba, identifiable by his bandit tattoo; Zheng Xuan, bearing the marks of a face-tattooing punishment, indicating a past as a convict or rogue; Jiang Jiao, from an escort agency and seemingly skilled; Mai, a short farmer; and Huang Xiong, a hunter who ironically wore a string of prayer beads.
The next morning, He Yan was among the first to rise, while others like Wang Ba were still asleep until Head Instructor Shen Han had them doused with water to wake them. Xiao Jue ordered all new recruits to gather at the training field for ten weighted laps around the barracks. He Yan, still recovering from severe injuries and poisoning that had left her bedridden for over a month, found her stamina and physical condition severely lacking.
She observed that Xiao Jue’s training methods were incredibly intense from the outset, proving him to be a formidable and harsh leader, even to himself. Cheng Lisu remarked that Xiao Jue's rigorous methods were meant not just to intimidate, but to gauge the recruits' potential. During weapon training, He Yan initially impressed her peers with her adept handling of a pair of small "twin blades," showcasing unexpected skill.
However, her subsequent attempts at archery proved embarrassing as she struggled to even draw the bowstring. Later, during spear practice, she dropped her weapon, earning taunts from others who called her a "pretty face with nothing to show for it." Despite the ridicule, she still picked up the spear, a small gesture noted by Head Instructor Shen Han as commendable.
Later, Xiao Jue received an update on He Yan’s background: he was from a minor gatekeeper family in Jiazhou with no prior military history and no suspicious family connections. Yet, his clear familiarity with military routines and horsemanship, contrasted with his dismal performance in daily drills, puzzled Xiao Jue, who wondered if He Yan was feigning incompetence or was genuinely useless.
He ordered further investigations into the background of all recruits, particularly those who seemed to be hiding something, dispatching teams to Jiazhou and Que City while continuing to probe the Mingshui incident. As night fell, He Yan, seeking respite, followed the scent of sulfur to a secluded hot spring.
She disrobed and slipped into the soothing water, reflecting on how her achievements and reputation as "He family's legitimate son" (or through using He Rufei's name) were only possible because of her disguised male identity, and that these accomplishments were hard-won through pain and sacrifice. She thought about how, in her previous hidden life, only the moon had witnessed her true face, but now, in this new life, she could finally fight with honor.
Just as she found solace, Xiao Jue arrived, also seeking the hot spring. He Yan quickly submerged herself, holding her breath to avoid detection, but Xiao Jue, sharp and perceptive, instantly sensed the presence of someone hidden beneath the water's surface.
Episode 3 Recap
During a covert confrontation in a hot spring, Xiao Jue and He Yan engaged in a struggle. The water, reducing their strength, revealed He Yan's adeptness at avoiding full exposure, maintaining her disguise even without clothing. Only after He Yan had exited the water and donned her attire did Xiao Jue recognize her. The following day, during daily training, Xiao Jue intently observed He Yan.
He noted He Yan’s moves flowed effortlessly despite a perceived physical weakness, a clear sign that He Yan was no amateur and had been feigning clumsiness. Xiao Jue was determined to make He Yan reveal her true colors openly. He then instructed his subordinate, Shen Han, to assist him with something. Soon, discussions about the formidable Jiuqi Camp, founded by Marshal Xiao, filled the military barracks.
Recruits spoke of the camp's elite warriors, clad in black armor, renowned for their invincibility as the core of the Xiao Army. Hearing these conversations, He Yan shrewdly suspected that Xiao Jue, having learned something from their encounter in the hot spring, had deliberately set this up as a bait to lure her. However, He Yan resolved to turn the tables, planning to join the Jiuqi Camp honorably and flawlessly, believing that the true prey remained to be seen.
Shen Han later informed He Yan that the Jiuqi Camp annually selected only the most outstanding new recruit to replenish its ranks. Without hesitation, He Yan boldly declared that she was that exceptional candidate, assuring them they wouldn't need to search further. Subsequently, a recruit named Wang Ba brazenly snatched He Yan's flatbread, taunting her to take it back.
Refusing to be intimidated, He Yan challenged Wang Ba to an archery contest in ten days at the training field, vowing victory and stating that if she won, Wang Ba would have to call her "boss." Shortly after, another recruit, Jiang Jiao, challenged He Yan to a spear duel on the same day. Many recruits found He Yan's challenges audacious, but Xiao Jue, intrigued, permitted the contests to proceed, eager to assess He Yan's qualifications for the Jiuqi Camp.
From that day forward, He Yan dedicated herself to rigorous training, continuing her practice long after others had retired for the night and resuming before dawn. Xiao Jue keenly observed her relentless efforts. One night, he confronted He Yan, directly accusing her of being the clandestine individual from the hot spring. He Yan, feigning distress and panic, concocted a story about being startled and fleeing recklessly that night.
Despite her elaborate excuses, Xiao Jue maintained his suspicion, perceiving her as evasive and untruthful. He Yan then boldly proposed that Xiao Jue become her trainer, arguing that practicing alone was inefficient. Amused by her cheekiness, Xiao Jue agreed to teach her, but only if she could withstand ten of his strikes without leaving a designated circle. He Yan readily accepted the challenge.
During their sparring session, she appeared to be at Xiao Jue's mercy, yet she deftly maintained her position within the circle, never crossing its boundary. After the tenth strike, He Yan remained within the circle, prompting Xiao Jue to honor his promise. He agreed to train her every night at Xu hour, warning her that if she failed to win her challenges, she would be expelled from Yezhou Garrison.
He Yan, however, saw this as an opportunity to leverage Xiao Jue's power for her own advancement. Despite having quickly mastered the spear techniques he taught, He Yan noticed Xiao Jue’s lack of interest in her progress. Driven to showcase her achievements, she sought him out in his tent. There, her eyes fell upon a familiar weapon: the Qinglang Sword.
She recalled a time when Marshal Xiao Zhongwu, Xiao Jue’s father, commissioned two swords: Yinqiu, which he bestowed upon Xiao Jue (whose given name was Huaijin) when he came of age, and Qinglang, which he presented to He Yan. In Xiao Jue’s presence, He Yan had initially felt unworthy of such a precious gift, while the young Xiao Jue expressed his disdain, deeming her undeserving of it.
As He Yan reached for the Qinglang Sword and began to draw it from its scabbard, Xiao Jue appeared behind her, pressing a cold blade against her neck. He Yan quickly fabricated an excuse, claiming she was merely captivated by the sword’s sharpness and couldn’t resist touching it, and Xiao Jue, seemingly satisfied, did not press the matter further. On the day of the competition, most recruits placed their bets on Wang Ba and Jiang Jiao.
However, Mr. Cheng confidently wagered ten flatbreads on He Yan, though he learned that someone else had placed a bet on He Yan even earlier. To everyone's astonishment, He Yan emerged victorious against both opponents. During her spear duel with Jiang Jiao, Xiao Jue surreptitiously threw a stone at her, testing her reflexes. He Yan instinctively dodged, but then deliberately allowed herself to be hit, discerning Xiao Jue's true intention.
True to their word, both Jiang Jiao and Wang Ba acknowledged He Yan as their "boss." Celebrating her triumph, Mr. Cheng, having won his wager, generously treated everyone to the flatbreads he had secured. Despite He Yan’s impressive performance, Xiao Jue’s suspicions deepened.
He recognized her not only as resilient and clever but also as a formidable and challenging opponent, resolving not to underestimate her as the truth about her identity was sure to reveal itself in the upcoming competition phase.
Episode 4 Recap
In the aftermath of He Yan's victory in the new recruit competition, Cheng Lisu informed her that not only he but also an anonymous individual had bet on her to win, speculating it was either Huang Xiong or Mai. He Yan, however, was preoccupied with her ambition to join the Jiuqi Camp.
Cheng Lisu expressed confusion and concern, pointing out that the Jiuqi Camp was known for its perilous missions alongside Xiao Jue, and he couldn't understand why she would seek such a dangerous assignment. Later, He Yan approached Xiao Jue's tent with a cup of tea to express her gratitude for his guidance. When Xiao Jue declined the tea, He Yan opened a cage, offering "night snacks" instead.
The cage was filled with dry flatbreads, and He Yan immediately realized that the anonymous person Cheng Lisu had mentioned—the one who bet on her—was none other than Xiao Jue, indicating his confidence in her. She then playfully asked if she qualified to join the Jiuqi Camp. Xiao Jue responded that merely winning against two recruits was insufficient for entry into the Jiuqi Camp, but he promised to evaluate her properly.
Instructor Shen Han then announced that the new recruits, having trained for over a month, would participate in a Flag Contest before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Fifteen flags would be placed across Mount Baiyue, and teams would be formed. The team that collected the most flags within the allotted time would win double military merits and double their monthly pay. However, Shen Han stated that before the contest, teams were required to patrol the mountains.
He then assigned Zheng Xuan, Jiang Jiao, Wang Ba, He Yan, and Mai to one team, with He Yan as their captain, ordering them to begin mountain patrols the next day. During the patrol, Wang Ba and Zheng Xuan complained about the bland flatbreads. Disregarding He Yan's instructions and the instructor's ban on crossing the mountain ridge, they ventured off to find exotic fruits or wild game. They soon encountered a pack of wolves.
Zheng Xuan, panicking, ran back for help, while Wang Ba was injured. He Yan, acting swiftly, told Mai and Jiang Jiao to return to camp for assistance while she went to rescue Wang Ba. She reached Wang Ba, put him on a horse, and instructed him to ride back to camp, staying behind to confront the wolves alone. During the struggle, she fell into a hidden pit. He Yan's left arm was bitten by a wolf.
She quickly removed the binding from her chest to tie around the wound. Meanwhile, Zheng Xuan, back at camp, released all the horses and falsely accused He Yan of desertion, claiming He Yan had urged others to flee with him over the mountain. However, Wang Ba, Mai, and Jiang Jiao soon returned, exposing Zheng Xuan's lies. Seeing no one immediately volunteering to rescue He Yan, Wang Ba, despite his injury, prepared to go, only to be stopped by Xiao Jue.
Recognizing the mountain's complex and treacherous terrain, Xiao Jue decided to personally undertake the rescue. It was the Qixi Festival, and He Yan was huddled in the pit, using the body of a dead wolf for warmth, awaiting an unknown rescue. Suddenly, Xiao Jue's voice echoed from above. With his characteristic stern demeanor but underlying concern, he knew He Yan could not climb out herself, so he lowered a vine to pull her up.
Despite his usual fastidiousness, Xiao Jue allowed the blood-stained He Yan to ride his horse. Under the crescent moon, this Qixi Festival became unforgettable for He Yan. Exhausted from fighting the wolf, she fell asleep on Xiao Jue's back. Xiao Jue immediately detected she was a woman, a shocking revelation. True to his strict military discipline, Xiao Jue ordered Zheng Xuan's execution for betraying his comrades. Cheng Lisu informed He Yan, expecting her to find the punishment cruel.
To his surprise, He Yan expressed understanding of Xiao Jue's reasoning, explaining that military rules are inviolable and that such harsh measures are necessary to deter disloyalty and instill discipline, especially given the Yezhou Garrison's current state. Xiao Jue, who overheard her insightful remarks, showed little reaction, simply tossing a precious healing ointment to He Yan for her wound and instructing Cheng Lisu not to force He Yan to undress.
Cheng Lisu then mentioned that Xiao Jue had only given this particular healing ointment to two people: He Rufei and He Yan. Separately, He Rufei sought an audience with Chancellor Xu Jingfu, who declined the meeting and instead had Chu Zhao entertain him. He Rufei, unable to meet Xu Jingfu, soon departed, leaving behind a rare hydraulics manuscript. Afterward, Xu Jingfu asked Chu Zhao for his assessment of He Rufei.
Chu Zhao candidly stated that He Rufei did not live up to his reputation but noted his personal guard was exceptionally skilled. Chu Zhao proposed that if He Rufei and his guard could be brought into the Yezhou Garrison, it would serve a dual purpose: countering Xiao Jue and addressing issues with Magistrate Sun Xiangfu, who, though a disciple of Xu Jingfu, had grown too ambitious. Xu Jingfu agreed to Chu Zhao's plan.
It was revealed that Chu Linfeng, though publicly acknowledged as Chu Zhao's father, was in fact his uncle. Chu Zhao's birth mother was the eldest daughter of the Chu family, who bore him out of wedlock. To prevent scandal, Chu Linfeng claimed Chu Zhao as his son. Because of this, Chu Linfeng's wife frequently mocked and ridiculed Chu Zhao. Meanwhile, investigations into He Yan's identity continued for a long time, yielding no discrepancies in her military records.
Xiao Jue concluded that the individual assisting He Yan in concealing her true identity must be someone extraordinary. He described it as an "unexpected lead" and ordered continued investigation into her background.
Episode 5 Recap
Yezhou Magistrate Sun Xiangfu stalled the delivery of military provisions, citing a poor harvest, outstanding payments to farmers, and critically low grain reserves. Xiao Jue's subordinates confirmed their investigation into He Yan's past yielded no suspicious details, matching her military records perfectly and suggesting that those covering for her were exceptionally capable.
Xiao Jue deduced that Xu Jingfu, after engineering his transfer to Yezhou to remove him from the capital, was now trying to destabilize the new recruits by tampering with provisions and spreading rumors of embezzlement. Xiao Jue determined that the remaining provisions would last for some time, and after the Flag Contest concluded, he would personally confront Sun Xiangfu to uncover the nature of Xu Jingfu's pawn in Yezhou. By the river, many people released lanterns.
He Yan released a lantern for her past self, reflecting that having been reborn with a new identity, her life was now hers to control, leaving her old self behind. Cheng Lisu arrived with a massive lantern, explaining it was for both his ancestors and Xiao Jue's, so it had to be large to accommodate both families and prevent loneliness.
He shared a poignant story: after Xiao Jue's grand-uncle died, his grief-stricken grand-aunt took her own life, leaving Xiao Jue even more solitary. Cheng Lisu also revealed that family and friends preferred Xiao Jue's scholarly elder brother, Xiao Jing. Unlike his brother, Xiao Jue volunteered for the army to fulfill the family's military tradition, which led him to become aloof and distant, to the point that even his own mother struggled to connect with him.
He Yan noticed Xiao Jue also present, seemingly in mourning. She approached him, and they had a philosophical exchange about the living fulfilling the wishes of the deceased. When she offered to teach him how to fold a lantern as repayment for saving her, Xiao Jue refused. He Yan playfully provoked him, calling him picky and squeamish for not making one himself, which surprisingly led him to sit down and fold one.
Their hands accidentally brushed, and Xiao Jue quickly withdrew his, while He Yan remained unbothered, again remarking on his squeamishness. Aware of her female identity, Xiao Jue found her lack of concern for propriety between genders unusual. Later, as He Yan prepared to light her finished lantern, Xiao Jue subtly extended his hand to shield the flame from the wind.
On the day of the Flag Contest, Commander Xiao Jue announced that the most outstanding new recruit would be selected to join the Nine Banners Battalion, sparking Lei Hou's determination. He Yan, having meticulously mapped Mount Baiyue during a previous patrol, chose a strategic approach. Understanding the instructors' tactics, she recognized that obvious flag locations were traps. Instead, she guided her team toward a flag hidden in dense woods behind a steep cliff—a challenging but likely uncontested path.
Her foresight proved correct, and her team secured the first red flag without a fight. Back at the camp, Xiao Jue and Shen Han discussed the contest. Xiao Jue expressed confidence in He Yan's strategic prowess, while Shen Han favored Lei Hou's team for their individual martial arts skills. Soon, news arrived that He Yan's team was ambushing other teams, outsmarting them with tactics and seizing their flags.
As the contest neared its climax, both Lei Hou's and He Yan's teams had secured seven flags. With the final flag in a treacherous valley set to determine the winner, He Yan proposed a duel instead of a chaotic scramble: the victor would claim all of the loser's flags. Despite her teammates' concerns, He Yan reassured them. During the duel, Lei Hou's teammates attempted a sneak attack from behind, but He Yan's vigilant teammates swiftly defended her.
He Yan ultimately prevailed, and Lei Hou, acknowledging her superior combat skills, honorably conceded defeat, allowing He Yan's team to claim all fifteen flags. He Yan's team returned to the camp victorious, but Commander Xiao Jue decided to postpone the commendations until the Mid-Autumn Festival five days later. Confident she would be chosen for the Nine Banners Battalion, He Yan crafted a small flower pot bearing the words "Great Master and Talented Disciple" as a gift for Xiao Jue.
When she tried to present it, Xiao Jue subtly avoided a direct conversation, offering her pastries before excusing himself for a meeting. Meanwhile, the scholar Chu Zhao approached General He Rufei, requesting that the skilled guard Ding Yi accompany him to Yezhou to mediate the tense situation between Xiao Jue and Magistrate Sun Xiangfu, hoping to impress the Chancellor.
He Rufei agreed but secretly instructed Ding Yi to use the opportunity to obtain certain items from Sun Xiangfu and stir up trouble, ensuring any fallout would be blamed on Sun Xiangfu or Chu Zhao. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, He Yan was disappointed by Xiao Jue's absence, still expecting him to announce the Nine Banners Battalion selection. Shen Han arrived with a large jar of wine as a special reward for He Yan's team.
After congratulating them on their first-place victory, he stunned them by announcing he was on his way to congratulate Lei Hou. He Yan and her teammates were shocked to learn that Lei Hou, not He Yan, was the chosen candidate. Shen Han explained that the Commander's decision was based on a comprehensive evaluation, not solely on the Flag Contest results, and encouraged He Yan, assuring her that she was a talented individual with many more opportunities ahead.
Episode 6 Recap
He Yan found herself dismayed after learning that despite her first-place victory in the flag competition, Xiao Jue had selected Lei Hou to join the Jiuqi Camp, leaving many of her peers to lament the perceived injustice. While drinking with them, she passionately expressed her determination to join the elite unit, not for a glorious homecoming, as she had no family, but solely to prove her worth and one day become a general by earning merits in combat.
Later, heavily intoxicated, He Yan stumbled into Xiao Jue's tent, loudly calling him by his given name. She relentlessly questioned his decision, insisting she was "the top one of Yezhou Garrison, an outstanding candidate," and accusing him of having "terrible judgment." She even correctly deduced his true reasoning: he suspected a spy and had repeatedly tested her, confirming her innocence, then subtly implied that Lei Hou was the actual spy.
Xiao Jue repeatedly urged her to sober up, but she adamantly refused to leave, proclaiming that she, He Yan, would one day become a celebrated general. He Yan continued to press Xiao Jue, elaborating on her spy theory. Oblivious to Lei Hou eavesdropping outside, concerned she might reveal sensitive information, He Yan stubbornly refused to put down Xiao Jue's treasured Qinglang Sword, instead insisting on performing a sword dance for him.
In the process, she accidentally split his beloved zither in two. Despite the damage, He Yan impulsively asked Xiao Jue if he liked her. Just then, Feinu arrived to deliver dinner for Xiao Jue, encountering Lei Hou, who claimed he was there to thank the Commander for his selection into Jiuqi Camp. He Yan, still clinging to Xiao Jue, continued to express her disappointment and called his judgment "outrageous."
She passionately questioned where she was lacking, listing her looks, martial skills, and height, only for Xiao Jue to pointedly retort, "Do you have height?" She then stubbornly demanded that he add an extra slot for her in Jiuqi Camp, threatening an unfinished consequence, to which Xiao Jue challenged her to complete her sentence.
The next morning, Cheng Lisu woke He Yan, teasing her about her "comfortable sleep" in Xiao Jue's tent and revealing that Xiao Jue had to "squeeze into my place" last night to make room for her. He Yan was mortified, fearing she would be expelled from the Yezhou Garrison.
Cheng Lisu tried to reassure her, pointing out that Xiao Jue hadn't punished her despite her actions of using his treasured sword to smash his beloved zither and even giving her his bed. He speculated that Xiao Jue's unusual leniency was because he recognized He Yan's "unique physique," marking her as a "rare prodigy." This comment sent a jolt of panic through He Yan, who internally wondered if Xiao Jue had discovered her true female identity.
Cheng Lisu then amusingly reminded her that her "misbehavior demands a proper apology." He Yan's mind raced, grappling with her regrettable actions and Cheng Lisu's surprising interpretation of Xiao Jue's reaction. While He Yan was still muttering to herself, desperately trying to find a way to apologize to Xiao Jue and still secure a spot in Jiuqi Camp, a man named Ding Yi arrived. He introduced himself as an envoy from Yezhou Magistrate Sun Xiangfu.
Xiao Jue immediately noticed Ding Yi's unusually light footsteps and steady breathing, deducing him to be "a skilled fighter," and instructed Feinu to summon Cheng Lisu. Upon seeing Ding Yi, He Yan experienced a chilling moment of recognition; she identified him as her assailant from Yuhua Temple, recalling his distinctive severed finger and voice.
She immediately realized he was a He family henchman who had seemingly infiltrated the Yezhou Magistrate's circle, making her question their true intentions concerning the garrison's military funds and provisions. Sun Xiangfu's invitation requested Xiao Jue's presence to discuss the garrison's military funds and provisions shortages. It also extended an invitation to Cheng Lisu, citing a desire to reminisce. Cheng Lisu immediately panicked, recalling that Sun Xiangfu's wife had arranged his engagement.
He was convinced this was a trap to detain him and send him back to the capital for an unwanted marriage to Miss Song, whom he claimed would turn him into a "lab rat" and torture him to death. He dramatically pleaded with his uncle, Xiao Jue, to save him, to which Xiao Jue teasingly offered him his sharp sword, Yinqiu, implying he could "end it all now."
Later, Cheng Lisu poured out his worries to He Yan, convinced he was walking into a "dangerous place." Meanwhile, Feinu reported to Xiao Jue about Chu Zhao, the Inspector of the Ministry of War and a prized disciple of Xu Jingfu, who had recently returned from Que City. Feinu speculated that Chu Zhao might be connected to the rumors that had damaged Xiao Jue's reputation after the Que City battle.
Xiao Jue, recalling his past dealings with Chu Zhao, concluded that the rumors likely stemmed from him and advised Feinu to "stay vigilant against him." Recognizing the dangers of the mission and Cheng Lisu's lack of martial skill, Xiao Jue decided that He Yan would impersonate Cheng Lisu and accompany him to Yezhou City.
Xiao Jue admitted he didn't trust leaving He Yan behind at the garrison, and since she was so "eager to go," this "ambush banquet" would serve as an opportune test of her skills. He Yan clarified her motivation for volunteering was not just for atonement but also "for my own sake," hoping the trip would "change [his] opinion of me" and secure her a spot in Jiuqi Camp.
The following morning, He Yan appeared dressed in luxurious attire, flawlessly reciting Cheng Lisu's persona details. Confident in her disguise, He Yan eagerly asked Xiao Jue if she looked "charming and dashing," only for him to pointedly remark that she was "even shorter than Cheng Lisu." Meanwhile, a young master of the He family was informed that Ding Yi had delivered the invitation.
Having investigated Sun Xiangfu's lecherous son, Sun Ling, the young master plotted to use the son's misdeeds to implicate the father, announcing his intention to proceed to the Sun residence as "the stage is set, and the actors will soon arrive." He Yan, Xiao Jue, and Feinu arrived in Yezhou City and settled into an inn, rather than the Sun residence. In her disguise as Cheng Lisu, He Yan questioned the choice of lodging.
Xiao Jue initially planned to book two rooms, intending for He Yan to share one with him, but she objected. Maintaining her persona, she then playfully guilted her "uncle" into booking three rooms instead. Before they retired, Xiao Jue sternly warned He Yan not to leave her room that night. At the inn, He Yan, still in character, ordered an extravagant feast.
Xiao Jue allowed it but subtly reminded her of his teaching, "Save and thrive, waste and perish," making He Yan regret her excessive order. After eating, a "stuffed" He Yan loudly feigned drowsiness, ensuring Xiao Jue and Feinu in the adjacent room would think she was going to sleep. Once she believed they were convinced, she secretly slipped out.
However, Xiao Jue was one step ahead, having instructed Feinu to investigate the Sun family's tax records while he would "keep watch personally." He stood on an upper floor, watching as He Yan, believing her escape was a success, walked into the city streets.
Episode 7 Recap
He Yan discreetly followed Ding Yi, while Xiao Jue observed her from a distance. Aware of Xiao Jue's presence, He Yan saw Ding Yi enter Wanhua Pavilion. Knowing Xiao Jue's dignified nature, she believed he would not enter such a pleasure house, providing a perfect opportunity to elude him. Inside Wanhua Pavilion, He Yan encountered Chu Zhao and his servant Yingxiang, who recognized her as the "fortune teller" from Que City.
He Yan approached Chu Zhao and, referencing their previous encounter, noted that he had recently suffered a minor injury. Warning him that such a wound could prove fatal on a battlefield if left untreated, she offered him two bottles of medicine. After she left, Yingxiang questioned if the young man truly had divination skills, but Chu Zhao simply replied that he had likely "sniffed out" the scent of blood.
He Yan then observed Ding Yi entering a room with several dancers. After learning from a courtesan that the room was for dancers who performed at noble banquets, He Yan disguised herself in a dancer's attire and veiled her face to follow Ding Yi. However, her plan was thwarted when the madam, facing a last-minute cancellation from the main dancer, pushed He Yan onto the stage to perform.
Forced to abandon her pursuit for the moment, He Yan borrowed a sword from a guest and performed a captivating sword dance, earning cheers from the military men below. Watching from the audience, Chu Zhao realized the "fortune teller" was a woman in disguise. He Yan, meanwhile, noted that Ding Yi was dressed as a servant of Sun Xiangfu, the Yezhou Magistrate, and resolved to continue her investigation at the Sun Mansion.
Midway through her performance, He Yan was startled by the unexpected arrival of Xiao Jue, causing her to falter. Chu Zhao quickly began playing his flute, providing a melody that allowed He Yan to regain her rhythm and complete the dance flawlessly. Afterwards, Xiao Jue approached and presented her with a flower, musing to himself that it was a "flower for a beauty."
He was fully aware of her identity and found her audacity remarkable, though He Yan remained convinced he had not seen through her disguise. After changing back into her male attire, He Yan witnessed a commotion as a courtesan was being forcibly dragged away, with the madam announcing that "Young Master Sun's" men were coming for her. Nearby, Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao conversed.
Chu Zhao revealed he was the Inspector sent by the court to investigate the Yezhou Garrison's supply shortages. Xiao Jue, explaining he had arrived ahead of schedule with his nephew, asked Chu Zhao to keep his early arrival a secret. As they spoke, Xiao Jue noticed Chu Zhao's focused gaze on He Yan as she intervened in the commotion downstairs, making him wonder if the two knew each other.
He Yan rescued the struggling woman, who introduced herself as Song Taotao. She explained that she had run from an arranged marriage and was only passing through Yezhou when she was abducted by a man her captors called "Young Master Sun." She had stabbed him with a hairpin to escape an assault. When Song Taotao asked why He Yan dared to help when no one else would, He Yan confessed, "Because you are a woman, and so am I."
He Yan speculated that "Young Master Sun" was the magistrate's son, Sun Ling, which would complicate matters, and offered Song Taotao some medicinal herbs, noting their poisonous properties could be useful. The name "Song Taotao" was familiar to He Yan, who recalled that her father had arranged her marriage to the daughter of the Chief Imperial Physician, who was none other than Song Taotao. He Yan reflected on the strange twist of fate that brought them together.
Guessing that Sun Ling's men would search the inns for someone with a non-local accent, He Yan disguised Song Taotao as a man. However, Sun Ling and his men soon burst in and identified Song Taotao. He Yan boldly introduced herself as Cheng Lisu, stunning Song Taotao. Sun Ling scoffed at her claim that her uncle was the renowned General Xiao Jue and challenged her to produce him. At that moment, Xiao Jue and Feinu arrived.
Xiao Jue swiftly subdued Sun Ling just as Magistrate Sun Xiangfu appeared. Recognizing Xiao Jue, the magistrate fell to his knees, forcing his son to do the same, and begged for forgiveness. Xiao Jue instructed He Yan to take responsibility for Song Taotao, since she had rescued her. It was then that Song Taotao revealed she was, in fact, Cheng Lisu's nominal fiancée.
She had traveled to Yezhou to find him and annul their engagement, as they had both fled the arrangement. Aware that the real Cheng Lisu was physically frail, Song Taotao knew He Yan was an imposter. Meanwhile, Magistrate Sun privately warned his son of Xiao Jue's power, recounting how Xiao Jue had once executed a censor's son with impunity, but assured him he had a trap ready for the general.
Later, He Yan and Song Taotao discussed the rampant disappearances of young women in Yezhou, a crime widely attributed to Sun Ling but impossible to report since his father was the magistrate. He Yan reassured Song Taotao she would protect her. Later, He Yan offered Xiao Jue osmanthus candies, but he refused them, stating he disliked sweets and reminding her of a past prank where she put loaches in his shoes.
Just then, Feinu announced the Inspector's official arrival, and Xiao Jue informed He Yan they would be attending a banquet at the Sun Mansion that day. At the mansion, Magistrate Sun Xiangfu formally introduced Xiao Jue to the Inspector. He Yan was stunned to see that it was Chu Zhao.
Episode 8 Recap
Chu Zhao, the Inspector from the Ministry of War, arrived at the Sun Mansion to address issues concerning the Yezhou Garrison. Sun Xiangfu hosted a banquet for him, attempting to subtly inquire about Chancellor Xu Jingfu. However, Chu Zhao remained guarded, deflecting the questions by stating the Chancellor was troubled by significant state affairs, not by Commander Xiao Jue. Sun Xiangfu quickly agreed, eager to appear aligned with the Chancellor's interests.
Soon after, Commander Xiao Jue arrived with He Yan, who was disguised as Mr. Cheng Lisu. He Yan recognized Chu Zhao from a previous encounter, recalling how she had once swindled him but also given him medicine, considering them even. She noted that Chu Zhao did not expose her true identity, allowing her to continue her disguise.
Sun Xiangfu then compelled his son, Sun Ling, to apologize to Xiao Jue and He Yan for his previous insolence, which He Yan mockingly acknowledged. During the banquet, Xiao Jue addressed the matter of military funding. Sun Xiangfu lamented that the Yezhou treasury had been depleted for years, making it impossible to provide the Yezhou Garrison with the necessary resources. Xiao Jue, however, pointed out the lavishness of the banquet despite Sun Xiangfu's claims of hardship.
He suggested that Chu Zhao, as the inspector, examine the tax ledger to determine if taxes had truly gone uncollected or if there was foul play. Chu Zhao readily agreed to assist, emphasizing the importance of securing the welfare of the garrison soldiers. To liven up the banquet, Sun Xiangfu introduced dancers and musicians and presented a cherished aged vintage. While the guests were distracted, Ding Yi, a subordinate sent by General Feihong, poured wine for Xiao Jue.
He Yan sensed something was wrong and deliberately knocked over Xiao Jue's wine cup, revealing the presence of poison. The performers were revealed to be assassins and immediately attacked Xiao Jue. Sun Xiangfu and Sun Ling, feigning terror, hid under the table and weakly called for guards. Without revealing her martial arts skills, He Yan secretly assisted Xiao Jue.
When she saw Ding Yi make a subtle signal, she anticipated a follow-up attack and pulled Xiao Jue closer, shielding him from a cloud of powder. The powder flew into He Yan's eyes, blinding her. The remaining assassins then committed suicide by taking poison. After the incident, Sun Xiangfu and his son knelt, vehemently denying any knowledge of the assassins or the poisoned wine, claiming the attackers were external hires.
Xiao Jue declared he would not leave until the truth was uncovered, and Chu Zhao affirmed his commitment to a thorough investigation. Although He Yan tried to appear unfazed by her blindness, Xiao Jue perceived her underlying fear. Later, Chu Zhao privately confronted Sun Xiangfu and Ding Yi. They admitted to orchestrating the plot but insisted it was to benefit Chancellor Xu Jingfu by undermining Xiao Jue, whom they saw as a threat.
Chu Zhao sternly warned them against implicating the Chancellor. Ding Yi assured Chu Zhao that Xiao Jue would not leave Yezhou alive. Separately, Sun Xiangfu found Cheng Lisu's act of spilling the wine suspiciously timely, while Ding Yi felt Cheng Lisu seemed familiar. Feeling responsible for He Yan's injury, Xiao Jue took great care of her, even personally feeding her porridge the next morning.
When Yezhou's most renowned oculist was brought in, He Yan subtly tested him by claiming she had taken a combination of cassia seeds and white peony root. When the physician approved, she exposed his incompetence by pointing out that the two herbs should not be taken together. In truth, the powder had only blinded her temporarily, and a special medicine from her master had already restored her sight. She decided to feign blindness to lower everyone's guard.
However, Xiao Jue already suspected she could see and resolved to observe how long she would maintain her act. Meanwhile, Chu Zhao instructed his attendant, Yingxiang, to locate the hidden account books detailing the dealings between Sun Xiangfu and Chancellor Xu Jingfu. Knowing Xiao Jue's plans, He Yan clung to his arm while feigning blindness. When Xiao Jue deliberately failed to warn her about an upcoming step, she artfully stumbled and grabbed his waist for support.
Xiao Jue rebuffed her, telling her that was enough. Feinu, Xiao Jue's subordinate, reported discovering a hidden chamber in the mansion, suspecting it contained the tax ledger. Capitalizing on He Yan's feigned blindness, Xiao Jue devised a plan for her to distract Sun Ling, allowing him to search Sun Ling's bedchamber. He Yan created a commotion by loudly pretending to be lost, which drew Sun Ling back to his room.
Sun Ling found his room in disarray, realizing someone had been inside, and headed toward a hidden compartment. However, the compartment had a complex locking mechanism that could destroy its contents if opened incorrectly, so Xiao Jue had not acted. As Sun Ling attempted to assault the "blind" He Yan, Chu Zhao intervened, rebuking Sun Ling for his behavior. Chu Zhao then personally escorted He Yan back to her room. Shortly after, Ding Yi arrived to summon Chu Zhao to a meeting with Sun Xiangfu, casting a suspicious glance at He Yan as he left.
Episode 9 Recap
Yingxiang reported to Chu Zhao that she had seen Xiao Jue also stealthily entering Sun Ling's secret room, where the account records were believed to be hidden. Chu Zhao deduced that Xiao Jue was likely pursuing the Yezhou Garrison's tax ledgers, as he would have no way of knowing about the financial dealings between Sun Xiangfu and Chu Zhao's master. Concerned about losing the initiative, Chu Zhao instructed Yingxiang to closely monitor Xiao Jue’s every move.
Meanwhile, Sun Xiangfu met with Xiao Jue, offering him high-quality tea while feigning deep distress over Yezhou's hardships, claiming calamities and the halt of border trade with Wutuo made it impossible to provide military funds. He dramatically offered to sell himself for the cause, but Xiao Jue, knowing the Yezhou Garrison had long been unpaid, found his performance utterly unconvincing. Sun Xiangfu then excused himself to attend to Chu Zhao, who had just arrived.
He Yan felt a sharp pain from a scented ball on her clothes, realizing it was poisoned and that Ding Yi was watching her from the shadows. Understanding the poison was meant for both her and Xiao Jue, she deliberately bumped into Xiao Jue, whispering a warning about the toxic item. To neutralize the threat, she pulled him into a nearby pond. The plan foiled, Sun Xiangfu was furious, while Ding Yi grew suspicious.
Noting the fall seemed too coincidental, he concluded He Yan must be faking her blindness, finding her unnaturally slippery. After being pulled from the water, He Yan maintained her act of blindness while bathing. Playing the part of Xiao Jue's "nephew," she asked him to fetch her belt and jokingly requested an allowance, complimenting his good character.
Later that night, dressed in stealth attire, she eavesdropped on Ding Yi and Sun Xiangfu, learning that General Feihong's order was to assassinate Xiao Jue, and Ding Yi believed killing "Cheng Lisu" first would be like cutting off Xiao Jue's arm. Discovered, He Yan fled and encountered Xiao Jue, also in a stealth outfit. After a brief clash, they recognized each other and separated to evade the pursuing guards.
Xiao Jue returned to his room to bathe, but He Yan soon burst in seeking refuge. He immediately exposed her feigned blindness. Before she could explain, Ding Yi arrived at the door searching for "Cheng Lisu." In desperation, He Yan submerged herself in Xiao Jue’s bathtub. Xiao Jue calmly sent Ding Yi away with a story that his "nephew" had gone out for pastries.
Once clear, he again questioned He Yan, who claimed her vision had simply recovered quickly and reminded him not to be ungrateful for her earlier sacrifice. Unbeknownst to her, Xiao Jue had also overheard Ding Yi's conversation and was already piecing together that he was an assassin sent by He Rufei, leaving him to puzzle over the motive. Determined to protect Xiao Jue and seek her own revenge, He Yan decided to eliminate Ding Yi.
She confronted him directly, tearing off her veil. Their fight revealed He Yan's superior skill, and she lured him to a secluded, eerie Buddhist shrine used by the Sun family to suppress spirits. Declaring herself a "vengeful ghost" who had crawled out of the Netherworld, she fought and brutally blinded Ding Yi before slitting his throat. Xiao Jue, having followed them, witnessed the entire scene and overheard her chilling claim: "I'm the ghost of one you murdered.
I clawed my way out of the Netherworld to claim your life," which deepened his suspicion about her true identity. When Xiao Jue addressed her as "Miss He," He Yan feigned confusion, asking why he wouldn't recognize her just because she had posed as Cheng Lisu for a few days, then cheekily insisted her name was He Yan. Questioned about her "ghost" comment, she dismissed it as a scare tactic.
Xiao Jue then confronted her directly, revealing he knew she was a woman. He offered her a chance to join the Jiuqi Camp if she explained her true intentions. He Yan presented a meticulously crafted story: a seer had foretold that as a boy, she would be a military prodigy, but as a girl, she would be fated to die young. Thus, she was raised and registered as a male.
Inspired by generals like Xiao Jue, she joined the Fuyue Army but was forced to retire after her squad leader discovered her gender. Although Xiao Jue acknowledged her story was flawless, he remained skeptical and questioned why she would risk enlisting again. He Yan passionately declared her desire to be a general and protect her country, expressing her faith that the Xiao Army would value talent above all else. Still unconvinced, Xiao Jue threatened to expel her.
In response, He Yan playfully blackmailed him, threatening to ruin his pristine reputation with rumors of a sweetheart who knew of a private detail—a red mole an inch above his waist. Flustered, Xiao Jue was silenced. He Yan then asked him to apply medicine to a wound on her back, and when he teased her about her toughness, she retorted that a soldier fights to the death on the battlefield but must properly recuperate in peacetime.
Shortly after, Feinu, tasked with disposing of Ding Yi's body, reported a disturbing discovery in the Buddhist shrine: multiple female corpses. Xiao Jue investigated personally, confirming that the Sun family had been kidnapping, torturing, and burying women there, solving the mystery of many of Yezhou's missing person cases.
Episode 10 Recap
Chu Zhao, a man who stops at nothing to achieve his goals, considers compassion irrelevant. He discusses the demise of Ding Yi, a right-hand man of He Rufei, clarifying that his objective is to obtain ledgers for the Chancellor. He acknowledges the brutality of Sun Xiangfu and his son, Sun Ling, who abducted, assaulted, and murdered women.
However, Chu Zhao states that bringing justice to these victims is Xiao Jue's responsibility, while he prefers to exploit the chaos for his own gain. He Yan, however, passionately demands justice for the wronged women. She highlights numerous missing person posters and connects them to the bodies found buried in a forbidden shrine, which, according to the deceased Ding Yi, was meant to suppress the vengeful spirits of the victims.
He Yan argues that these women, often disregarded by society, deserve attention. Xiao Jue dismisses her concerns, prioritizing military provisions and funds, and coldly tells her not to question his methods. The next morning, He Yan discovers medicine left by Xiao Jue and resolves to seek justice on her own. Meanwhile, Feinu informs Xiao Jue that he encountered He Yan while gathering information on the missing women.
They also discuss He Rufei's persistent attempts to curry favor with Xu Jingfu in the capital. Xiao Jue suspects that He Rufei's delayed arrival during the Mingshui Battle indicates an earlier collusion with Xu Jingfu, and that the recent assassination attempt on him was He Rufei's way of pledging allegiance. Chu Zhao instructs Yingxiang to closely monitor Sun Xiangfu, predicting that Ding Yi's disappearance has made him anxious about the ledgers.
At a lavish banquet hosted by Sun Xiangfu, He Yan, still disguised as Cheng Lisu, reveals she had recovered from her eye injury the night it occurred, admitting she only feigned blindness. Xiao Jue plays along, apologizing for his "wayward" nephew's antics. He then questions the extravagance of Sun Xiangfu's feasts, given Yezhou's poor harvest, and demands Sun Xiangfu produce the tax ledger to identify delinquent merchants, citing the garrison's urgent need for funds.
Chu Zhao subtly supports Xiao Jue's demand, compelling Sun Xiangfu to agree. Afterward, Xiao Jue asks He Yan why she revealed her deception. She explains it was a calculated move to intimidate Sun Xiangfu and his son, preparing the ground for Xiao Jue's plan. Trusting him, she reveals her true identity as He Yan and thanks him for seeking justice for the victims.
Yingxiang confirms to Chu Zhao that she has observed how Sun Xiangfu opens the hidden cabinet where the ledgers are kept. Chu Zhao, aware of guards near Sun Ling's room, assures Yingxiang that Xiao Jue's imminent "show" will create the perfect distraction for her to retrieve the ledgers. Xiao Jue then invites the assembled merchants to a "unique scenic spot" within the Sun Mansion, which turns out to be the forbidden shrine where the victims were buried.
Some of the merchants, recognizing their daughters, break down in grief. Sun Xiangfu and Sun Ling vehemently deny responsibility, accusing Xiao Jue and Cheng Lisu of fabricating evidence. Chu Zhao, maintaining a neutral stance, insists on solid evidence for a conviction. At that moment, Feinu introduces Song Taotao, daughter of the Chief Imperial Physician, who testifies that Sun Ling abducted her upon her arrival in Yezhou, a claim corroborated by the inn staff.
Sun Xiangfu and Sun Ling continue to deny any involvement, dismissing the twelve deity statues found near the bodies as mere coincidence. He Yan then suggests summoning the craftsmen who made the statues to verify their creation dates against the times the women went missing. Cornered, Sun Xiangfu blows a whistle, signaling for his guards. Simultaneously, Yingxiang enters the secret room and retrieves the ledger. However, a masked Feinu appears and confronts her.
Realizing she is outmatched, Yingxiang cunningly creates a distraction, swaps the genuine ledger with a fake one, and escapes with the real one. Instead of Sun Xiangfu's expected guards, Xiao Jue's own men arrive and subdue the incoming forces. Xiao Jue interrogates Sun Xiangfu about the missing military funds. As Sun Xiangfu begins to confess in exchange for his life, he is assassinated by an arrow from an unseen attacker.
Xiao Jue deduces that the assassin is connected to Chu Zhao, as he is the only other person highly interested in Xu Jingfu and the item Sun Xiangfu guarded. His suspicion is bolstered when Feinu reports that a highly skilled operative stole the ledger from the secret room during the chaos.
Later, inspired by He Yan's words, Xiao Jue orders the three unidentified victims to be buried at Chengfeng, a high platform, so they can "roam freely with the wind, at peace with the mountains and rivers." He Yan reflects on societal expectations, emphasizing that women should cultivate their own strength rather than relying on men. Moved by Xiao Jue's actions, the people of Yezhou collectively gather provisions and money for the Yezhou Garrison.
Before departing for the capital, Chu Zhao praises He Yan's exceptional sword dance, comparing her to a celestial. He subtly reveals his knowledge of her true identity as a woman and promises to keep her secret, which He Yan confirms. Xiao Jue and He Yan return to the Yezhou Garrison with Song Taotao. The real Cheng Lisu greets them, stating that with the Suns exposed, his parents can no longer force him to marry the "venomous woman."
Enraged by the epithet, Song Taotao chases him. As Xiao Jue observes the scene, Chu Zhao separately ponders why He Rufei would try to assassinate Xiao Jue, suspecting a deeper, unknown conflict between them.
Episode 11 Recap
He Rufei’s relentless nature remained unchanged as he first attempted to poison and then assassinate Xiao Jue. He Yan deduced that He Rufei’s murderous intent stemmed from the Mingshui Battle. She recalled that as her former self, she had immediately dispatched troops upon receiving the distress call, yet Xiao Jue claimed her rescue was delayed, leading to the tragic demise of his father, General Xiao Zhongwu, and the Xiao Army.
He Yan was certain Xiao Jue would not lie, leading her to suspect a conspiracy—a scheme orchestrated to eliminate General Xiao and his forces. She believed Chancellor Xu, known for his vindictiveness and frequent clashes with General Xiao Zhongwu in court, was likely behind it. He Yan further surmised that He Rufei was targeting Xiao Jue out of fear that his true identity, currently disguised, would be exposed by his former classmate.
Regardless, He Yan resolved that He Rufei must not be allowed to continue his malicious acts under his assumed identity. Meanwhile, Xiao Jue, despite having confirmed that He Yan was not He Rufei’s accomplice, continued to have Shen Han monitor him, citing many remaining suspicious aspects. He stressed that the Xiao Army could not afford another major crisis. When Feinu reported that He Yan had been dragged by his companions to a hot spring, Xiao Jue’s expression hardened.
He Yan, being a woman, vehemently refused to join the bath, citing her unhealed wounds. However, Mai and the others, oblivious to her true gender, insisted, reassuring her the water was shallow and harmless, urging her to join them as “all men.” Just as they began to pull her into the water, Xiao Jue arrived and stopped them, declaring that He Yan was "physically weak" and should not be brought to the hot springs.
The rumor of He Yan’s physical weakness quickly spread throughout the Yezhou Garrison. In a show of concern, Mai and his companions began preparing nourishing meals for He Yan. Song Taotao, upon hearing the rumors, rushed to console He Yan, assuring him that she would never disdain him and considered him a true warrior. Embarrassed by the widespread rumors, He Yan confronted Xiao Jue, demanding he restore her reputation.
She insisted that as the cause of the rumors, he was fully responsible. He Yan requested a single room for peace, leading to a playful exchange where she boldly stated she would be his personal guard. Xiao Jue, after some feigned reluctance, agreed to let her occupy a partitioned section within his own tent and serve as his personal guard, ensuring no one would disturb her.
That very night, He Yan, bag in hand, moved into the private section of Xiao Jue’s tent. Separated by a wall, she spoke at length to Xiao Jue, expressing her conviction that he didn't trust her despite their shared hardships. She declared her knowledge of his enmity with He Rufei and promised to stay by his side, protecting him.
She vowed that one day, he would trust her, and they would fight alongside each other to protect their land and people. Although Xiao Jue remained silent, He Yan was invigorated by her own words. In the capital, Chu Zhao returned and presented a few incomplete ledgers to Chancellor Xu, explaining that Xiao Jue’s swift action in sealing Sun Quanfu’s residence had prevented him from retrieving more. Chancellor Xu did not blame him for the incomplete records.
Shortly after, He Rufei arrived to apologize for the failed assassination attempt on Xiao Jue in Yezhou. He assured Chancellor Xu that Ding Yi, who had assisted in the plot and was like a brother to him, was meticulous and would leave no trace for Xiao Jue to exploit. Chancellor Xu, seemingly unconcerned, declared the matter closed as it had no lasting consequences.
Later, He Rufei’s father expressed his disapproval of his son’s continued association with Chancellor Xu, urging him to withdraw now that their family's wealth and status were secured. However, He Rufei cynically revealed that Chancellor Xu had no intention of letting him or the He family withdraw unscathed, having merely bided his time to use him as a pawn.
Meanwhile, Chu Zhao, who had secretly transcribed crucial sections of the ledgers before handing them over, discovered the shocking extent of Chancellor Xu's embezzlement of military provisions and funds behind the Emperor's back. Later, an urgent message arrived from Litai county, informing Xiao Jue that the Wutuo people were frequently harassing them and requesting military aid. Xiao Jue immediately instructed Shen Han to muster 5,000 men to depart for Litai the next morning.
When Feinu asked if the Jiuqi Camp should accompany them due to the Wutuo’s ferocity and the new recruits’ inexperience, Xiao Jue agreed to take the Jiuqi Camp but explicitly stated that He Yan was not to join them. He did, however, instruct Ma Damei to keep a close watch on He Yan. That evening, Xiao Jue found He Yan in his tent, struggling to apply medicine to a re-opened wound on his back.
Xiao Jue, observing He Yan’s difficulty, took it upon himself to apply the medicine. During this, He Yan brought up her previous night's monologue, questioning why Xiao Jue hadn't responded. Xiao Jue brushed it off, citing his busy military duties. He Yan, however, reiterated her promise to protect him and insisted on accompanying him to Litai. Xiao Jue refused again, telling her to focus on healing, lest he have to protect her instead.
He Yan conceded, promising to hold down the Yezhou Garrison in his absence. Before Xiao Jue left, He Yan gave him osmanthus candies, hoping he would accept them this time. Xiao Jue took them. As she awoke the next morning, Xiao Jue and the Jiuqi Camp had already departed for Litai. Meanwhile, Song Taotao, determined to help He Yan recover from his "physical weakness," was creating a new prescription.
She ventured into the mountains through the snow to gather herbs, and there, she stumbled upon a severely injured ethnic stranger, whom she brought back for treatment. Xiao Jue’s troops faced significant delays on their journey to Litai due to heavy mud, managing only twenty li after half a day, far short of their usual sixty. A soldier from Litai reported that the main road thirty li ahead was collapsed, making the journey even more difficult.
He then offered knowledge of a shortcut. Xiao Jue agreed to take the alternate route, subtly giving Feinu a discrete instruction. Back in the capital, Chu Zhao visited Chancellor Xu's mansion and encountered Xu Pingting admiring plum blossoms in the courtyard. Xu Pingting appeared graceful but demonstrated a harsh demeanor towards a servant, striking her for a minor mistake. When Chu Zhao praised Xu Pingting's free spirit, Chancellor Xu remarked that his daughter had been spoiled.
He then pointedly noted that since Chu Zhao's return from Yezhou, Xiao Jue had enjoyed uninterrupted success there, suggesting that it was time for "some turbulence" in Yezhou Garrison, a sentiment Chu Zhao clearly understood.
Episode 12 Recap
Hu Yuanzhong, a hunter rescued by Song Taotao, awoke to her care and thanked her. He introduced himself as a Liehe tribesman who had left his people years ago and explained that he had ventured out in the harsh weather to visit his deceased wife’s grave. He Yan observed many red rashes on his hands, a distinctive mark of Liehe warriors who frequently use scimitars, but Hu Yuanzhong claimed they were from poisonous weeds.
He Yan also noticed a letter on him, written in Liehe’s language. Hu Yuanzhong stated it was a love poem from his deceased wife. Song Taotao misinterpreted He Yan’s scrutiny as jealousy and interceded, cautioning He Yan against repeatedly bothering Hu Yuanzhong. Hu Yuanzhong dismissed He Yan’s probing as a joke. That night, a man in black infiltrated the Yezhou Garrison. He Yan confronted him, striking his chest with a bamboo pole, but the assailant managed to escape.
The man in black then killed Instructor Ma Damei, framing He Yan for the murder. Shen Han brought He Yan in for questioning. He Yan protested her innocence, claiming she didn’t kill Instructor Ma and that the true killer was a man in black. She accused Hu Yuanzhong of being the perpetrator, citing his Liehe background, the characteristic red rashes on his hands from scimitar use, and his suspicious interest in Song Taotao despite professing grief for his wife.
She urged Shen Han to investigate the letter in Liehe’s language and to check Hu Yuanzhong for a chest injury and for his whereabouts during the night. However, when Hu Yuanzhong was brought in, he claimed he had been in his room all night and had no injuries on his right shoulder.
With seemingly no direct evidence to corroborate He Yan’s story and appearing to be caught red-handed, Shen Han had He Yan imprisoned to await Commander Xiao Jue’s return for a final decision. As she was led away, He Yan warned Shen Han that the Yezhou Garrison faced grave danger if the true culprit was not found, implying an inside accomplice. Alone in her cell, He Yan reflected on her predicament.
She deduced that an accomplice within the Yezhou Garrison was working with the enemy. She realized the gravity of the situation, believing that the news from Litai might be a diversion to lure Xiao Jue and his Nine Banners Battalion away, leaving the Yezhou Garrison vulnerable and controlled by the enemies. Song Taotao visited He Yan in prison, offering to help her escape.
He Yan asked Song Taotao for knockout medicine and her belt, instructing her to deliver a note to Shen Han. She also urged Song Taotao and Cheng Lisu to stay close to Shen Han for their safety. Song Taotao delivered the note to Shen Han, expressing her unwavering belief in He Yan’s innocence. Shen Han, after reading the note, ordered heightened security, increased patrols, and sentries to rotate in pairs throughout the night.
Cheng Lisu also suggested a thorough examination of the corpse to ascertain the number of fatal wounds, which Shen Han agreed to. The next morning, General Rida Muzi of the Liehe tribe launched a full-scale assault on the Yezhou Garrison, announcing his intention to annihilate them unless they surrendered. Simultaneously, the man in black reappeared in He Yan’s prison cell, attempting to assassinate her. He Yan, having anticipated the attack, easily subdued him and unmasked him, revealing Lei Hou.
He Yan revealed that she had recognized his fighting technique from a past flag contest and had suspected his feigned illness was part of a larger scheme to frame her. She then administered the knockout drug to Lei Hou. He Yan escaped from her cell, understanding that the Yezhou Garrison’s new recruits would be no match for the well-trained Liehe forces without Xiao Jue and his veteran troops.
He Yan then confronted Rida Muzi on the battlefield, introducing herself as the top warrior of the Yezhou Garrison. She brazenly provoked him by reminding him of his brother, Rida Muji, who General Feihong had defeated and beheaded years ago. He Yan challenged Rida Muzi to a duel, proposing a high-stakes wager: if she lost, he could do as he wished with her, but if he lost, he would have to call her "Father."
Rida Muzi, amused by her audacity, accepted the challenge. Their duel began fiercely. Although He Yan’s martial prowess surpassed Rida Muzi’s, her stamina was not as great as his. She sustained a wound to her waist from his scimitar, but not without leaving a mark on his face. Tying her wound with a piece of her clothing, she continued to fight with unwavering courage, reminding Rida Muzi of the legendary General Feihong.
Yezhou Garrison soldiers, witnessing He Yan's struggle, grew anxious and wanted to intervene, but Shen Han restrained them. As He Yan was gaining the upper hand over Rida Muzi, Cheng Lisu and Song Taotao were captured by Liehe soldiers. Song Taotao instinctively ran towards He Yan, creating an opening for Rida Muzi. He lunged, slashing at Song Taotao.
He Yan quickly threw a rope, pulling Song Taotao to safety, but took the blow herself, sustaining a severe wound to her right shoulder. At that critical moment, Xiao Jue arrived with his elite team. He had uncovered a decoy message designed by remnants of Wutuo forces from the Que City battle, who had ambushed his main force. Having anticipated the danger to the Yezhou Garrison, he had led a small squad back ahead of the main army.
Xiao Jue and his Nine Banners Battalion quickly engaged the Liehe forces, turning the tide of the battle and capturing the invaders. After the crisis subsided, Xiao Jue ordered Cheng Lisu to check He Yan’s pulse. To Cheng Lisu’s astonishment, he discovered that He Yan was a woman. Flustered, Cheng Lisu deferred to Xiao Jue to treat her wounds, teasing him about his protective behavior towards her, which Xiao Jue quickly dismissed.
Xiao Jue tended to He Yan’s severe injuries, instructing her garment to be removed to expose her back for cleaning and applying medicine. He Yan briefly regained consciousness, asking if she had fought well, before losing consciousness again. Xiao Jue assured her that she didn’t need to pretend to be strong in front of him.
Episode 13 Recap
He Yan woke up after being unconscious, and found Xiao Jue was still by her side. Mr. Shen requested an audience with Xiao Jue, seeking punishment for his hesitation during the recent crisis, which led to the deaths of several new recruits at the hands of Hu Yuanzhong and Lei Hou. He Yan, pretending to be asleep, defended Mr. Shen, asserting that he had fulfilled his duties and the blame lay with Hu Yuanzhong's cunning and Lei Hou's deceit.
Mr. Shen mentioned He Yan had given him a defense layout. Xiao Jue took the map from Mr. Shen and dismissed him. Still feigning sleep, He Yan was prompted by Xiao Jue to explain the defense layout. She claimed she drew it while imprisoned on false charges, concerned for Yezhou Garrison's safety in Xiao Jue's absence, and had Miss Song deliver it. She boasted about her perfect memory and innate talent.
Xiao Jue, however, knew she was lying but didn't press the issue directly. He Yan then boldly requested a reward for helping resolve the Yezhou Garrison's crisis, specifically asking to join the battalion. Xiao Jue agreed, stating that her skills qualified her, not her fabricated stories. He expressed his suspicion about a woman of her unusual competence joining the Yezhou Garrison as a new recruit, believing her secrets would eventually be revealed.
He Yan playfully dismissed his doubts, attributing their connection to fate. Later, Cheng Lisu visited He Yan, calling her "dear Miss He," which He Yan quickly told him to stop. Cheng Lisu, already aware of her circumstances, pressed her for the full story. He Yan concocted a tale of being a city official's daughter who had to flee home and disguise herself as a man to escape a local bully, eventually joining the military out of desperation.
She implored Cheng Lisu to keep her secret. Cheng Lisu assured her of his trust before leaving, privately musing that Xiao Jue was destined for a fall. After recovering from her injuries, Xiao Jue took He Yan to the dungeon to interrogate Lei Hou. Xiao Jue revealed that Lei Hou's forged identity had been discovered during the investigation into He Yan. Inside the dungeon, Lei Hou was initially defiant and refused to speak.
Xiao Jue then produced a silver longevity lock, causing Lei Hou to break down. Lei Hou pleaded with Xiao Jue to spare his younger brother, who knew nothing, offering to accept any punishment, even death, in exchange for his brother's freedom. Xiao Jue calmly told him that as a death warrior, he should have anticipated such consequences and hidden his family more effectively. He then demanded Lei Hou reveal everything he knew.
Lei Hou confessed that he was originally from Que City. After the devastating flood, which destroyed his home and left him and his dying younger brother desperate, they encountered Hu Yuanzhong. Hu Yuanzhong claimed to be a Liehe merchant whose family had perished in Que City and sought revenge. Consumed by hatred, Lei Hou immediately agreed to join him. Hu Yuanzhong then helped Lei Hou forge an identity to enlist in Yezhou Garrison.
Lei Hou confirmed that he sought to join the battalion to get close to Xiao Jue, but He Yan's formidable abilities stood in his way, leading him to bribe Zheng Xuan to kill her. Recently, Hu Yuanzhong had contacted Rida Muzi and the Liehe forces to orchestrate a coordinated attack, and he had come to the barracks to inform Lei Hou of the plan.
Lei Hou admitted that these intricate operations were beyond a simple Liehe commoner like Hu Yuanzhong, indicating a more powerful, ambitious mastermind was behind him. Although he knew he was being used, he didn't care as long as he achieved his revenge. He stated he had never met the mastermind; Hu Yuanzhong had always been the intermediary. Xiao Jue brought Lei Hou's younger brother to the dungeon, and the brothers had an emotional reunion.
Feinu explained they had traced the brother's whereabouts and that Xiao Jue had ensured his well-being. Despite the reunion, Lei Hou accused Xiao Jue of his unforgivable actions during the flood. Xiao Jue acknowledged that he never sought forgiveness and knew that some crimes would haunt him forever from the moment he gave the fateful order. Xiao Jue allowed Lei Hou and his brother to leave Yezhou Garrison unharmed.
As Lei Hou departed, he gave Xiao Jue an encrypted communication from Hu Yuanzhong, stating that his act of vengeance had settled their score. Xiao Jue retorted that Lei Hou still owed many others. He Yan later asked Xiao Jue about the battle in Que City. He explained that a general on the battlefield must make decisive, often grim, choices. He recounted the night of the unprecedented torrential downpour.
The Wutuo army, numbering thirty thousand, was resting inside Que City, unaware of Xiao Jue's mere three thousand troops outside. With direct confrontation being highly unfavorable, Xiao Jue proposed releasing reservoir water during the downpour to wipe out the Wutuo forces. He confirmed that nearby civilian villages, ten li away, would be safe if the rain didn't worsen. He ordered immediate evacuation of the villagers and deployed rescue teams on standby.
However, the rain intensified dramatically, and the uncontrolled floodwaters swept through the villages, drowning many. Xiao Jue lamented that with only three thousand men, he had no other choice, and the decision felt like sending his own troops to their deaths. He expressed his enduring pain, stating, "I didn't kill them, but they died because of me."
He shared that in his past suffering, he longed for someone to comfort him but had no one, so he wished He Yan would have that solace. He then stated he felt better. He Yan comforted Xiao Jue by embracing him. Later, Cheng Lisu chastised Xiao Jue, noting that He Yan's old and new injuries were not fully healed, yet she had been exposed to the cold for an extended period, causing her to relapse.
He urged Xiao Jue to show more compassion. He Yan defended Xiao Jue, saying she was getting better. Cheng Lisu then left to prepare her medicine. Meanwhile, Feinu reported that Hu Yuanzhong's encrypted text remained indecipherable. He Yan, noticing a faint bitter taste on the paper, simultaneously suggested, along with Xiao Jue, bringing a bowl of ginger soup.
He Yan explained that the front of the note was written in ink, while the back was written with alum solution, which disappears when dry and reappears when soaked in ginger soup. She vaguely claimed to have read about it in a book. The revealed message read: "Hai hour on the 5th of the 8th lunar month, same place, Cimu."
Xiao Jue explained that this method of using alum solution for secret messages was devised by his father, Xiao Zhongwu, and was only known to those close to him. He pressed He Yan on how she knew this. Xiao Jue deduced that "Cimu" was part of the character for "Chai." He recalled his father's long-serving deputy general, Chai Anxi, who was believed to have died with Xiao Zhongwu at the Mingshui Battlefield.
Given this unique method and Chai Anxi's deep knowledge of the Xiao Army, Xiao Jue suspected Chai Anxi might have faked his death, suggesting his potential involvement in the defeat at Mingshui. He concluded that they must find Chai Anxi. Unbeknownst to them, Chu Zhao was observing their progress. He remarked that the agent he had planted was exposed quickly, attributing it to the ineffectiveness of Lei Hou and the Liehe tribe.
He then revealed that the real agent was someone else. A flashback showed Chu Zhao finding Chai Anxi wounded and weak in Que City after the flood, shadowing a troop. Chu Zhao ordered his men to rescue him. When Chai Anxi thanked him, Chu Zhao noticed a dagger engraved with "Xiao," recognizing him as a member of the Xiao Army. Chu Zhao questioned why Chai Anxi, despite his age, had not rejoined the Xiao Army stationed in the city. Chai Anxi firmly stated that he was no deserter.
Episode 14 Recap
Chai Anxi revealed to Chu Zhao that he was once Xiao Zhongwu's deputy in the Xiao Army and sought revenge for his son's death. Chu Zhao saw Chai Anxi's knowledge of Xiao Jue and the Xiao Army as valuable. He leaked information about ambitious Liehe leaders Rida Muzi and Hu Yuanzhong to Lei Hou, prompting Lei Hou to collaborate with the Liehe tribe to attack Yezhou Garrison.
Xu Jingfu instructed Chu Zhao to eliminate both Lei Hou and Chai Anxi, suspecting that Chai Anxi held some leverage over him. To create an excuse to visit Yezhou Garrison, Chu Zhao planned to use Xiao Jue's victory against Liehe as a pretext for a reward from the Emperor. Later, He Yan gave Xiao Jue a repaired qin, compensating for her drunkenly breaking it earlier.
As a military inspector, Chu Zhao arrived at Yezhou Garrison to convey the Emperor's commendation to Commander Xiao Jue. Chu Zhao then sought out He Yan, inquiring about her injuries, which she said were fine. He Yan asked about events in the capital, including General Feihong and the He family. Chu Zhao described General Feihong as loyal and devoted, visiting Yuhua Temple to light lamps for his deceased sister.
He Yan, aware of He Rufei's true nature, scoffed at this facade. Cheng Lisu learned that He Yan was drinking with Chu Zhao and voiced his concern to Xiao Jue, but Xiao Jue remained unperturbed. As the evening progressed, He Yan, becoming increasingly drunk, referenced a poem that reminded her of a childhood memory of being called "useless" by her strict father. Chu Zhao offered to listen. He Yan then declared her true identity and desire to live freely.
She suggested going to Mount Baiyue to drink and admire the moon. Just then, Xiao Jue arrived and carried a protesting He Yan away. Back in her quarters, Xiao Jue offered her water to help sober up. Cheng Lisu then entered, noticed Xiao Jue's gentle handling of He Yan. In her drunken state, He Yan mistook Xiao Jue for her father, repeatedly calling him "Father" and attempting to recite a text. Cheng Lisu was amused.
He Yan snatched a jade pendant from Xiao Jue's waist. Cheng Lisu then tried to get a still-drunk He Yan to admit her liking for Chu Zhao, then for Xiao Jue, which she did, before he was shooed out. Meanwhile, Chu Zhao instructed Yingxiang to recall the scouts who had been tracking the Lei brothers and to send corpses resembling the Lei brothers back to the capital.
Chu Zhao stated that Chai Anxi was the true priority, but knowing Chai Anxi had deliberately gone into hiding, he decided against actively searching for him. Instead, he planned to observe Xiao Jue closely. Regarding He Yan, Chu Zhao dismissed the need for surveillance, planning to gather information during their planned outing to Mount Baiyue. The next morning, He Yan woke up, still clutching Xiao Jue's jade pendant. Cheng Lisu recounted her drunken behavior, shocking her.
She learned that the pendant was originally a black and white piece split into two, the white half belonging to Xiao Jue's sister-in-law, implying his black half was meant for his future wife. Horrified, He Yan resolved to return it. Shortly after, He Yan apologized to Xiao Jue for her drunken behavior and for calling him "Father" and taking his pendant. Xiao Jue dismissed her apologies, telling her to "drink less."
As they spoke, Chu Zhao arrived, seeking He Yan to confirm their planned Mount Baiyue outing that night. He Yan agreed. After He Yan left, Chu Zhao informed Xiao Jue that Chai Anxi's traces had been found in Jiyang, and he needed to depart immediately with Yingxiang to eliminate Chai Anxi. Before leaving, Chu Zhao wrote a letter to He Yan, instructing Xiao Jue to deliver it, to buy him time. Xiao Jue knew Chu Zhao had ulterior motives.
Xiao Jue did not rush to pursue Chu Zhao, acknowledging that he could not leave Yezhou Garrison without imperial orders. He also cited the Xiao family's past grievances with Princess Mengji, who held significant power in Jiyang. Xiao Jue then instructed Feinu to expedite an identity change, implying a deeper plan. Meanwhile, Cheng Lisu excitedly informed Xiao Jue that Chu Zhao had left, urging him to comfort He Yan, but Xiao Jue remarked that He Yan wanted to see Chu Zhao.
Episode 15 Recap
He Yan mentioned her knowledge of Xiao Jue's past at Xianchang Academy, particularly about the osmanthus candy he always carried. Xiao Jue, suspicious, questioned how she knew, and He Yan claimed to have heard it from others. Xiao Jue then revealed that his mother had made those candies, filling a pouch for him when he was young. Although he no longer liked sweets as an adult, those candies held sentimental value as they were made by his mother.
He Yan offered comfort, noting that even strong individuals experience moments of vulnerability. She then asked if he had ever given osmanthus candy to anyone else. Xiao Jue confirmed he once gave the very last candy his mother made to a blind girl contemplating suicide at Yuhua Temple. He explained that, for him, that candy represented personal greed and extravagant desires, and it was better to give it away to help someone else emerge from their confusion.
He Yan realized she was that blind girl. As they gazed at the moon, He Yan offered Xiao Jue a candy, which he recognized as one he had given her. She playfully remarked that he was ruining the moment. He Yan suggested Xiao Jue adopt a new identity for their trip to Jiyang, and he confirmed he had found one. He Yan expressed concern about his choice, noticing Feinu's troubled expression, and asked if it was a "dishonorable" identity.
Xiao Jue then unexpectedly asked He Yan if she liked him. When she denied it, he responded "Good then," which confused her. He then revealed his plan: he would impersonate Qiao Huanqing, a loyal nephew of Cui Yuezhi, a subordinate of the Princess. Qiao Huanqing, who was lost as a child and recently reunited with his uncle, had just married Wen Yuyan, a renowned and talented lady whom he adored.
Therefore, Xiao Jue concluded, Qiao Huanqing would naturally bring his wife to Jiyang, meaning He Yan must impersonate Wen Yuyan. He Yan expressed doubt about her ability to act as a "talented lady," suggesting she go as a scout instead. Xiao Jue rejected this, tasking her with becoming a "talented lady" as quickly as possible, requiring her to master at least some "talents" like guqin, chess, calligraphy, and painting to be presentable.
He Yan attempted to display her "talents," hinting that she was deliberately concealing her true skills, particularly calligraphy, to avoid Xiao Jue recognizing her former handwriting. She suggested drawing maps instead, but Xiao Jue reminded her she was impersonating a gentle lady, not a general. She admitted to being a "complete amateur" with musical instruments, so Xiao Jue instructed her to focus on the guqin, aiming to at least learn one piece. He then offered to teach her.
When He Yan appeared nervous, Xiao Jue teased her, suggesting her nervousness implied affection for him. He Yan quickly explained she was just worried about embarrassing herself with poor playing. Xiao Jue coached her on posture, telling her to relax her hands. After practicing, she eagerly asked about her progress; Xiao Jue remarked her posture looked good, but her playing was "very loud."
Song Taotao arrived with a tonic for He Yan, expressing frustration that Xiao Jue was forcing He Yan, who she believed was still injured, to cross-dress and practice the guqin. She dismissed Cheng Lisu's medical assessment and insisted on taking He Yan's pulse, despite He Yan's protests. During the pulse check, Song Taotao discovered He Yan's secret, exclaiming her shock. He Yan apologized for the deception, offering to accept any anger or even a beating.
Song Taotao clarified that she was not angry about the deception itself, but about He Yan's lack of trust and failure to inform her sooner, which prevented Song Taotao from providing proper medical care, especially since she also realized He Yan was on her period. Song Taotao admonished He Yan to respect her identity as a woman.
He Yan thanked her, explaining that hiding her identity had become an ingrained habit, but she aspired to one day openly stand as a woman and prove herself a great general. Song Taotao echoed this sentiment, asserting that women could also be skilled in medicine and criticizing societal expectations that confined them to domestic roles. Outside, Cheng Lisu and Feinu nervously anticipated Song Taotao's reaction, even wondering if she might "poison" He Yan, but were surprised to hear their laughter.
Song Taotao, now reconciled, declared she would personally handle He Yan's makeup, dismissing the expensive makeup artist Cheng Lisu had hired. Seeing He Yan in female attire, Feinu finally realized she was a woman, expressing his surprise. Xiao Jue made a quip about her appearance. The group then boarded a carriage to maintain their cover. Xiao Jue reminded He Yan to act as the noble lady Wen Yuyan, not a soldier.
Inside the carriage, Cheng Lisu playfully suggested that he and Huaijin, who were pretending to be a couple, should practice calling each other "husband" and "wife." He Yan then playfully called Xiao Jue "Husband," suggesting they head to Cui Mansion. Meanwhile, in Jiyang, Chu Zhao and Yingxiang discussed their difficulty in locating Chai Anxi due to Xiao Jue's men observing them.
Yingxiang reported that Chancellor Xu Jingfu had provided ample men, who were now monitoring all city gates, confident Chai Anxi was still in the city. Chu Zhao deduced that Xiao Jue had arrived in Jiyang, likely under a new identity, and decided to subtly monitor Xiao Jue, believing his familiarity with Chai Anxi would lead them to him first, allowing them to benefit from his efforts.
Upon arriving at the Cui Mansion, Cui Yuezhi warmly welcomed Xiao Jue, impersonating his nephew Qiao Huanqing, and He Yan, as Wen Yuyan. Cui Yuezhi was immediately impressed by Xiao Jue's demeanor, even claiming he bore a resemblance to himself, and praised He Yan's beauty. He announced a welcoming banquet for the next day, intending to introduce them to his colleagues and their families.
Ms. Wei escorted Xiao Jue and He Yan to their chamber, noting it was the finest in the courtyard and prepared like a bridal chamber, promising a "surprise." He Yan eagerly discovered the "surprise" was an erotic art picture. Xiao Jue tried to prevent her from seeing it, but He Yan insisted, remarking it was just an erotic art picture and there was nothing to be shy about, adding that only "hypocrites" pretended otherwise.
Xiao Jue then pulled He Yan close, causing them to fall onto the picture, damaging it. He Yan lamented the damage, but Xiao Jue dismissed the picture's quality, playfully suggesting he had seen better and would share them with her if he acquired some. Feinu then knocked and entered, reporting that neither Chu Zhao's men nor their own had located Chai Anxi, suggesting that Chancellor Xu Jingfu might intend to eliminate Chai Anxi.
Feinu reminded Xiao Jue of Chai Anxi's old leg injury, which was prone to rheumatism in Jiyang's humid climate, and suggested monitoring apothecaries. Xiao Jue, reminding He Yan to focus on her role as Mrs. Qiao, dismissed Feinu. Fully immersed in her role, He Yan playfully asked Xiao Jue, her "husband," to paint her eyebrows, citing it as a common display of affection between loving couples and emphasizing the need for their act to be flawless.
To her surprise, Xiao Jue took the eyebrow pencil and approached her. As he leaned in close to draw her eyebrows, He Yan became flustered, her face turning red. She attributed her blushing to Jiyang's hot weather. Meanwhile, elsewhere, Chancellor Xu Jingfu met with Wutuo representatives. He explained Jiyang's formidable defenses and offered them a secret tunnel leading into the city, which he believed would aid their invasion through the southern gate. He reminded them of his long-standing alliance with their leader, Maningbu. Xu Jingfu then requested their assistance in eliminating Chai Anxi, who was currently in Jiyang.
Episode 16 Recap
A mission was issued to eliminate Chai Anxi, who is currently residing in Jiyang. In Jiyang, Cheng Lisu led Xiao Jue and He Yan to Xiuluo Boutique, the largest clothing store in the city, known for its fashionable attire and accessories. Song Taotao was also present but went to a nearby medicine shop.
Cheng Lisu explained that Xiao Jue, referred to as "Huaijin," had specifically asked him to find the place, emphasizing the importance of dressing impeccably for the banquet attended by Jiyang's elite to establish their standing. Song Taotao also urged He Yan to ask Xiao Jue to buy her a beautiful dress. Inside the boutique, Xiao Jue encouraged He Yan to choose any dress she liked. Soon after, Yan Min'er, daughter of Censor Yan Ling, entered the store.
She initially made eye contact with Xiao Jue, dropped her handkerchief, and approached. However, upon hearing Xiao Jue refer to He Yan as his wife, Yan Min'er's demeanor changed. She then deliberately began to counter He Yan’s choices, claiming every dress He Yan expressed interest in, including a lotus-pink peony dress and a heavenly fragrance dress.
He Yan attempted to diffuse the situation by playfully suggesting she had picked those dresses for Yan Min'er, but Yan Min'er became infuriated, questioning if He Yan knew her identity. He Yan retorted that while she didn't know Yan Min'er, her apparent lack of proper upbringing, despite her wealth, was evident. Xiao Jue then intervened, directly asking He Yan what had transpired and stating he only trusted her account.
He dismissed Yan Min'er, then requested the store's prized mermaid-silk celestial gown be brought out for He Yan. The shop owner explained the gown's rare fabric, sourced from an overseas merchant, and its unique detachable shawl, which was steeped in alchemical solutions, making it impenetrable to water and fire for protection.
When the price was revealed to be a hundred taels, Yan Min'er's maid cautioned her, fearing her father's severe punishment if she were to spend such a sum on a single garment. However, Xiao Jue, without hesitation, purchased the gown for He Yan, stating that pleasing his wife was well worth the cost.
After He Yan confirmed the gown looked beautiful, Xiao Jue pointedly told Yan Min'er to settle her bill, ironically commenting on the small scale of the shop compared to her family's vast fortune. Later, at Cui Yuezhi's banquet, the attendees discussed the perceived tardiness and lack of etiquette of Cui Yuezhi's nephew and niece-in-law, who were said to be from Wuzhou.
When Xiao Jue, disguised as Qiao Huanqing, and He Yan, disguised as Wen Yuyan, arrived, Cui Yuezhi introduced them, expressing his pleasure at their reunion. Yan Min'er, observing them, remarked on Qiao Huanqing's handsome and refined appearance but expressed her strong dislike for his wife, Wen Yuyan, vowing to put her in her place. During the meal, He Yan, playing her role, feigned delicacy and asked Xiao Jue to serve her soup.
Yan Min'er openly criticized Wen Yuyan, calling her too fragile and overly dependent on her husband, and accused her of using her looks to be a temptress. He Yan inwardly wondered if Yan Min'er was attracted to her instead of Xiao Jue, while Xiao Jue humorously attributed Yan Min'er's anger to He Yan's previous triumph at the boutique. He Yan complained that Xiao Jue's "snide remarks" had fueled Yan Min'er's fury, leading to potential future trouble.
Amidst the tension, Xiu, celebrated as Jiyang's most talented lady, performed a zither piece, which was met with great applause. Afterward, Xiu and Yan Min'er challenged He Yan, requesting she display her famed zither skills from Wuzhou. He Yan, feeling cornered, quietly pleaded with Xiao Jue for help. Initially reluctant, Xiao Jue eventually interceded, stating that he and his wife had a sacred vow that her exceptional zither skills were reserved only for his ears.
However, he offered to play in her stead. Cui Yuezhi, surprised and delighted that his nephew possessed such refined talent, prepared to provide a zither, but Xiao Jue produced his own – the very instrument He Yan had given him. Xiao Jue's performance captivated the entire assembly, his music leaving everyone spellbound. Even He Yan couldn't help but admire his unmatched talent and appearance.
Xiao Jue, with humility, claimed his skills were a mere fraction of his wife's, which He Yan, playing along, confirmed, praising her husband's doting nature. Cui Yuezhi, visibly moved, remarked on Xiao Jue's resemblance to his late elder brother, recalling holding him as a baby before he went missing. Cui Yuezhi then spoke of the upcoming Start of Spring and Jiyang's Water God Festival, urging Xiao Jue and He Yan to enjoy the festivities.
He Yan casually mentioned that her birthday fell just a few days after the Start of Spring, a coincidence Cui Yuezhi found delightful, insisting Xiao Jue must celebrate her birthday grandly. Shortly after, Cui Yuezhi called He Yan aside and led her to the garden where several noble ladies of Jiyang were waiting, eager to hear her zither playing. He Yan, though initially disinclined to engage in traditional arts, offered to share something more "entertaining."
From a distance, Feinu worried that He Yan would be overwhelmed by the noble ladies, but Xiao Jue confidently asserted that He Yan was more than capable, though he conceded that harsh words could be more damaging than physical harm. He Yan, with an exaggerated flair, declared her and her husband's profound love, humorously portraying herself as temperamental and her husband as the devoted one who appeased her every whim, even cooking for her and buying her gifts.
She boasted that such an exceptional man doted solely on her. Xiao Jue, having arrived and overheard her, quipped that she was truly full of nonsense but also seemed amused, deciding to stay and hear more. He Yan then launched into her "art of taming a husband," claiming she met Xiao Jue at the Lantern Festival, and he proposed the very next day, threatening to hang himself if she refused.
She married him as a "good deed," attributing it to the "persistent suitor" phenomenon. She advised the noble ladies that the key to taming a man was to love him but never lose oneself, advocating for equality and self-care in relationships. She even claimed she never tried to fawn over Xiao Jue, yet he treasured her like a jewel. Yan Min'er interrupted, accusing He Yan of spouting vulgar nonsense and disregarding the traditional "three obediences and four virtues" for women.
He Yan countered that equality and mutual respect were paramount, asserting that women should not be confined to domestic life but should seek broader horizons by "traveling ten thousand miles and reading ten thousand books," even reading books typically meant for men. She boasted of her eclectic knowledge and even claimed to have studied "images" with her husband.
When the noble ladies eagerly pressed for clarification, He Yan began to say "avoiding fire," but Xiao Jue quickly cut her off, redirecting her to simply "images" before swiftly escorting her away. He Yan later apologized to Xiao Jue, expressing her confusion over why Jiyang women still clung to outdated norms despite being governed by a Princess, though she conceded that centuries of confinement made overnight change difficult.
Xiao Jue, teasingly, blamed her, saying she caused trouble by relying on her beauty. He then offered her food, noting that she seemed too preoccupied with the arguments at the banquet to eat properly. He also playfully questioned her earlier claim about her birthday falling after the Start of Spring, recalling her conscription record stated it was in the summer, to which He Yan admitted she made it up to potentially gain gifts from Cui Yuezhi.
Meanwhile, Feinu reported to Xiao Jue that Chai Anxi's whereabouts had been discovered. Xiao Jue instructed Feinu to proceed without him, fearing He Yan's disguise would arouse suspicion. Feinu and his men searched, inquiring about a forty-something man with a limp. Not long after, a fire erupted at Cuiwei Pavilion, a local jewelry shop. While the owner and workers escaped, a new accountant, described as having mobility issues, tragically perished.
Xiao Jue immediately suspected foul play, asserting that the body could not be Chai Anxi and that the fire was likely a diversion to fake his death, especially given Chai Anxi's injured state and the tightening security in Jiyang. He urged Feinu to quickly locate Chai Anxi, noting that Chu Zhao was also actively seeking him, emphasizing the need to act first. As Feinu prepared to enter the burned building, he noticed Chu Zhao's men already at the scene.
Xiao Jue, having learned enough, decided against entering, concluding that Chai Anxi was cunning and the fire was merely a smokescreen. Separately, Chu Zhao was being discreetly followed. His tracker abruptly attacked him but then inexplicably fled after seeing a jade pendant on Chu Zhao. Chu Zhao identified the attacker as a Wutuo person due to their use of weapons fashioned from bones.
He pondered why a Wutuo individual would be involved with Chai Anxi, yet inexplicably spare his own life. He instructed his men to maintain surveillance on Xiao Jue's group and to strike first when the moment was right. Separately, while investigating, Feinu peered through a crack and observed Chai Anxi's hiding place, indicating he was very close to apprehending him.
Episode 17 Recap
After successfully tracing Chai Anxi, Feinu was still a step too late, allowing the fugitive to escape once more from his hideout. Meanwhile, at the Water God Festival, Xiao Jue and He Yan continued their pretense as the newlywed Qiao Huanqing and Wen Yuyan. During the "Plucking Spring" event, where participants vied to retrieve a winter jasmine from a high bridge, He Yan expressed interest in the grand prize: a unique Ziyu Whip.
She playfully urged Xiao Jue, as her "husband," to win it for her, and he readily complied, retrieving the whip and making her genuinely happy. Cui Yuezhi and his companions then subtly disappeared, intentionally leaving the "newlyweds" to enjoy some privacy. As they strolled through the festival, He Yan admired a dough figurine. Despite her protests about wasting money on something they couldn't take with them, Xiao Jue insisted on having one made for her.
He declared that for today, she could do anything she wished without worries, urging her to be her true self and express her likes and dislikes freely. He Yan, delighted, asked if she could truly "do as she pleased," to which he confirmed, "do as you please." While she marveled at the figurine's resemblance to her, Xiao Jue affirmed that she was, indeed, a woman.
Shortly after, Feinu reported to Xiao Jue that despite tracking Chai Anxi, he had again eluded capture. Xiao Jue ordered him to continue the search, confident that Chai Anxi could not escape Jiyang. He Yan then reminded Xiao Jue that they still needed to maintain their disguise as Qiao Huanqing and Wen Yuyan for their mission.
They soon stumbled upon the Lovers' Bridge, a series of unstable boats that, according to local legend, would ensure eternal togetherness for any couple who successfully crossed it. Cui Yuezhi enthusiastically encouraged Xiao Jue and He Yan to attempt it, noting that crossing it would also make it easier for them to visit Princess Mengji.
He Yan expressed concern about the bridge's instability and the potential damage to Xiao Jue's reputation, but he declared they should get it over with quickly to meet the princess. As the bridge swayed violently, He Yan struggled to maintain her balance and clutched Xiao Jue's collar for support. They managed to cross successfully, much to Cui Yuezhi's delight.
Following their lead, Song Taotao and Cheng Lisu also attempted the bridge, playfully bickering all the way, yet surprisingly managing to cross it together. Later, He Yan and Xiao Jue joined a masked dance event. Yan Min'er and Ling Xiu, with ill intent, suggested a lottery for the roles, hoping to embarrass He Yan.
He Yan drew the role of "Liar Fox," a notorious trickster from local legend who was forced to confess ten true secrets to an "immortal" before being imprisoned. Despite the unseemly role, He Yan accepted it gracefully. Sensing their malicious intent, Xiao Jue quickly stepped in, announcing he would play the "Immortal" instead of the person already assigned, stating, "My wife's secrets shouldn't be heard by others."
He took the immortal mask, putting it on with uncharacteristic fumbling, which He Yan teased him about, asking if he'd never worn a mask before. During this, Cui Yuezhi received a hushed report from an attendant, and his expression darkened, though he dismissed it as a "minor issue" to Xiao Jue, not wanting to spoil the festivities. On stage, He Yan, as the Liar Fox, began to reveal her ten "secrets" to Xiao Jue, the Immortal.
Her confessions ranged from the trivial, like her diminished alcohol tolerance or her favorite dish, to more revealing truths: she had memorized Wuzi's Art of War, was the top performer in the Yezhou Garrison, and had even given Cheng Lisu's jade pendant to courtesans. She openly expressed her gratitude to Xiao Jue, calling him a "good man," and admitted feeling heartbroken whenever he misunderstood her.
She then said they had met in a "former life" and, more profoundly, that she "was once a general." Xiao Jue subtly responded to each secret, showing he was listening closely. For her final secret, He Yan confessed, "I love the moon. Yet the moon doesn't know," gazing at Xiao Jue with sincerity. After the performance, they visited the beautiful Firefly Spring.
He Yan, curious about Xiao Jue's unusual kindness, asked him why he was being so good to her today. He revealed it was her birthday, surprising her. Xiao Jue remarked on her tendency to mix truths with lies, to which He Yan retorted that he was equally prone to speaking ambiguously. She then shared her philosophy on wishes, stating she had none because she believed relying on divine blessings was self-deception; she preferred to fight for whatever she desired herself.
She then confessed her discomfort at constantly playing someone else's role since coming to Yezhou Garrison, citing her impersonations of Cheng Lisu and Wen Yuyan. She admitted that after pretending to be others for so long, she feared forgetting who she truly was. He Yan then looked at Xiao Jue and earnestly expressed her hope that one day, someone would come for her, just for her—not for He Rufei, or General Feihong, but simply for He Yan. She pleaded with him to remember her name. Xiao Jue, with a calm gaze, promised, "I'll remember."
Episode 18 Recap
He Yan woke up on the sampan, realizing she had slept on Xiao Jue's arm all night, making it numb. Though Xiao Jue dismissed it as "nothing," He Yan playfully suggested that if word got out about the "Qiao couple" spending the night on a sampan, it would become a romantic tale. As dawn broke, they decided to leave conspicuously amidst the growing crowds. On the street, He Yan eagerly ordered two flatbreads and a pot of hot tea.
Xiao Jue, however, declined, stating he wasn't hungry. He Yan noted his lack of interest, finding it "unlike a Wei man." While drinking tea, Xiao Jue observed another man adding salt, ginger, and pepper to his tea, a unique custom of the Wutuo people, used to combat the cold climate. Recognizing this, Xiao Jue and He Yan discreetly followed the man, discovering he had several accomplices attempting to leave the city.
He Yan noticed one of the accomplices, an old woman, gripping a coughing little girl's hand tightly, showing no concern for the child's discomfort, which raised her suspicions. As Xiao Jue decided they needed to intercept the old woman, a Wutuo spy disguised as the old woman threatened to kill the girl if she couldn't take her. Just then, He Yan's master, Liu Buwang, intervened, swiftly eliminating the Wutuo spy and rescuing the little girl.
Liu Buwang explained to He Yan that the old woman was a Wutuo spy who had infiltrated Jiyang, and the child was King Mengji's daughter, whom the spies had nearly abducted. Upon hearing this, Xiao Jue connected the events to Cui Yuezhi's sudden distress the previous night, realizing why Cui Yuezhi had been so frantic.
Xiao Jue decided to return immediately to report the discovery of the princess and the Wutuo spies to Cui Yuezhi, instructing He Yan to accompany Liu Buwang and escort the little princess to safety. Meanwhile, Chu Zhao and Yingxiang were diligently searching various apothecaries in Jiyang to find the injured Wutuo man who had attempted to assassinate Chu Zhao earlier. After much searching, they finally spotted him.
Chu Zhao, recalling that the assassin had ceased his attack upon seeing his Xu family token, deduced that the Wutuo people were likely connected to Chancellor Xu, possibly even acting under his orders. He suspected they were in Jiyang to find Chai Anxi, fearing that their presence would bring turmoil to the city. Liu Buwang brought the little princess, who had been drugged, to Cloudbird Manor to prepare an antidote.
While waiting for the antidote, He Yan asked Liu Buwang about Xiao Jue and why she had to switch back to women's clothes. She explained that Xiao Jue was General Fengyun, the Right Army Commander, and she was merely his soldier, there for official business, and her female disguise was for secrecy. Liu Buwang, observing He Yan's protective demeanor towards Xiao Jue, asked if she harbored feelings for him.
He Yan admitted to a shared past but felt their paths were too different for a future together. Liu Buwang then offered to divine their fate, casting the Kan hexagram, which signifies peril. He Yan worried this meant disaster, but Liu Buwang reassured her that while it represented danger, water was adaptable, implying they could navigate through the perils and overcome their fate, as "human conquers fate."
As Liu Buwang played his qin, the little princess recognized the melody as "Slow Passing Years," a song her mother often played. This revelation made He Yan realize the deep connection between her master and Princess Mengji. Xiao Jue brought Cui Yuezhi to Cloudbird Manor, where Cui Yuezhi expressed his immense gratitude to Liu Buwang for saving the little princess. Liu Buwang, humble, suggested they return the princess to her elders quickly.
Cui Yuezhi extended an invitation for Liu Buwang to accompany them to Mengji Mansion, promising a generous reward from Princess Mengji, but Liu Buwang, being a recluse, politely declined. As Cui Yuezhi escorted the little princess, Xiao Jue asked He Yan to join them and be cautious. On the way, He Yan, curious about her master's connection to the princess, confided in Xiao Jue that Liu Buwang rarely spoke of his past but harbored deep regrets and sorrow.
She avoided pressing him, not wanting to see him sad. Upon arriving at Mengji Mansion, while waiting for Princess Mengji's summons, He Yan (still disguised as Yuyan) asked Cui Yuezhi to tell them about the Princess, hoping to avoid any social gaffes. Cui Yuezhi recounted how Princess Mengji, after her elder brother's untimely death, had married a high-ranking official's son to stabilize the volatile Mengji Mansion.
After her husband's passing, she took charge, quelled internal strife, and restored stability to Jiyang. When Princess Mengji, Mu Hongjin, finally appeared, she immediately saw through Xiao Jue's disguise, revealing his true identity as the Right Army Commander and scolding Cui Yuezhi for being so easily deceived. Xiao Jue apologized for his deception, explaining he was in Jiyang to find Chai Anxi, his father's former subordinate who went missing during the Mingshui Battle.
He then warned Princess Mengji that Jiyang had been infiltrated by a significant number of Wutuo spies. Princess Mengji initially expressed skepticism about her "impenetrable" city. Xiao Jue then explained that the Wutuo agents had already ambushed the little princess, likely to blackmail her, emphasizing the severity of the infiltration. Soon after, Chu Zhao, the Military Inspector, requested an audience.
Though Princess Mengji initially questioned his presence, Chu Zhao confirmed Xiao Jue's warning, stating he had tracked an injured Wutuo spy with a wolf-head tattoo to a group of over a dozen other Wutuo agents. Despite this corroboration, Princess Mengji remained firm, insisting that Jiyang's affairs would be handled by Jiyang itself. She then instructed them to be accommodated in the mansion for the night. Privately, however, Princess Mengji acknowledged Xiao Jue's military acumen.
She ordered Cui Yuezhi to strengthen city patrols and drills, stockpile medicine, keep Xiao Jue's presence confidential, and help him search for Chai Anxi. Later, He Yan heard the familiar melody of "Slow Passing Years" within the mansion and followed the sound to find Mu Hongjin playing the qin. Recognizing He Yan as Liu Buwang's disciple, Mu Hongjin asked if her master was well, then quickly retracted, claiming not to care.
Sensing a deeper history, He Yan bravely asked if Mu Hongjin and her master were old acquaintances. Mu Hongjin then recounted her past: years ago, to escape an arranged marriage, she fled the mansion. She was chased by ruffians and fell into a trap, hanging suspended in a net. A white-clad swordsman carrying a zither, Liu Buwang, rescued her. Mu Hongjin, instantly smitten, followed him relentlessly, feigning a sprained ankle to stay by his side.
She recounted their month-long journey, where she playfully teased him, demanding treats and even trying to get him to buy her a pair of "Joyful Hearts" bracelets, said to bind lovers for a lifetime. Though Liu Buwang initially maintained his distance, he eventually started to care for her. However, as soldiers began searching for her, Mu Hongjin confessed her true identity as King Mengji's daughter.
Liu Buwang promised to return to Qiyun Mountain to inform his master and find a solution, asking her to wait for him at an inn for two days. But Mu Hongjin recounted how she waited endlessly, until the last peach blossom withered, but Liu Buwang never returned.
She expressed her longing for closure, wishing to know if she ever held a place in his heart, lamenting that fate had been cruel and describing him as cowardly for not having the courage to end things properly. He Yan, however, defended her master, insisting he was not like that and must have had his reasons.
Episode 19 Recap
Cui Yuezhi revealed to Xiao Jue and He Yan that he had long been aware of their assumed identities, displaying no anger but rather an air of knowing all along. He Yan observed this, understanding but choosing not to expose his knowledge, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. Cui Yuezhi acknowledged Princess Mengji's strategic silence regarding their presence in Jiyang, which forced him to feign ignorance. He Yan, in turn, expressed her admiration for his shrewdness.
Meanwhile, Xiao Jue, annoyed by Chu Zhao's conversation with He Yan, interrupted them without hesitation, urging He Yan to quickly accompany him to visit an elder (He Yan's master). Liu Buwang remained in Jiyang with a hidden secret, the details of which He Yan was aware of but did not disclose to Xiao Jue.
Later, when He Yan and Xiao Jue conversed with Liu Buwang, they learned the reason for his presence in Jiyang: he habitually returns to Jiyang City around the Water God Festival each year. During his latest return, he noticed Wutuo spies disguised as civilians outside the city and secretly followed them. These spies indeed infiltrated the city amidst the festival crowds and boldly kidnapped Princess Mengji's daughter to use as leverage.
It became clear that Wutuo agents were moving freely within Jiyang, their infiltration methods unknown and seemingly premeditated. Although Princess Mengji disliked external interference in Jiyang's affairs, she recognized the gravity of the situation and increased patrols and military defenses, hoping to contain the threat. Despite these measures, Jiyang City still felt precarious, as if a major storm was brewing in the dark.
As He Yan walked through the city, she noted the increased military presence and inwardly commended Princess Mengji's effective defense efforts. Chu Zhao then approached her, first apologizing for a previously missed appointment where he stood her up for a moon-gazing event. To make amends, he presented her with an exquisite tassel, suggesting it would look beautiful with her purple whip. He Yan reciprocated with the most expensive sugar painting, which she had carefully drawn herself.
Chu Zhao, who had a long-standing fear of fire, tightly clutched the sugar painting, treasuring it and fearing any damage. Upon their return to the mansion, they encountered Xiao Jue, whose gaze was immediately drawn to the tassel on He Yan's whip. He Yan honestly admitted it was a gift from Chu Zhao.
A flicker of jealousy crossed Xiao Jue's face, but he feigned indifference, claiming he had also received so much osmanthus candy from He Yan that he couldn't eat it all. Not to be outdone, Chu Zhao proudly declared that the characters "Zilan" on his sugar painting were personally written by He Yan. At that moment, several of Jiyang City's granaries suddenly erupted in flames, painting the sky red, a clear act of sabotage by the Wutuo.
Xiao Jue, his expression grave, immediately took He Yan to consult with Princess Mengji (Mu Hongjin). The situation in Jiyang City was perilous, with less than 20,000 defenders facing a fierce Wutuo assault. Princess Mengji, resolute, declared she would not retreat and would stand with Jiyang until the very end. Moved by her determination, Xiao Jue offered his aid.
He acknowledged the immense risk of further violating military discipline by bringing troops to Jiyang, having already left Yezhou Garrison without authorization. Nevertheless, for the sake of Jiyang's people and as a general of Great Wei, he was resolved to face the consequences, and He Yan unhesitatingly pledged her support to contribute her meager strength. Seeing their commitment, Princess Mengji immediately placed all Jiyang troops under Xiao Jue's command.
After a moment of thought, Xiao Jue appointed He Yan to lead the less than 20,000 Jiyang soldiers as their commander. However, these Jiyang troops had not seen battle in years and were not only inexperienced but also disdainful of He Yan as a female commander. Observing this, Xiao Jue directly challenged ten of them to face He Yan simultaneously, a testament to his absolute confidence in her ability to defeat multiple opponents.
As expected, He Yan easily subdued all ten soldiers. News of this spread, and many noblewomen came to witness her prowess, deeply impressed. Inspired by He Yan, these women contributed financially and offered their services, such as learning medicine to care for the wounded, actively supporting Jiyang's defense. That night, many able-bodied Jiyang citizens, fearing the impending war, fled Jiyang City, leaving behind primarily the elderly, weak, and infirm.
Cheng Lisu and Song Taotao made a bet to see who could rescue more people. Chu Zhao sought and received permission from Princess Mengji to oversee the resettlement of Jiyang's citizens. Yingxiang, concerned for his safety due to his lack of martial arts skills, tried to dissuade him. However, Chu Zhao's resolve was firm, as he believed he must see the task through, not abandon the people, and he also needed to find Chai Anxi and account to his teacher.
While Yingxiang was escorting an elder to a safe location, Chu Zhao, alone, narrowly escaped being struck by falling debris from a burning structure. He Yan appeared just in time to save him. It was revealed that Chu Zhao's fear of fire stemmed from a traumatic childhood incident when he was bullied for his background, specifically for his mother eloping. He Yan, sensing his reluctance to elaborate, did not press further.
On the eve of battle, Mu Hongjin and Liu Buwang communicated through their zither music, seemingly recounting endless past memories. Mu Hongjin remained unaware that Liu Buwang had been imprisoned by his master, Taoist Yunji, which prevented him from keeping their promise to meet. Liu Buwang believed that humans could conquer nature, but his master argued that their stubbornness would cause immense suffering for the populace, and that a marriage alliance was the optimal solution for stability.
Liu Buwang pleaded with his master to allow him to go down the mountain and see Mu Hongjin, as he could not break his word, but his master rendered him unconscious. The next morning, his master informed Liu Buwang that the Princess (Mu Hongjin) was to marry in three days, and urged him to abandon his persistence as the marriage alliance was the best solution for stability.
Liu Buwang, confined, played his zither outside, while Mu Hongjin inside her room felt sorrow, blaming him for not coming that day and wondering why he would appear now, acknowledging that their youthful past was long gone. On the day of Princess Mengji's wedding, Liu Buwang, still confined, wept all night, consumed by longing for her. Chu Zhao prepared to accompany Princess Mengji to the military camp to await the army's triumphant return.
He carefully clutched the Yunqing armor He Yan had given him, cherishing it, as it would protect him from blades and swords. As Huyate, the Wutuo commander, led his army to besiege the city and the war horns blared, He Yan volunteered to lead an elite team to lure Huyate and his formidable heavy-armored troops away. Xiao Jue, looking at her, issued a stern military order for He Yan to return alive, and she accepted her mission and departed.
Episode 20 Recap
The Wutuo army launched a fierce assault on Jiyang City, their forces charging like wild beasts towards the walls. Jiyang soldiers bravely resisted, while within the city, women, inspired by He Yan, armed themselves with whatever they could find, their eyes resolute, ready to face the enemy without retreat despite their fear.
One woman, clutching a heavy pot, declared that if the Wutuo broke in, she would hurl it at them, ensuring that killing one would be a gain, and killing two an even greater one. They resolved to fight for their home, Jiyang, believing that life held no meaning if their home was lost.
Other women echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that if the officials' families sought only to preserve themselves, they couldn't expect soldiers to sacrifice their lives on the front lines. The Wutuo army relentlessly pounded the city gate with massive siege rams, creating a deafening din. The Jiyang army, united in spirit, held the gate firmly, refusing to yield an inch even as the impacts shook it. Meanwhile, outside a secret passage, Liu Buwang stood guard with a sharp, vigilant gaze.
Soon, Wutuo infiltrators emerged from the passage, attempting to sneak into Jiyang. Liu Buwang moved with lightning speed, fighting ten foes at once in a fierce struggle, each move resolute, determined to keep the spies out. Xiao Jue, observing the unfolding battle, coolly devised a strategy. He instructed Feinu to lead the vanguard out of the city, while Muyi commanded the Jiyang troops to hold the city gate, ensuring no Wutuo soldier set foot inside Jiyang.
Xiao Jue's plan was for Feinu to lead the main force in an initial assault, after which he would lead an elite squad to lure Huyate and his heavy-armored troops away from the main battlefield, leaving the remaining Wutuo forces leaderless. He Yan, understanding Xiao Jue's crucial role, stepped forward and volunteered to lead the elite squad instead, revealing her intention to impersonate Princess Mengji.
She argued that the Wutuo's deep-seated hatred for the Princess would make her the most effective lure. Xiao Jue initially refused, citing the immense risks and his position as commander, whose survival was vital to the entire army. However, He Yan remained firm, asserting that once she donned her armor, she was a soldier, fearless of death.
Understanding her reasoning that he, as the commander-in-chief, could not easily risk his life, Xiao Jue's worried gaze softened into a silent plea for her to return alive. He Yan accepted her mission. On the city wall, Song Taotao and Cheng Lisu diligently tended to the wounded soldiers. Song Taotao glanced up, noticing Cheng Lisu's unusual focus, a stark contrast to his usual carefree demeanor, and felt a flicker of surprise.
The Jiyang army collectively pushed large boulders off the walls, overturning Wutuo siege hammers, which was met with a chorus of cheers. Xiao Jue then charged out of the city gate, wielding his blade, moving like a fierce tiger through the battlefield, cutting down Wutuo soldiers. Witnessing this, Huyate's face turned ashen, and he roared an order, promising a great reward to anyone who could capture Xiao Jue alive.
He Yan, disguised as Mu Hongjin, successfully drew Huyate and his heavy-armored troops to a shallow riverbank outside the city. She knew this was a dangerous gambit, as Wutuo heavy infantry were accustomed to land warfare, making the water a fatal weakness for them. Huyate, realizing He Yan's deception, launched into a furious attack, accusing her of seeking death. He Yan retaliated, firmly stating she was prepared to fight to the death.
Xiao Jue briefly caught sight of Chai Anxi on the battlefield, but the man vanished moments later, prompting Xiao Jue to urgently order Feinu to find him. He Yan, with a dragon-like thrust of her spear, impaled Huyate in mid-air over the water. Yet, in his final moments, Huyate kicked He Yan into the water with all his might. Xiao Jue, quick as lightning, rescued her from the water.
Cheers from Jiyang's soldiers and citizens erupted, signaling their victory and the successful repulsion of the Wutuo army. Later, He Yan, recalling Xiao Jue's mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, felt a blush creep up her cheeks. However, the joyous victory was soon overshadowed by tragic news: Liu Buwang had died, poisoned and exhausted after fighting numerous Wutuo soldiers who bore poisoned weapons. Mu Hongjin stumbled, almost collapsing, unable to accept the truth.
She recalled telling Liu Buwang about that very secret passage years ago, which now had become his final resting place. Liu Buwang had held tightly onto a pair of Joyful Hearts silver bracelets in his dying grasp. Mu Hongjin, seeing them, finally understood that he had never forgotten her. In a flashback, she remembered a younger Liu Buwang offering her the bracelets, explaining their meaning of eternal love, and her playful refusal.
She also recalled him promising her anything if it wasn't about the bracelets, and how she then convinced him to explore a secret passage outside the city. Mu Hongjin later mused how she once believed he cared for her, but refused to meet him because he broke a promise, only realizing later that the bracelet meant he had his reasons. She lamented that despite their connection, she, Mu Hongjin of Mengji Mansion and Jiyang, could never be 'his' Mu Hongjin.
Liu Buwang's death plunged He Yan into profound grief. She retreated to her room, crying uncontrollably. Xiao Jue, hearing her sobs, chose not to disturb her but quietly stood guard outside her door. Mu Hongjin approached He Yan, lamenting her own regret at not meeting Liu Buwang one last time.
She advised He Yan to cherish the good people in her life, as they are few, and to not let go of opportunities or miss chances, lest she repeat her own mistakes. That night, according to Jiyang custom, food and wine were prepared for the deceased. He Yan had prepared Liu Buwang's favorite dishes. Knowing He Yan had likely not eaten, Xiao Jue thoughtfully brought her food and invited her to join him.
Meanwhile, Feinu located Chai Anxi, who was unconscious and gravely injured. Cheng Lisu and Song Taotao were treating him at the Prince's residence. Chu Zhao, receiving news from his subordinate, decided not to kill Chai Anxi immediately, sensing there was more to uncover, especially given Xu Jingfu's unusual interest in him.
Chu Zhao revealed his suspicion that Chai Anxi, who served as Xiao Zhongwu's deputy general and faked his death after the Mingshui Battle, held information vital to understanding Chancellor Xu's deeper involvement. Though his subordinate worried Chai Anxi might implicate Chu Zhao if he woke and recognized him, Chu Zhao expressed confidence in Chai Anxi's loyalty and his own contingency plans. As an Inspector, Chu Zhao deemed it his duty to visit Chai Anxi.
He then visited Chai Anxi at the Prince's residence, with Xiao Jue present, where they discussed the matter. Chu Zhao admitted he sought to understand the truth behind Chai Anxi's supposed death. Xiao Jue informed him that Chai Anxi was still unconscious but assured him that he would be informed once he woke. After Chu Zhao departed, Xiao Jue, despite Chu Zhao's official position, ordered Feinu to enhance the courtyard's security to prevent any opportunistic intrusions.
Episode 21 Recap
He Yan became a celebrated hero among Jiyang's noblewomen due to her valiant performance in battle. While they admired Mu Hongjin, the Princess, as a valiant figure residing high on a pedestal, He Yan was seen as a relatable figure among them, inspiring them to believe that women, too, could achieve great things. He Yan's popularity grew, and she found herself learning needlework and embroidery with the noblewomen.
However, her attempts at stitching were quite clumsy, resulting in crooked designs that drew amused glances. Yan Min'er then suggested teaching He Yan to cook. Enthusiastically, He Yan learned to prepare a bowl of noodles, which she proudly presented to Xiao Jue. In her eagerness, she had inadvertently added too much salt, making the noodles bitter. Yet, Xiao Jue, without a hint of displeasure, stoically consumed the entire salty dish, not wanting to dampen her spirits.
Full of a desire to do something helpful for Xiao Jue, He Yan offered to mend his clothes. She checked his garments but found them all in perfect condition. As she prepared to leave, a slight disappointment evident in her demeanor, Xiao Jue subtly tore a small rip in his sleeve. He then called her back, asking for her help.
He Yan saw through his transparent trick but pretended not to, secretly amused, and promptly reached out to help him remove his clothing. Just then, Feinu entered to deliver a report, stumbled, and fell upon witnessing the scene. Ignoring his own pain, Feinu quickly rose to announce that Chai Anxi had woken up. Xiao Jue and He Yan immediately headed to Chai Anxi.
Xiao Jue, his gaze stern, questioned Chai Anxi about his betrayal of Xiao Zhongwu and the Wei Dynasty. Overwhelmed with emotion, Chai Anxi vehemently denied betraying Wei, shouting that his sole aim was revenge against Xiao Zhongwu, and he had never anticipated the Mingshui defeat. He revealed that his son, Captain Chai Qian, had tragically died at Yanshan, a battle where Xiao Jue was initially supposed to lead the vanguard but was ultimately replaced by Chai Qian.
Xiao Jue patiently explained the hidden circumstances behind the Yanshan campaign, detailing that he was delayed by engaging 5,000 Wutuo cavalry with only 1,000 soldiers. He then presented a petition signed by 216 Xiao Army soldiers, including Chai Qian, proving they had voluntarily volunteered for the dangerous mission due to the urgent situation.
Chai Anxi, trembling as he read the petition, was overcome with grief, finally understanding that his judgment had been clouded by hatred, leading him to commit unforgivable acts that resulted in Xiao Zhongwu's death. Chai Anxi confessed that He Rufei had instructed him to withhold General Xiao's plea for help, delaying its delivery by several days. Although he had only interacted with He Rufei, Chai Anxi hinted that a powerful, high-ranking figure in the capital was also involved.
He Yan, upon hearing this, grew deeply concerned. She suspected that the "He Rufei" Chai Anxi had dealt with was the genuine He Rufei, who by then had already colluded with Xu Jingfu. She pondered why He Rufei would harm the Xiao Army and whether her own death was somehow connected to this conspiracy. She recalled Xiao Jue's sudden shift in attitude towards her on the Mingshui battlefield, realizing it must have been because he had learned of this secret.
Xiao Jue sought Mu Hongjin's discretion in keeping He Yan's female identity a secret, emphasizing He Yan's patriotism and military capabilities. Mu Hongjin readily agreed, promising to protect Jiyang's saviors, adding that Jiyang would always be He Yan's maternal home. Chu Zhao also assured He Yan that he would not disclose her true identity upon their return to the capital. Chu Zhao observed He Yan was unlike ordinary women and offered to forge a unique path for her.
However, He Yan expressed that she did not need anyone to pave a path "for" her; instead, she yearned for someone to walk alongside her, carving out a new destiny together. Soon after, Chai Anxi was found dead, with a Wutuo lion totem left at the scene by the assassins. Xiao Jue suspected Chu Zhao, but also understood that Chu Zhao's influence was insufficient to command Wutuo troops.
In truth, Chu Zhao had deliberately left the totem as a clue for Xiao Jue, while securing an alibi by meeting Mu Hongjin at the time of the assassination. He regretted the loss of Chai Anxi, a formidable general. Chu Zhao seemed unconcerned about Xu Jingfu's potential suspicions, viewing the situation as a necessary balance of gain and loss to expose his master's betrayal.
As Xiao Jue and He Yan prepared to return to Yezhou Garrison, Cui Yuezhi came to bid them farewell, expressing profound gratitude for their role in saving Jiyang City. Their return journey would take them through Chonghuai, offering them the chance to visit the renowned Wangjiang House. During their conversation, the famous Ruyun House, a brothel in Yaojing, was mentioned.
He Yan's expression faltered as she recalled a past incident where she, Xiao Jue, and others had skipped class to visit Ruyun House. In Chonghuai, they met Yang Mingzhi, the local magistrate, who was the sole son of the current Minister of War and a former close friend of Xiao Jue. However, there seemed to be a deep misunderstanding between them.
Yang Mingzhi confessed to Xiao Jue that he had been forced to break a promise, having tried but failed to clear General Xiao Zhongwu's name from accusations of being a "sinner" who caused the Mingshui defeat due to his arrogance. Yang Mingzhi called himself an untrustworthy person for this failure. Xiao Jue angrily dismissed him, telling him to stay out of his sight.
Episode 22 Recap
On a boat, Yang Mingzhi lamented that he was seen as an oath-breaker. He recounted how he had promised Xiao Jue that he would persuade his father to advocate for Xiao Zhongwu in court, but his father not only failed to help but actively harmed Xiao Zhongwu, creating a deep rift between him and Xiao Jue. Xiao Jue and the others remained silent. Suddenly, the sounds of silk and bamboo music drifted towards them.
They looked outside to see a boat approaching, with Hua Youxian elegantly playing the zither at its bow. Recognizing her as the former star of Ruyun House, renowned throughout Yaojing, the onlookers marveled at her presence in Chonghuai and praised her graceful charm and heavenly voice. Hua Youxian greeted the gentlemen, noting that she had once received a love letter from one of them from Xianchang Academy. Cheng Lisu immediately denied it, admitting his poor writing skills.
Others then pointed to Xiao Jue, given his academic prowess, and interpreted his silence as an admission. Xiao Jue calmly accepted a penalty drink, much to everyone's surprise at his romantic side. The local magistrate, Yang Mingzhi, announced his intention to host a banquet for General Fengyun. Xiao Jue then playfully asked Hua Youxian if she would like to drink with him, which she agreed to. Yang Mingzhi's expression immediately turned grim, and he rose to leave.
Seeing his reaction, Hua Youxian slowly revealed her story. She recounted how she had met a gentleman, believing him to be her lifelong partner, and had bought her freedom to marry him. However, her judgment had failed, and they had eventually divorced. She reflected on her decision to marry at the peak of her fame, driven by deep affection, believing even a fleeting moment of warmth was worth chasing, only for the affection to dissipate.
She expressed no regrets for her past or present choices, living freely and joyfully. Xiao Jue, feigning ignorance, offered to introduce her to suitable young men from the Yezhou Garrison. Yang Mingzhi immediately panicked and questioned Xiao Jue's intentions. Seeing his reaction, Xiao Jue stated he was merely trying to play matchmaker for two unmarried individuals. Yang Mingzhi erupted, asserting that her marriage was none of Xiao Jue’s concern, and vehemently opposed the idea.
At this, someone pointed out that Hua Youxian's former husband and the sender of the love letter were both Yang Mingzhi himself. Yang Mingzhi, overcome with regret, began to apologize to Hua Youxian, recalling his past proposal to buy her freedom and marry her despite his father’s vehement opposition to him marrying a courtesan. He had chosen to follow her, but their affection had dissipated, leading Hua Youxian to declare their divorce, stating she wished never to see him again.
Song Taotao then sharply criticized Yang Mingzhi for his failures towards both Xiao Jue’s family and Hua Youxian, emphasizing that complete indifference was more damaging than any physical harm. Xiao Jue, while acknowledging his past resentment towards Yang Mingzhi for his words regarding his father’s wrongful conviction, urged him to take action rather than wallow in self-pity, as escapism and despair were useless. He affirmed his determination to uncover the truth and clear his father's name and the Xiao Army.
Meanwhile, He Yan, who had been drinking heavily, confessed to being a deserter and questioned her right to criticize Yang Mingzhi, feeling ridiculous. Yang Mingzhi continued to plead with Hua Youxian for a chance to return to her side and atone for the hurt he caused, but she coldly replied it was none of her concern.
He Yan then became disoriented by drink, trying to tell Xiao Jue something important but passing out before she could finish, only managing to murmur, "Will you hate me?" Later, He Yan sent Xiao Jue a letter, requesting a meeting by the riverside pavilion. As Xiao Jue prepared to leave, Hua Youxian approached him to express her gratitude for his efforts in mediating her situation with Yang Mingzhi.
She then casually mentioned that someone had accompanied Xiao Jue to Ruyun House years ago, describing them as delicate, determined, wearing a mask, and reluctant to reveal their identity. Xiao Jue tried to dismiss it, but Hua Youxian, noticing his evasiveness, pressed on, stating unequivocally that the person had worn a chest binder and exhibited such nervous and shy behavior that they could only have been a young lady, whose eyes, she asserted, never deceived her.
She then added, almost as an afterthought, that He Rufei's sister was also named He Yan. This revelation, coupled with Xiao Jue's existing suspicions about He Yan's behavior and the hidden story behind her joining the Yezhou Garrison, intensified his doubt about her true identity. Xiao Jue met He Yan by the lake as requested.
As a test, he blindfolded her, and when she used the Qinglang Sword Style, known only to the Xiao family and one other person, he knew. He confronted her, demanding to know if she was He Yan, the He family's eldest daughter, or He Rufei, the one who once feared to show his true face, and why she had seemingly abandoned them in their direst hour. He Yan, unable to conceal the truth any longer, admitted it all.
She revealed that she was indeed the one formerly known as He Rufei. Her true name was He Yan, and she was the non-blood-related stepsister of the current He Rufei. From her earliest memories, their identities were swapped to preserve the He family’s noble title, as it was believed her stepbrother would not live long. Refusing to succumb to this fate, she left the He family and joined the Fuyue Army, earning military merits and becoming the renowned General Feihong.
However, her stepbrother, who had survived, returned, poisoned her, blinding her, and then stole her identity as General Feihong and all her military achievements, even attempting to kill her. She believed fate had given her a second chance, allowing her to become the He Yan of today, dedicated to exposing her stepbrother’s lies and reclaiming what was rightfully hers. She apologized for deceiving Xiao Jue, admitting she hadn’t known how to face him.
Xiao Jue's expression hardened as he pressed her on one crucial detail: whether she was the one whose reinforcements were delayed during the Mingshui Battle. He Yan admitted she was, and tried to explain that there was a conspiracy behind the battle, but Xiao Jue, enraged by her long deception and the death of 30,000 Xiao Army soldiers and his parents, refused to listen to her one-sided claims.
Feinu, furious, tried to kill He Yan, but Xiao Jue intervened, ordering He Yan to remain confined to the Yezhou Garrison until the full truth was uncovered. The group departed from Chonghuai and returned to Yezhou Garrison. Song Taotao, noticing the obvious strain between Xiao Jue and He Yan, quietly instructed Cheng Lisu to refrain from commenting. Upon their return, He Yan was seen with numerous items, each connected to Xiao Jue in some way.
She often found herself lost in thought, recalling Xiao Jue's past words encouraging her to "do as she pleased" and to be her true self. She opened a box containing a set of women's clothes, remembering the day she wore them and Xiao Jue's compliment on her appearance. With a sigh, she carefully placed the clothes and the box back into a larger chest, the once intimate connection between them now severely strained by her secret.
As she closed the chest, He Yan seemed to solidify a resolve. On the training grounds, He Yan dedicated herself to rigorous daily drills, steadily enhancing her martial prowess. Her friends worried about the toll such intense training would take on her body. Xiao Jue, during a routine inspection of the military camp, passed by He Yan. She offered a polite salute, and he, without a word, continued on his way.
Episode 23 Recap
Xiao Jue walked past He Yan, seemingly not acknowledging her, and He Yan, after respectfully bowing, remained silent. Back in his tent, Xiao Jue appeared thoughtful. Spotting He Yan passing by the door, he suddenly ordered Feinu to personally go to Yaojing to investigate He Rufei. Feinu was to not only look into He Rufei's actions before the Mingshui battle but also to closely monitor his every move.
He Yan knew Mr. Jiang, an escort agent, had extensive connections and hoped he could help her with an inquiry. She wanted to know who had visited Miss He, He Rufei's younger sister, while she was recovering in the rear courtyard of Yuhua Temple. Mr. Jiang assured her that as a friend and given the escort agents' rule of not asking questions, he would take care of it.
He Yan believed that if He Rufei and Xu Jingfu had conspired, Yuhua Temple would have been their secret meeting place before the Mingshui battle, and Mr. Jiang's information would confirm this. While this might not directly prove He Rufei's involvement in the Mingshui scheme, it would at least show Xiao Jue the possibility. He Yan resolved to continually hone her skills and bide her time for the opportune moment.
In Yaojing, He Rufei heard that Yezhou Garrison had produced a formidable female general who single-handedly killed Wutuo's commander, Huyate, during the Jiyang battle. A strange intuition arose within him, making him suspect this person might be He Yan. Although she was thought to be dead, he decided it was better to be safe than sorry and resolved that whether it was He Yan or not, she had to die.
Meanwhile, He Yan trained rigorously every day in Yezhou Garrison, even increasing her intensity. Wang Ba and others observed her, noticing her inner turmoil, but did not press her for details, worrying that she was tormenting herself. Chu Zhao visited Xu Jingfu. Knowing Chu Zhao had uncovered his secret, Xu Jingfu initially intended to silence him, having assassins hidden in the room. However, Chu Zhao, deeply cunning, chose to reveal everything to gain Xu Jingfu's trust.
He confessed that Chai Anxi had told Xiao Jue the truth about Mingshui: that He Rufei was instructed to suppress Xiao Zhongwu's plea for aid. Chu Zhao then proposed informing He Rufei about Xiao Jue's knowledge. He also suggested exploiting Xiao Jue's unauthorized departure from Yezhou by promoting the young officer under Xiao Jue who performed remarkably in Jiyang. This would cause discontent among Xiao's veteran troops, ultimately leading to Xiao Jue being charged with incompetence by the Emperor.
Chu Zhao emphasized his loyalty, stating he wished to be Xu Jingfu's most trusted confidant and would protect Xu Jingfu with his life. This display of allegiance led Xu Jingfu to temporarily abandon his plan to kill Chu Zhao. He Rufei rushed into Xu's mansion upon hearing that Xiao Jue had gained more military merits.
He expressed his alarm at Xiao Jue's renewed influence, but Xu Jingfu remained calm, reassuring him that Chai Anxi was dead and would not pose a threat. Xu Jingfu, however, warned He Rufei to be extremely careful and avoid leaving any evidence, as He Rufei was the one who had contacted Chai Anxi. He Rufei proposed using a similar tactic to the one employed against Xiao Zhongwu to frame Xiao Jue, but Xu Jingfu offered no firm commitment.
Leaving the mansion, He Rufei decided against revealing He Yan's existence to Xu Jingfu, fearing he would be made a scapegoat, as he believed Xu Jingfu had already begun to distance himself from the Mingshui affair. He Rufei then devised a plan to lure He Yan to Rundu and kill her there, leveraging her deep bond with the Eight Warriors of the Fuyue Army, seven of whom now served under him, with the eighth commanding the Rundu Garrison.
He reasoned that even if the general in Jiyang wasn't He Yan, eliminating the Eight Warriors would still benefit him, and his plan could also inadvertently lead to Xiao Jue's demise. Cheng Lisu was curious about the awkward silence between Xiao Jue and He Yan, pestering Xiao Jue for answers. He suggested that Xiao Jue, despite his military brilliance, was clueless in romantic matters and that his increasing coldness would make He Yan feel abandoned.
Xiao Jue, however, simply dismissed it as none of Cheng Lisu's business. Meanwhile, Mr. Jiang had completed his investigation for He Yan. He reported that Miss He in Yuhua Temple had lived reclusively, and apart from her parents, had only met one unexpected visitor: Chancellor Xu Jingfu. Xu Jingfu and Miss He had spent time together in the meditation room, playing chess. Upon hearing this, He Yan's anger flared, confirming her suspicions.
She threw herself into her training with even greater ferocity, so much so that splintered wood from a broken training dummy cut her face. She paid no mind to the injury, a sight Xiao Jue observed clearly from an upper floor. Later, after He Yan had fallen asleep, Xiao Jue quietly approached her, gently placed a bottle of wound medicine beside her, and carefully tucked in her blanket.
Though he appeared to ignore her during the day, he was constantly watching over her. The next morning, He Yan awoke to find the medicine, instinctively knowing it was Xiao Jue's doing. Subsequently, Chu Zhao was promoted to Director of the Ministry of War, and the Emperor ordered Yan He to accompany him to Yezhou Garrison.
In court, Chu Zhao had subtly brought up the brave young officer under Xiao Jue who single-handedly killed Huyate in Jiyang, recommending her for a higher position. He also used the opportunity to request a higher position for himself, asserting that a minister needs both loyalty and real power to serve the Emperor effectively. The Emperor, swayed by Chu Zhao's reasoning, agreed to both promotions. Soon after, an urgent military report arrived from Huayuan.
He Yan, upon hearing that Wutuo forces were attacking Huayuan, suspected it was merely a probing action, with their true intention being to reignite the war. She was then surprised to hear that He Rufei would be leading the defense of Huayuan.
Episode 24 Recap
News spread quickly through the military camp that Wutuo had attacked Huayuan. Many discussed the unexpected move, with some speculating that it was a mere probe of their military strength by Wutuo. He Yan also believed it was a test of their preparedness. Her heart sank, however, when she heard that He Rufei was leading the troops to defend Huayuan. A grand reception was held outside the camp to welcome General Yan He of Wei.
He Yan recognized him immediately, recalling their shared days as students at Xianchang Academy. In those years, Yan He was remarkably talented but always placed second in the major exams, earning him the nickname "the eternal second," while Xiao Jue consistently held the top spot. Now, Yan He had arrived by imperial decree, crossing paths with Xiao Jue once more. Shortly after, Chu Zhao arrived to deliver an imperial decree.
The Emperor, pleased with He Yan’s courage and accomplishments in battles against Wutuo, conferred upon her the title of Wu'an Lang. However, for Xiao Jue, despite his significant military achievements, the decree surprisingly condemned him for disobeying orders and abandoning his post, ordering twenty military floggings as punishment. He Yan immediately understood this was a deliberate act by Xu Jingfu to drive a wedge between her and Xiao Jue.
Yan He, ordered to carry out the punishment, inflicted each of the twenty strokes with considerable force. Xiao Jue endured the severe beating in silence, his jaw clenched, not uttering a single sound. Chu Zhao explained that he had petitioned the Emperor on He Yan’s behalf for her recognition, but Xiao Jue, as a commander, was being punished to set an example and uphold military discipline.
Regarding He Yan’s own unauthorized departure from Yezhou Garrison, Chu Zhao mentioned that the Chancellor had interceded for her before the Emperor, which was why she faced no penalty. As Xiao Jue lay injured, Cheng Lisu quickly tended to his wounds and prepared internal medicine. He Yan, feeling immense guilt, lingered outside the tent, listening to the activity within, her feet rooted to the spot, unable to bring herself to enter and see him. Later, Yan He visited Xiao Jue.
They reminisced briefly about their past rivalry at Xianchang Academy, acknowledging that they were now comrades. Yan He mentioned his wife, Chengxiu, was expecting a child. He then revealed that the Emperor had chosen He Rufei to lead the Huayuan campaign. Suddenly, Shen Han rushed in with an urgent report from Feinu: after the Battle of Mingshui, Xu Jingfu and He Rufei had become increasingly close.
Before the Mingshui Battle, Xu Jingfu had even visited Yuhua Temple, where he met the lady of the He family—He Rufei's sister. However, Feinu’s investigation found no connection between Chu Zhao and the Mingshui Battle, though Chu Zhao had met Chai Anxi in Que City. Xiao Jue, suspecting foul play reminiscent of Mingshui, ordered continued vigilance on He Rufei.
Chu Zhao found He Yan and gravely warned her that many in court resented and feared Xiao Jue, whose future was uncertain. He suggested that if Xiao Jue were to fall, He Yan might also be implicated. He then sincerely invited He Yan to join his ranks, offering her greater freedom and opportunities to venture beyond Yezhou Garrison.
However, He Yan politely declined, asserting that while she might leave Yezhou Garrison one day, it would be to pursue a mission she had to fulfill, not merely to escape hardship. Soon after, news arrived that the Huayuan battle was won, but tragically, all seven of General Feihong’s deputy generals had perished. Xiao Jue was deeply troubled, believing there was a hidden secret behind this "tragic victory."
He knew the Fuyue Army's Eight Tiger Generals were exceptionally skilled and resourceful, making their simultaneous deaths highly suspicious. Indeed, He Rufei had colluded with Maningbu, Wutuo's Chancellor. In a secret meeting, He Rufei offered Maningbu the lives of seven of the Eight Tiger Generals, along with the military defense map of Rundu, in exchange for a guaranteed victory in Huayuan. This treacherous deal was designed to secure his reputation and military honor.
He Yan soon learned of the seven generals’ deaths from Wang Ba and others. Enraged and heartbroken, she went to the training grounds, violently channeling her fury by striking wooden stakes until they splintered, injuring her hand. Xiao Jue, alerted to her distress, quickly arrived. He urged her to calm down, then led her back to her tent and carefully dressed her injured hand.
He Yan, still consumed by grief, expressed her pain at not being able to avenge her fallen brothers, stating that their deaths might have been her fault and vowing vengeance. Xiao Jue comforted her, acknowledging their similar experiences and assuring her that the one who deserved punishment was He Rufei, not her. Before Xiao Jue could finish speaking with He Yan, an imperial summons arrived, ordering him to the auxiliary capital immediately to meet the Emperor.
Meanwhile, Song Taotao adamantly denied any interest in romantic relationships, claiming she was too busy to think of men. Cheng Lisu, more forthright, admitted he was thinking of a particular strong-willed, compassionate, and sincere young woman, subtly hinting at Song Taotao, who blushed and smiled brightly. At Wei’s temporary palace, in Cheng'an Hall, Xiao Jue played chess with the Emperor.
The Emperor, a wise ruler, acknowledged Xiao Jue's merits and expressed a desire to compensate him for the public punishment he had received. Xiao Jue, though humble, admitted he had a matter to request, which pertained to He Yan and her past. Outside, He Rufei impatiently waited, having rushed to the capital to claim credit for the Huayuan victory.
However, the Emperor had given strict orders not to be disturbed while playing chess with Xiao Jue, forcing He Rufei to wait outside in the cold all night. The next morning, Xiao Jue left Cheng'an Hall, passing He Rufei. They exchanged veiled barbs, with Xiao Jue subtly questioning He Rufei's suspicious late arrival of reinforcements at Huayuan, drawing a parallel to the Mingshui battle.
He Rufei came off worse in the exchange and attempted to gain an audience with the Emperor but was curtly dismissed, ordered to return to his camp without a meeting. Back at Yezhou Garrison, He Yan knew that if Rundu faced trouble, He Rufei would never send reinforcements.
With only Li Kuang, the last of the Eight Tiger Generals, defending the crucial military stronghold of Rundu, He Yan resolved that she could not let Li Kuang fall or the city be lost to Wutuo. She left a note for Xiao Jue and, taking the Qinglang Sword, decisively set off for Rundu.
Episode 25 Recap
He Yan took a sword from the rack, determined not to let Li Kuang die or Rundu fall. Before leaving, she left a note for Xiao Jue. As she exited the Yezhou Garrison barracks, she found Wang Ba, Jiang Jiao, Huang Xiong, and Mai waiting for her. They revealed that they had witnessed her in women's clothing when she accompanied Xiao Jue to Jiyang, thus uncovering her secret of cross-dressing.
They had kept her identity hidden, and He Yan expressed deep gratitude for their silence. The four men were resolute, insisting on accompanying He Yan to Rundu, unwilling to let her face the danger alone. Chu Zhao, a Langzhong from the Ministry of War, also appeared with a horse, explaining that as he oversaw many military affairs, and with the current emergency, he had to join them.
Despite He Yan’s initial refusal, citing military law and the danger, her comrades insisted. Realizing they would not be swayed, He Yan accepted their help. They journeyed all night, finally arriving at the Rundu battlefield, where Wutuo forces were arrayed outside the city gates, a dense, dark cloud of soldiers pressing upon the city. Just as He Yan had anticipated, He Rufei had not come to their aid.
Instead, he intended to use Li Kuang as bait to lure He Yan there, hoping the Wutuo forces would eliminate her. With the city gates heavily besieged by Wutuo troops, He Yan knew of a secret tunnel into Rundu. Inside the city, Li Kuang’s concubine, Qi Luo, brought him food, but he was too preoccupied with military matters to eat. Soon, He Yan and her companions successfully entered the city through the secret passage.
Li Kuang, hearing the commotion, rushed out to investigate. From a distance, he recognized the valiant posture of General Feihong from his memories, but when the figure turned, it was an unfamiliar face. The secret tunnel had been dug at the former General Feihong’s command, which made Li Kuang suspicious of He Yan’s identity.
Chu Zhao stepped forward, revealing himself as a Langzhong from the Ministry of War, which prompted Li Kuang to allow him and He Yan inside, while the others waited in the courtyard. Upon entering, Li Kuang suddenly lunged at He Yan with his sword. He Yan reacted swiftly, easily deflecting the attack with a grappling move. Li Kuang was astonished, loudly questioning how He Yan knew General Feihong’s technique.
He Yan quickly fabricated a story, claiming she was a soldier under General Wang Qi, and that both the secret tunnel and the grappling skill were taught to her by General Wang Qi. When Li Kuang inquired about General Wang Qi’s current status, He Yan initially remained silent.
However, upon hearing Li Kuang’s intention to defend the city and await He Rufei’s reinforcements, He Yan revealed the grim truth: General Wang Qi and the other six tiger generals had all died in the recent Huayuan battle, and He Rufei would not come to their rescue. After a long silence, Li Kuang accepted He Yan’s words and decided to launch an offensive.
He Yan, learning that the Wutuo forces had abundant arrows while Rundu’s supplies were dwindling, devised a clever plan. Under the cover of darkness, she ordered her men to lower numerous straw dummies from the city walls. The Wutuo, overconfident and mistaking them for real soldiers, commanded their archers to fire volleys. Arrows accumulated on the straw figures, while the Wutuo’s supply steadily decreased. Soon, Nagur, the Wutuo commander, noticed the deception and immediately ordered a cease-fire.
The next day, when more figures were lowered, the Wutuo soldiers, believing them to be dummies again, fired only a few casual arrows before ignoring them. Unbeknownst to them, He Yan had led her team, dressed in black, to stealthily descend the city wall, infiltrate the Wutuo camp, locate their granary, and set it ablaze. Amid the chaos, He Yan and her group rescued many Wei women who had been captured by the Wutuo.
Afterward, He Yan donned a mask, deliberately making the Wutuo believe she was General Feihong. The Wutuo forces, including Nagur, were indeed wary. Nagur, seeing the mask and the familiar fighting style, believed General Feihong had appeared. The Wutuo soldiers behind him recoiled in fear. After a brief engagement, Nagur confirmed it was General Feihong, immediately concluding that He Rufei had broken his word, and was filled with resentment.
Meanwhile, Xiao Jue, learning of Rundu’s plight, immediately ordered Feinu to summon the Jiuqi Camp to march to Rundu’s aid. He Yan's note to Xiao Jue, stating that Rundu was in peril and she was borrowing the Qinglang Sword to help, confirmed she had not taken it without his knowledge. Soon after, He Yan and her companions returned safely to Rundu. They urged Li Kuang to prepare for an attack and asked him to properly resettle the rescued women.
However, Li Kuang held a deep disdain for these women, viewing them as a disgrace to Wei for having served the enemy, and even forbade Qi Luo from giving them food. Witnessing this, He Yan righteously rebuked Li Kuang, clarifying that these women were victims and should not be subjected to such discrimination.
Episode 26 Recap
He Yan observed the rescued women, feeling profound sadness. Their ordeal was merely a glimpse into the suffering of many more, yet when their families were notified to retrieve them, none came forward. She learned from Qi Luo that their families believed the women had shamed them by consorting with the enemy and thus refused to accept them back.
He Yan found this antiquated mindset deplorable, noting that if men had faced similar circumstances, their families would have proudly welcomed them home, perhaps even lauding them as heroes. She also harbored no illusions about Li Kuang being a hero. Qi Luo, however, staunchly defended Li Kuang, her deeply ingrained beliefs leaving He Yan helpless. Li Kuang then intended to have Qi Luo lead the rescued women as vanguards to confuse the Wutuo forces.
Qi Luo was consumed by fear, knowing this was a death mission, and desperately pleaded with Li Kuang. Yet, his resolve was unshaken, leaving Qi Luo no choice but to accept the cruel order. Upon learning of Li Kuang's plan, He Yan frantically galloped, arriving just in time to prevent the city gate from opening. She then openly confronted Li Kuang before the rescued women, denouncing him as a weakling.
She declared that a true general's sword should be wielded against external enemies, not used to oppress the vulnerable. At that moment, Xiao Jue appeared, his words echoing He Yan's sentiments and affirming her stance. Gazing at He Yan, he recognized the unwavering spirit of the woman who had always believed that warriors should protect the land and its people.
Inspired by He Yan and Xiao Jue, the morale of Rundu's garrison soared, and they resolved to fight the Wutuo to the death. They meticulously planned their strategy: first, they launched fireballs, using the wind to blow dense smoke towards the Wutuo forces, creating a blinding screen. Then, they unleashed a rain of arrows, allowing Wei soldiers to advance and catch the Wutuo off guard. Swords clashed and clanged across the battlefield, leaving countless dead on both sides.
He Yan and Xiao Jue worked in perfect sync, pushing directly towards the Wutuo's central command. Seeing this, Nagur heartlessly sacrificed his own subordinates to block He Yan's sword. After her initial strike missed, He Yan vanished into the smoke and launched a sudden, unexpected attack on Nagur while Xiao Jue engaged the bulk of the Wutuo forces, providing a crucial distraction.
Failing to kill Nagur in her assault and suddenly fearing Xiao Jue was injured, He Yan's focus shattered as she frantically searched for him. When she couldn't find him, she believed him dead, her mind completely consumed by anguish. Unbeknownst to her, Nagur was creeping up from behind, intending to kill her. In a critical moment, Xiao Jue appeared as if from nowhere, striking down Nagur and saving He Yan's life.
Overwhelmed by relief and joy, He Yan rushed to embrace Xiao Jue tightly. With the death of their commander, Nagur, the Wutuo army descended into chaos. Just then, Yan He arrived with his army, securing victory in the battle for Rundu. It was revealed that Xiao Jue had, in fact, already dispatched Feinu from Yezhou Garrison to request Yan He's support for Rundu.
Chu Zhao had also arranged for Yingxiang to gather provisions, though the supplies only reached the city after the battle concluded. Li Kuang observed He Yan, noting her resemblance to the former He Rufei, completely unaware that she was indeed the true He Rufei. Xiao Jue then took He Yan to a tree, holding up the pouch and letter she had left for him before her departure and asking for their meaning.
He Yan explained her reasons for leaving the letter, stating she was still a soldier of Yezhou Garrison and needed to account for her unauthorized leave. The pouch, she added, was an apology for taking the Qinglang Sword without permission. Xiao Jue seized the opportunity to express his innermost thoughts. He admitted he had been "clouded by illusion," mistakenly equating her with the scheming He Rufei.
He realized that she was, and always had been, his "indomitable classmate" and the "general who defended the land and feared no sacrifice." He shared that after returning from Peidu, he had wanted to apologize, clarify everything, and accompany her to Rundu, but she had already left Yezhou Garrison. He then asserted that no matter the future turmoil, he would trust her implicitly and face the challenges alongside her.
He Yan accepted his words, feeling the long-standing estrangement between them dissipate. Later, Feinu apologized to He Yan for his previous misunderstanding, explaining that Xiao Jue's investigation into He Rufei in the capital had revealed the truth. He Yan graciously accepted his apology, acknowledging that anyone in his position would have assumed she was being deceitful.
He Yan then elaborated on He Rufei's schemes, explaining that he had orchestrated ambushes that killed the Seven Tiger Generals, then used Li Kuang and Rundu as bait. He suspected she was still alive and expected her to fall into his trap. She decided to come anyway, for the sake of her former comrades and the people of Rundu. He Rufei, despite his intricate calculations, had never foreseen that Xiao Jue would once again risk being charged to reinforce Rundu.
He Yan declared she was not afraid of He Rufei knowing her true identity. She vowed that upon her return to the capital, she would stand proudly before him, exposing him as an impostor and ensuring everyone recognized who the true General Feihong was. She also suspected that evidence of He Rufei and Xu Jingfu's long-standing collusion must exist in the capital, prompting her desire for a swift return to investigate. Xiao Jue affirmed that he would accompany her.
Episode 27 Recap
By wearing a mask during the recent conflict, He Yan terrified the Wutuo forces, leading Xiao Jue to believe He Rufei would confirm her identity. He Yan, however, remained unafraid, declaring her intention to return to the capital openly and reveal herself as the true General Feihong. She suspected He Rufei and Chancellor Xu had long colluded, with crucial evidence hidden in the capital.
Eager to uncover the truth, she expressed a desire to return swiftly, and Xiao Jue readily agreed to accompany her. Meanwhile, Chu Zhao, concerned by reports of He Yan’s injuries from the Rundu battle, had prepared medicinal remedies for her. However, an unexpected incident forced him to turn back mid-journey. He pondered why people yearned for light, concluding it was for warmth, a warmth he now felt, dispelling his fear of fire.
This newfound warmth, he implied to his aide Yingxiang, stemmed from He Yan. Chu Zhao revealed that his prolonged maneuvering against his master, Chancellor Xu, was to gain the power necessary to protect what he valued. Yingxiang expressed concern over his reckless decision to come to Rundu without Chancellor Xu's permission, but Chu Zhao insisted it was his duty as an official to prioritize the Wei state over personal safety.
He asserted that Rundu was where he needed to be and that his decision was justified, as it would strengthen the Emperor's trust in him after defending the city and its people. His main purpose in Rundu was to verify a suspicion: the stark difference between the former General Feihong and the current one, He Rufei.
Yingxiang concurred, noting the former’s strategic brilliance contrasted with He Rufei’s costly victory at Huayuan and his disregard for Commander Li Kuang’s pleas for aid in Rundu. She also pointed out He Yan’s unusually strong reaction to news concerning He Rufei's actions and her deep grief over the fallen Seven Warriors, leading her to rush to Rundu to assist Commander Li Kuang.
Connecting these coincidences, Yingxiang questioned if He Rufei was an impostor and if He Yan was the real General Feihong. Chu Zhao confirmed her suspicions, stating that only in Rundu could he truly verify these doubts. He Yan's knowledge of the secret tunnel, her mastery of He Rufei's martial arts, and her uncanny impersonation of General Feihong convinced him she was the true General Feihong.
Chu Zhao, having learned from Chai Anxi that Chancellor Xu had collaborated with He Rufei even before the Mingshui Battle, recognized this was not just He Rufei's secret but also his master's. He decided against revealing his discovery to Chancellor Xu immediately, knowing his master's suspicious nature. He concluded that He Rufei's reckless actions would soon catch up to him, leaving Chancellor Xu with few allies and forcing him to rely on Chu Zhao.
Despite revering his master, Chu Zhao resolved that he could not ignore Chancellor Xu's treasonous collusion against the Wei state. He then instructed Yingxiang to prepare for their return to Yaojing the following day. The next day, as Chu Zhao prepared to depart, he visited Xiao Jue and He Yan to bid them farewell.
He Yan suggested they travel together for mutual assistance, but Chu Zhao declined, explaining he needed to return earlier to apologize to his master for defying his orders. During their conversation, He Yan noted the suspicious nature of the Jiyang, Huayuan, and Rundu battles, implying an insider's involvement in the Wutuo forces easily besieging the cities. She directly challenged Chu Zhao, knowing he was intelligent enough to identify the culprit, to prevent further wrongdoing.
Chu Zhao admitted that all evidence pointed to his master but maintained that without concrete proof, he could not abandon him, to whom he owed a debt of gratitude. Xiao Jue interjected, suggesting that even with proof, Chu Zhao might still not forsake his master, given his similar methods.
Xiao Jue then listed several suspicious events, including rumors after the Battle of Que City, a masked woman resembling Chu Zhao's maid retrieving tax ledgers in Yezhou, and the assassination of Sun Xiangfu, all seemingly connected to Chu Zhao. Xiao Jue also pointed out how Chu Zhao's uncharacteristic defiance of Chancellor Xu's orders to defend Rundu suggested his awareness of Chancellor Xu's collusion.
Chu Zhao acknowledged that officials often face difficult choices but asserted that his actions were always within his ethical boundaries. He Yan expressed her belief that Chu Zhao possessed a moral compass, urging him to not be constrained by circumstances and to always differentiate between right and wrong. Chu Zhao thanked them for their understanding before taking his leave.
Afterward, He Yan remarked to Xiao Jue that Chu Zhao was not inherently evil and that they might even cooperate with him in the future. Xiao Jue simply raised an eyebrow in response. Upon learning that his trap in Rundu had failed to kill He Yan, He Rufei was enraged, ranting about her being a persistent ghost.
A messenger from Maningbu, the Wutuo Chancellor, arrived, conveying Wutuo’s anger over their losses in Rundu and Jiyang and demanding an explanation from Chancellor Xu. Maningbu suspected He Rufei had colluded with Xiao Jue to mock Wutuo. He Rufei, outplayed and desperate, apologized to Maningbu through the messenger, asserting his genuine desire for cooperation and promising to convey Wutuo's demand for a reasonable explanation to Chancellor Xu.
News of Xiao Jue and He Yan requesting permission to return to the capital terrified He Rufei. He immediately rushed to Chancellor Xu, begging for help and fearing their return meant revenge for his attempt on Xiao Jue’s life in Rundu and a re-investigation of the Mingshui Battle. Chancellor Xu was furious, chastising He Rufei for concealing He Yan's survival and his failed attempt to kill Xiao Jue in Rundu.
He pointed out the grave consequences: the costly victory at Huayuan and the real General Feihong's failure to rescue Rundu had already reached the Emperor's ears, leading to inevitable investigations into past battles. He warned He Rufei that his concealment had put them both in deep trouble with both the Emperor and Wutuo. He Rufei, trembling, swore to keep no more secrets and pleaded for Chancellor Xu's help.
Chancellor Xu, appeased by He Rufei's newfound transparency, promised to pacify Wutuo and shift blame onto them before the Emperor. He then revealed his prediction that Xiao Jue and He Yan would exploit the scandal of He Rufei's family swapping their identities to expose him. To prevent this, Chancellor Xu concluded, they could not allow Xiao Jue and He Yan to reach the capital alive.
Before Xiao Jue and He Yan departed for the capital, Qi Luo and the rescued women came to bid them farewell. Qi Luo shared their plan to establish a weaving workshop in Rundu, aiming to promote Rundu's brocade weaving throughout Wei. He Yan encouraged them, emphasizing that all honest work was honorable and that gradual efforts would bring change. Commander Li Kuang, who was also present, praised He Yan, acknowledging her popularity and noting how her resilience inspired others.
He remarked that her selfless courage in defending others, even in life-threatening situations, made her truly resemble the former General Feihong. Upon his return to the capital, Chu Zhao reported to the Emperor on Xiao Jue and He Yan's significant contributions in Rundu, particularly praising He Yan as a promising general with unwavering loyalty and courage.
The Emperor expressed his disappointment with He Rufei’s performance in the costly Huayuan battle, feeling He Rufei did not live up to the title of General Feihong. Chu Zhao cautiously defended He Rufei, attributing the heavy losses to the enemy's numerical advantage, but also expressed his personal doubts. He then downplayed his own contributions in Rundu, stating he simply aimed to serve the Emperor.
Pleased with Chu Zhao's humility and integrity, especially given his close ties to Chancellor Xu yet his willingness to speak favorably of Xiao Jue, the Emperor decreed Chu Zhao's appointment as Fourth-Rank Vice Minister of War, recognizing him as a true pillar of Wei. After leaving the palace, Chu Zhao immediately went to Chancellor Xu’s residence to apologize for his unauthorized trip to Rundu.
Chancellor Xu, pleased with Chu Zhao’s promotion, dismissed the apology, highlighting that Chu Zhao’s rising status would make him even more useful. Chancellor Xu then pressed Chu Zhao for his assessment of He Rufei's standing with the Emperor. Chu Zhao confirmed the Emperor’s displeasure with He Rufei’s performance but noted he had subtly defended him.
Chu Zhao then revealed his own astute deductions: he believed the Rundu battle was a trap set by He Rufei for Xiao Jue, and He Rufei deliberately sustained heavy losses in Huayuan to justify not reinforcing Rundu. However, Xiao Jue's unexpected summoning of General Yan He thwarted He Rufei’s plan. Chancellor Xu acknowledged Chu Zhao's sharp insight. During this visit, Chancellor Xu's daughter, Xu Pingting, attempted to engage Chu Zhao, but he politely excused himself, citing busy schedules.
Later, Chu Zhao’s uncle and aunt, whose attitudes had dramatically shifted due to his recent promotion, enthusiastically welcomed him with a feast. Seizing the opportunity, Chu Zhao expressed his long-held desire for his deceased mother to be enshrined in the Chu family ancestral hall. His uncle and aunt, eager to please, immediately agreed to his request and promised to regularly offer incense to his mother.
Standing before the ancestral hall, Chu Zhao emotionally told his mother’s spirit that he was bringing her home, vowing that no one would ever insult her again. He shared that he had found "that light" and would one day bring "her" to meet his mother.
Episode 28 Recap
Chu Zhao, whose mother had suffered greatly at the hands of his uncle and aunt, and who himself had grown up enduring humiliation, now found himself in a position of power. His uncle and aunt, once dismissive, now showed him deference. Chu Zhao declared his intention to make them genuinely bow their heads and admit their wrongs before his mother's memorial tablet, forcing them to experience the shame and humiliation his mother had endured.
His maid, Yingxiang, observed that despite their ready agreement, their sincerity was lacking. Chu Zhao, however, stated that their resentment was precisely the point; his mother did not need fair-weather relationships, and he wanted them to swallow their pride and humble themselves before her, regardless of their true feelings. Xu Pingting unexpectedly arrived at Chu Zhao's residence, asking if he was free to take a walk with her. Chu Zhao, citing unfinished official paperwork, indicated his unavailability.
When Xu Pingting then demanded tea, Yingxiang stepped forward to serve her. However, Xu Pingting deliberately made trouble, first complaining the tea was cold, then that it was too hot, ultimately pouring the scalding tea onto Yingxiang’s hand. Despite this, Yingxiang maintained her composure, eventually calmly reminding Xu Pingting about proper decorum, implying Xu Pingting lacked dignity despite her status. She also subtly referenced Chu Zhao’s teachings on treating others with respect, regardless of one's position.
Enraged by Yingxiang's composed defiance, Xu Pingting fled to her father, Chancellor Xu, tearfully complaining that Chu Zhao allowed his maid to humiliate her. Chancellor Xu, doting on his daughter, vowed to ensure justice for her. Chancellor Xu later confronted Chu Zhao, observing that as a mere fourth-rank official, Chu Zhao seemed overly proud.
He likened Chu Zhao to vibrant hibiscus flowers, blooming confidently but soon to be withered by winter's chill, in contrast to "worthless weeds" that could be easily crushed underfoot. Chu Zhao, grasping Chancellor Xu's implicit threat, immediately acknowledged his mistake and thanked Chancellor Xu for the "guidance." As He Yan's return to the capital approached, He Rufei grew increasingly agitated. Despite having seemingly recovered from a childhood of chronic illness, prolonged sword practice still left him exhausted and frustrated.
He lamented his current situation, feeling trapped and useless in his courtyard, just as he had been when He Yan had taken his place and achieved glory as General Feihong. He recalled how Chancellor Xu had approached him in his confinement, acknowledging him as the true He Rufei and offering to help him become the actual General Feihong and realize his ambitions. He Rufei had then vowed that He Yan would pay for every drop of blood he shed.
Chancellor Xu had explained how he could achieve this, including exploiting the animosity of figures like Chai Anxi towards the Xiao family. He Rufei confessed all these dealings to his father, who became gravely concerned. His father warned that He Rufei's actions for Chancellor Xu constituted crimes punishable by death, even clan extermination. He explained that Chancellor Xu merely sought a controllable general to counterbalance the Xiao Army, and any blame would be conveniently shifted onto He Rufei.
He Rufei, however, dismissed these fears, confidently asserting that he was Chancellor Xu's biggest secret and thus his greatest leverage, ensuring his safety. He also declared his unwillingness to remain Chancellor Xu's mere pawn, emphasizing that all his actions were aimed at strengthening his own family line, urging his father to stand united with him. Finally, He Rufei revealed the shocking truth: He Yan was still alive and nearing the capital.
He grimly promised his father that he would prevent her from entering the capital alive. Nearing Yaojing, He Yan, Xiao Jue, and Feinu stopped at an inn for rest. Xiao Jue subtly prompted Feinu to suggest that He Yan stay at the Xiao Mansion, citing its spaciousness and He Yan’s status as Xiao Jue’s subordinate, making it an appropriate arrangement. Though He Yan initially demurred, she eventually accepted the invitation.
Shortly after they settled in and were served tea, a group of assassins, sent by He Rufei, launched a sudden attack. During the ensuing fierce struggle, tables and chairs were shattered. Xiao Jue's subordinate initially thought the assassins were targeting Xiao Jue, who acknowledged his many enemies. However, when one of the female assassins specifically attacked He Yan with lethal intent, He Yan realized she was their true target.
The assassins, revealed to be suicide operatives, bit into poison sacs hidden in their teeth when they realized escape was impossible. Xiao Jue suggested investigating their origins through a local official, but He Yan asserted she already knew who sent them, noting this was another attempt on her life. Under Chancellor Xu’s implicit pressure, Chu Zhao later found himself reluctantly accompanying Xu Pingting while she painted. He excused himself to change his clothes, leaving Xu Pingting alone.
During his absence, she discovered a rolled-up portrait of He Yan in a military uniform, marked with the surname "He," hidden in a container. Upon their arrival, Xiao Jue’s elder brother, Xiao Jing, and his wife, Rongwei, warmly welcomed them home. Xiao Jue then introduced He Yan to them. Xiao Jing and Rongwei expressed surprise, remarking that Xiao Jue rarely brought friends home, suggesting He Yan was particularly special to him.
Before partaking in the dinner Rongwei had lovingly prepared, Xiao Jue insisted on first paying his respects to his parents and ancestors in the family shrine. There, he solemnly vowed to uncover the truth, clear his family’s name, and secure justice for his army. He then confided in his deceased parents that he had found the most important person in his life and would bring her to meet them once all lingering matters were resolved.
Back with his family, Xiao Jing and Rongwei extended their hospitality to He Yan, inviting her to stay as long as she wished. Xiao Jue then suggested He Yan occupy his west guest room, which surprised Xiao Jing, who jokingly remarked on Xiao Jue's sudden shift from his usual preference for quiet solitude and his unprecedented care towards a guest, a level of consideration he rarely showed even his own brother.
At dinner, Xiao Jue attentively offered He Yan the mushroom and chicken stew, remembering it as her favorite. Feeling it was rude to arrive at the Xiao Mansion without gifts, He Yan decided to go out and buy some for Xiao Jing and Rongwei. While outside, she detected someone following her. She calmly confronted the tracker, identifying him as an operative sent by He Rufei.
Though the man denied it, He Yan spared him, sending him back to He Rufei with a stark message: "Your debt will be paid." Upon receiving the report of He Yan’s discovery and her message, He Rufei flew into a rage, branding his subordinate "useless" for failing both to track and assassinate her. He then grimly declared that with He Yan now in the capital, it had become a fight to the death, even contemplating assassinating her on the street.
Episode 29 Recap
He Rufei, now in the capital, believed it was a do-or-die situation. He concealed himself, intending to assassinate He Yan, but his plan was foiled when Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting coincidentally encountered He Yan. He Yan explained she was staying at the Xiao Mansion and was bringing gifts for Xiao Jue's elder brother and sister-in-law. Xu Pingting, noticing He Yan, remarked that she looked familiar, resembling the woman in a painting.
He Yan introduced herself as Chu Zhao’s friend before excusing herself. Observing Chu Zhao's evident interest in He Yan, He Rufei considered how Miss Xu, who seemed upset, might react if she knew. He then approached Xu Pingting, subtly mentioning the renowned female general of Jiyang, He Yan, who had achieved remarkable feats defending the city.
He revealed that He Yan was indeed a woman, a fact unknown to the Emperor, who had even bestowed upon her the title of Attendant Wu'an. He hinted at the severe consequences, a capital offense, should the Emperor discover the truth. Later, Yan He arrived at the Xiao Mansion to visit Xiao Jue. He Yan soon joined them. Xiao Jue immediately poured wine for He Yan, prompting Yan He to playfully ask why he wasn't offered a drink.
When He Yan commented that it was chilly, Xiao Jue instantly went to fetch a cloak for her, which surprised Yan He. Yan He then told He Yan that in all these years, Xiao Jue had only ever shown such distinct attention to the student known as He Rufei (whom He Yan was impersonating) and now, to her. He revealed that Xiao Jue had painstakingly taught that student the Qinglang Sword Style day after day at Xianchang Academy.
Yan He had witnessed Xiao Jue's secret guidance, even though he considered the student a "fool" and an "ingrate." He also recounted how Xiao Jue once gave that student his spare thumb ring during an archery class when they had forgotten their own. Yan He's words stirred He Yan's memories, making her realize that the swordplay guidance and the thumb ring, which she had thought were left by a kind stranger, were in fact Xiao Jue's secret acts of help.
As Xiao Jue returned with the cloak, He Yan asked him why he had been so kind to her back at Xianchang Academy. Xiao Jue confessed that he initially viewed her as timid and inferior but was soon captivated by her unwavering tenacity and stubbornness. He explained that their shared struggles and the burden of family responsibilities at a young age made him feel a deep connection to her, often seeing himself in her isolated efforts.
He felt an undeniable urge to be kind to her, almost as if compensating for his younger self. Xiao Jue then revealed a pouch, turning its lining inside out to show a meticulously embroidered moon. He reminded her of her past words: "I love the moon. Yet the moon doesn't know." He then declared, "Now, the moon belongs to you." Xiao Jue confessed that many of his "firsts" were with He Yan, from teaching swordsmanship to comforting a girl.
He finally realized that in his life, she was the only person he loved. Under the bright moonlight, He Yan instinctively kissed him, and they embraced. He Rufei, frustrated by the failed assassination attempt, was eager to try again. However, Xu Jingfu urged caution, fearing that any rash action in the capital would expose them. Xu Jingfu pointed out that He Yan and Xiao Jue lacked solid evidence, so acting impulsively would only give them leverage.
Despite Xu Jingfu's warnings, He Rufei was restless, asserting that he and He Yan could not coexist. He declared his full commitment to Xu Jingfu, proclaiming that the Mid-Autumn banquet that night would be the beginning of him settling scores with He Rufei. He Yan, meanwhile, told Xiao Jue that she had been waiting a long time for this moment. At the Mid-Autumn night banquet, He Yan and Xiao Jue entered the palace and soon encountered He Rufei.
He Yan, introducing herself as Attendant Wu'an He Yan, pointedly asked General Feihong if he was unwell, suggesting he visit Yuhua Temple, known for its excellent recuperative properties. He Rufei haughtily dismissed her as "second-rate," to which He Yan questioned if he was challenging the Emperor's judgment by disparaging Attendant Wu'an. Minister Yang, Yang Mingzhi's father, glared at Xiao Jue, treating him with animosity.
He Yan expressed her confusion, and Xiao Jue explained that Minister Yang, being excessively upright and seeing the world in black and white, had been manipulated by Xu Jingfu into becoming a tool against the Xiao family, leading to his lingering misunderstanding of Xiao Zhongwu and Xiao Jue. The Emperor then called for Attendant Wu'an. He Yan stepped forward and bowed. The Emperor praised her feats in Rundu, commending her for her exceptional bravery and skill.
He noted her humility before expressing curiosity as to why she chose to impersonate General Feihong instead of General Fengyun, whom she knew better. He Yan cleverly explained that General Fengyun's face was widely recognized, whereas General Feihong had a habit of wearing a mask, making his impersonation far easier and more effective in intimidating the Wutuo. The Emperor found her reasoning sound and playfully suggested she should thank General He.
He Yan, however, humbly stated she did not dare to make a connection to General He but did express her gratitude. He Yan then seized the opportunity to request a sparring match with General He Rufei, suggesting it would add to the evening's entertainment. Others scoffed, calling her overconfident, but He Yan maintained that she had diligently practiced martial arts to match General Feihong's prowess.
He Rufei naturally hesitated, and Xu Jingfu quickly interjected, arguing that a martial display was inappropriate for the joyous Mid-Autumn Festival. However, the Emperor, recalling his own sparring days as a Crown Prince, allowed the match, instructing them to simply demonstrate their skills without causing harm. Xiao Jue, having given He Yan the Qinglang Sword the night before, told her to use it. The sight of Attendant Wu'an holding General Feihong's personal sword puzzled many onlookers.
The duel was swift; He Rufei was no match for He Yan and was easily defeated. He Yan, fueled by her long-held resentment, taunted He Rufei, declaring that she was the "vengeful ghost" come to claim his life. Xu Jingfu immediately stepped in, apologizing to the Emperor and claiming that General He Rufei's loss was due to lingering injuries sustained in the Huayuan battle, not a lack of skill.
He quickly asserted that the outcome of the match held little significance as long as the Emperor and guests were entertained. The Emperor, pleased, praised Attendant Wu'an for her courage and wisdom. As the empress and noblewomen entered to propose a toast, Xu Pingting seized her chance. She stepped forward and dramatically accused He Yan of deceiving the Emperor by disguising herself as a man to join the army, demanding severe punishment.
Gasps rippled through the hall, with many whispering about the grave nature of such deception and calling for a body check to confirm. The Emperor turned to Xiao Jue, asking how to handle the situation. Xiao Jue apologized for causing distress, but the Emperor himself then revealed that he had been aware of He Yan's true identity all along. Xiao Jue then recounted how, years ago, he had met He Yan by chance.
He confessed that he had witnessed her extraordinary resilience and unwavering determination, despite her initial lack of talent in martial arts. He explained that their similar life circumstances—both shouldering family burdens at a young age—led him to feel a profound connection. After they were separated by her family's misfortune, he realized his deep feelings for her.
When they reunited in Yezhou, he, admiring her exceptional abilities and unwilling to be parted from her again, allowed her to remain in the Yezhou Garrison disguised as a man. Xiao Jue concluded by offering his two military merits to secure the Emperor's forgiveness for his actions. The Emperor confirmed that he had indeed granted Xiao Jue's request, thus absolving Attendant Wu'an of any deception and fully pardoning Xiao Jue, moved by his profound love.
Despite the Emperor's clemency, Xu Jingfu and others immediately redirected their accusations, arguing that General Fengyun, as a military commander, had deceived them all for personal reasons, which could set a dangerous precedent and undermine military discipline if soldiers were to follow his example.
Episode 30 Recap
{ "30": "Xu Jingfu accused Xiao Jue, as a military commander, of disregarding military discipline and, for personal reasons, covering up He Yan's female identity, deeming it improper. Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao both pleaded for He Yan. He Yan herself also stepped forward to argue vehemently, stating that one's virtue should not be judged by gender, and if women possessed true talent and ability, they could also serve Wei.
Her words were powerful, earning deep admiration from the Empress and other public female dependents. \nSeeing that His Majesty was full of admiration for He Yan, Xu Jingfu's accomplice, Master Wei, stood up and accused He Yan, as Attendant Wu'an, of privately committing to someone in the army, which was a breach of decency; even if she had real talent, her virtue did not match her position.
Xiao Jue strongly supported He Yan, displaying his tender side, which pleased His Majesty. His Majesty asked the Empress beside him for her opinion. The Empress also approved of He Yan. His Majesty was overjoyed and immediately ennobled He Yan as Marquis Wu'an. \nAfter the night banquet, officials talked enthusiastically about General Feihong being unable to defeat a woman. He Rufei stubbornly claimed he only lost because he was injured, but others simply didn't believe him.
Chu Zhao appeased Xu Pinting in just a few words, making her believe that he didn't intentionally conceal it, but wanted to wait until things were clarified before seizing the opportunity to report to His Majesty and have His Majesty punish He Yan for deceiving the emperor. Xu Pinting was naive and brainless, confessing that it was He Rufei who told her about He Yan's female identity.
\nWhen Xu Jingfu learned that He Rufei had used Xu Pinting to publicly expose He Yan, his attitude towards He Rufei changed. He was even more unwilling to clean up He Rufei's mess. He Rufei, desperate, turned around and threatened Xu Jingfu, saying he had letters between Xu Jingfu and Wutuo in his possession. Xu Jingfu had to compromise, but at the same time warned He Rufei not to scheme against Xu Pinting again, otherwise he would show no mercy.
\nHe Yan intended to seal an oath with Xiao Jue with a high-five. Xiao Jue joked that anyone who didn't know would think she wanted to become sworn siblings with him. He Yan confessed that she didn't want to become sworn siblings with Xiao Jue; she had liked him for a long time, and now liked him even more. Just as Xiao Jue was about to kiss He Yan, he noticed someone watching and stopped.
Song Taotao and a few others were watching the show. He Yan felt embarrassed and pulled away from Xiao Jue's hand. \nBig Sister-in-law had people bring many sets of red attire. Now that He Yan's female identity was public, He Yan no longer needed to wear men's clothing. Song Taotao and Cheng Lisu had both run away from their arranged marriages. This Mid-Autumn Festival, they didn't dare to go home and stayed at Xiao Manor.
Later, Song Taotao did return home, hoping every day for the Cheng family to send over Cheng Lisu's birth card, but unexpectedly learned from a maid that her parents had gone to the Cheng family to break off her engagement. \nSong Taotao actually liked Cheng Lisu deep down. She quickly ran to the Cheng family to take the birth card from her mother's hands.
To He Yan's surprise, Xu Jingfu did not punish He Rufei, which was enough to show that He Rufei must have something on Xu Jingfu. He Yan invited Chu Zhao and truthfully told him about the entanglement between her and He Rufei. Chu Zhao originally didn't want to help them deal with Xu Jingfu, but he couldn't resist He Yan and Xiao Jue's reasonable arguments, and finally agreed to join forces with them.
\nXiao Jue visited Xu Manor, subtly putting pressure on Xu Jingfu. He Yan, dressed in women's attire, went to visit He Manor. He Rufei was as if facing a formidable enemy, clutching his sword and rushing straight to the main gate, very nervous. He Yan found it amusing; she hadn't even brought a sword this time, yet she had scared He Rufei so much. After He Father dismissed the servants, they spoke frankly. He Yan's words infuriated He Rufei, who threatened that he could kill her a first time, and could kill her a second time too." }
Episode 31 Recap
He Yan confronts her brother He Rufei and their father in the He Mansion. She calmly informs them they will soon have more to regret. Enraged, He Rufei draws his sword, boasting that since he killed her once, he can do it again. With disdain, He Yan effortlessly disarms him and turns his own blade against him, remarking that a man like him isn't worth dirtying her sword.
She reminds them how she, as the family's eldest, brought them glory as General Feihong, only to be betrayed and nearly killed by her own brother. Seizing the moment, she uses a powder given to her by Song Taotao to knock both men unconscious and ties them up. While the He household is distracted, He Yan slips into her old study and retrieves the Linglong Box, a gift from the Emperor.
A newly awakened He Rufei soon orders the mansion sealed and a search for her. As He Yan tries to escape, she encounters her stepmother in a small shrine. The stepmother, the only person in the family who truly cared for her, had set up a memorial tablet and was praying for her soul. The stepmother creates a diversion, allowing He Yan to make her getaway. He Yan successfully gets away and hands the Linglong Box to Feinu.
Furious at her escape, He Rufei confronts his stepmother, smashing He Yan's memorial tablet in a rage when he realizes she helped her. Meanwhile, Xiao Jue visits Chancellor Xu Jingfu, boldly accusing him of being the mastermind behind the recent turmoil. Xu scoffs, demanding proof. On cue, Feinu arrives and presents the Linglong Box.
Xu immediately recognizes the distinctive box and grows visibly anxious as Xiao Jue explains its intricate design is perfect for concealing vital secrets, implying it holds evidence of Xu's treason. Panicked, Xu angrily dismisses them. The Linglong Box is, in fact, empty. This was He Yan’s plan all along, a psychological ploy designed to sow discord. She knew Xu's paranoid nature would lead him to assume the worst, shattering any remaining trust between him and He Rufei.
Her plan works perfectly; when He Rufei later tries to reassure the Chancellor that no evidence was stolen, a deeply suspicious Xu demands to see the incriminating letters. He Rufei refuses, proving he doesn't trust Xu either and confirming the letters are his only leverage. Later, while out with Xiao Jue, He Yan has a brief, emotional reunion with her stepmother, who had taken a long detour just to see if she was safe.
Acknowledging the danger of being seen together in public, they share a few words of concern before parting ways, with the stepmother urging He Yan to take care of herself. At the morning court session, Xu Jingfu formally proposes an alliance with Wutuo, which includes opening a trade market at Mingshui. He Yan and Xiao Jue lead the military officials in fierce opposition.
He Yan declares the proposal an insult, as Mingshui is the hallowed ground where 30,000 soldiers of the Xiao Army fell. Xiao Jue's impassioned argument against trusting the Wutuo and repeating past mistakes infuriates the Emperor, who orders him to be confined to his home for reflection. The session ends without a resolution, leaving Xu unsettled by the realization that his influence over the Emperor is weakening. The pressure on Xu mounts as several events unfold.
Li Kuang, an old acquaintance of General Feihong, arrives in the capital with great fanfare. The owner of the Ganming Pavilion, a known Wutuo contact point, is arrested as a spy. In prison, a condemned man named Sun Ling publicly claims to have an account book that proves Xu’s corruption. Playing a double game, Chu Zhao visits Xu and earns his gratitude by claiming to have suppressed Sun Ling’s accusation.
He then casually mentions the arrest of the Ganming Pavilion owner, a piece of news that causes Xu’s hand to tremble. The Emperor sends a final message to Xu, officially rejecting the Wutuo alliance. Pushed to the brink, Xu plays a game of Go with Chu Zhao, who subtly suggests that only a desperate, all-or-nothing move can break the current stalemate.
Just then, He Rufei arrives with an urgent message: the Wutuo envoy has set the night of the banquet as the final deadline. After Chu Zhao departs, Xu sweeps the game pieces from the board and makes a chilling decision. He tells He Rufei that if the Emperor will not approve their plan, they will replace him with a ruler who will. As evening falls, He Yan dons her male armor, preparing for the decisive night.
Outside her room, Xiao Jue, Song Taotao, and her other friends have gathered to offer their silent support. When she asks Xiao Jue if he has anything to say, he simply tells her he will wait for her triumphant return. He Yan, resolute, promises them that tonight, everything will finally be settled, and she will reclaim everything that is rightfully hers.
Episode 32 Recap
After the solemn winter sacrifice ceremony concludes, the Emperor and his court officials move to Longtai Hall for a night banquet. There, He Yan approaches Yan He, who is still processing the revelation of her true gender. He admits his anger was not about her being a woman, but about being kept in the dark by her and Xiao Jue.
They watch He Rufei across the hall, with Yan He wondering how he could show his face after the disaster at Huayuan. He Yan simply remarks that it's good everyone has gathered, hinting at the confrontation to come. During the banquet, the Wutuo Chancellor, Maningbu, rises to once again push for the establishment of mutual trade markets to foster goodwill. The Emperor diplomatically defers the matter, stating it requires further deliberation.
Annoyed by the delay, Maningbu's tone becomes provocative, accusing Wei of lacking sincerity. As tensions rise, He Yan steps forward, sharply questioning if Wei's sincerity can only be proven by allowing Wutuo to gain every advantage. He Rufei foolishly interjects with a sarcastic remark, attempting to discredit He Yan by implying "she" is a turncoat. He Yan immediately accuses "him" of being a turncoat.
A flustered He Rufei scrambles to profess his unwavering loyalty to the Emperor, but He Yan seizes the moment, challenging him directly: "Are you truly General Feihong?" Ignoring his silence, He Yan formally accuses He Rufei of three major crimes before the Emperor. The first is identity theft. She summons Li Kuang, the General of Rundu and a former subordinate of General Feihong, as a witness.
Li Kuang enters the hall and, upon seeing He Yan, immediately recognizes her as his true general. He explains a secret code they used—a drawing of a jujube and a turtle, meaning "come back soon"—known only to the real General Feihong and his most trusted men, the Eight Tiger Generals. He testifies that He Yan is the genuine hero who saved Rundu. He Rufei desperately claims Li Kuang is lying out of resentment and has been bribed.
For the second crime, He Yan accuses He Rufei of murdering his comrades to protect his secret. She presents a letter proving a connection between the He family's steward and assassins sent to kill her. She holds him responsible for the deaths of the Seven Tiger Generals at Huayuan, a loss engineered to eliminate those who knew the real General Feihong. Her third accusation is treason through collusion with Wutuo. He Rufei scoffs, confident she has no proof.
At this point, military officials, led by He Yan and Yan He, collectively appeal to the Emperor to severely punish He Rufei and avenge the soldiers who died in the Huayuan battle. Just then, Madam He enters the hall, clutching a bundle of letters she stole from He Rufei's room.
She reveals the He family's dark secret: years ago, when her sickly stepson He Rufei was near death, his father He Yuansheng forced her daughter, He Yan, to disguise herself as a boy and take his place. It was He Yan who joined the army, fought bravely, and became the celebrated General Feihong. When she returned victorious, the recovered He Rufei and his father, greedy for her glory and fearing exposure, poisoned and supposedly killed her to reclaim the identity.
As she finishes her testimony, Madam He collapses, having ingested poison herself to prove her sincerity. A court physician declares her beyond saving, and she dies in a grieving He Yan's arms. With He Rufei cornered, he glances desperately at Xu Jingfu for help. The Grand Chancellor steps in to defend him, but He Yan turns her accusations on him, exposing Xu Jingfu as the true mastermind behind He Rufei's collusion with Wutuo.
She lists his long history of treason, from sacrificing the Xiao Army at Mingshui to eliminating political rivals at Yezhou, secretly aiding Wutuo in multiple campaigns in Jiyang, and allowing He Rufei to cause the deaths of the Seven Tiger Generals and the siege of Rundu at Huayuan, all for his own selfish gain. When the Emperor demands proof, Chu Zhao steps forward as a witness against his former mentor.
He presents letters between Xu Jingfu and Maningbu, obtained from a captured Wutuo spy (the former owner of Ganming Pavilion), proving the Chancellor's treasonous plans. Enraged and exposed, Xu Jingfu abandons all pretense and attempts a coup, ordering the Fuyue Army to "cleanse the court." However, the soldiers who storm the hall are not his, but the Nine Banners Battalion, led by Xiao Jue.
They had anticipated the betrayal and laid a trap, having previously obtained the Emperor's consent and disguised themselves as the Fuyue Army. Believing his rebellion was succeeding, Xu Jingfu had confessed to all his crimes just moments before. As the rebels are subdued, Chu Zhao pleads with his master to surrender, but Xu Jingfu furiously denounces him as an ungrateful traitor.
He launches into a final, self-righteous tirade, claiming his actions were for the long-term good of Wei, and that military officials are nothing but warmongers who plunge the nation into conflict for personal glory. Xiao Jue retorts that it was Xu Jingfu's greed, not a desire for peace, that repeatedly instigated conflicts and sacrificed countless lives.
The Emperor, his patience exhausted, orders Xu Jingfu and He Rufei to be imprisoned, awaiting a joint trial by the three judicial departments and subsequent execution. Maningbu is to be detained at the imperial guesthouse, his fate to be decided by the Wutuo king based on his sincerity. With the traitors dealt with, the Emperor finally turns his attention to He Yan.
He reminds her that while she exposed the conspiracy, she is still a member of the He family and party to the crime of deceiving the throne by posing as a man, leaving her future uncertain.
Episode 33 Recap
In the throne room, Xiao Jue advises the Emperor on how to handle the captured Wutuo envoy, Maningbu. He suggests detaining him and informing the Wutuo King of his crimes, making any further action dependent on the king's sincerity. The Emperor, pleased with this counsel, then turns his attention to the He family.
He furiously strips them of their noble titles and orders He Yuansheng to be exiled to the border for the crime of passing his daughter off as a son. The Emperor then confronts He Yan, who is also guilty of deceiving the throne. Both Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao immediately speak in her defense, arguing that she had no choice in the matter and that her immense contributions to the Wei state should be considered.
The Emperor questions He Yan's motives for enlisting a second time, suspecting she sought revenge. He Yan confesses that she initially ran away from home to escape an arranged marriage and to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a great general. She admits she resented her family's cruelty but considered her near-death experience as repayment for their upbringing, and she never intended to seek revenge.
Her only goal upon returning was to reclaim her own identity and to seek justice for the soldiers who died because of He Rufei's treason. Hearing this, Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao kneel, begging the Emperor to let her merits offset her crimes. Other court officials join the plea, also requesting that the Xiao family finally be exonerated. The Emperor relents, promising to issue an edict to clear the Xiao family's name.
He restores He Yan to her position as General Feihong of the Fuyue Army and promotes Chu Zhao to Vice Director of the Secretariat for his role in uncovering the conspiracy. Following the court's judgment, both the He and Xu family mansions are seized by imperial guards.
At the Xu residence, a defiant Xu Pingting is brought crashing down to reality when the guards mock her fallen status, revealing that she was only spared from a worse fate by Chu Zhao's plea on her behalf. Chu Zhao arrives just as the situation turns ugly and calms the hysterical Xu Pingting by promising to help her father. He convinces her to come with him to his residence, where she will be safe.
He later explains to his attendant that keeping her close serves a dual purpose: it might placate her father's still-powerful allies and could be used to persuade Xu Jingfu to confess and cooperate, thus stabilizing the court. He Yan is overwhelmed with grief for her mother, who sacrificed her life to expose the truth. Xiao Jue finds her weeping before her mother's memorial and comforts her.
He Yan mourns that her mother, who had named her "Yan" in the hopes she would have a peaceful life, had to endure a lifetime of hiding her love for her own daughter. Xiao Jue holds her close, reminding her that her mother’s final act was a testament to her deep love and her wish for He Yan to live on freely.
Soon after, He Yan has a joyful reunion with her old comrades from Rundu, including Jiang Jiao and Wang Ba. They are shocked but thrilled to learn that she is the legendary General Feihong. They reveal that Xiao Jue had recruited them into his elite Jiuqi Camp after the battle at Rundu, and they eagerly offer to join her Fuyue Army. Their reunion is interrupted by the arrival of an official imperial edict.
The decree officially exonerates the Xiao family and the Xiao Army, posthumously honoring Xiao Zhongwu as a Loyal and Valiant General. Furthermore, it formally appoints Xiao Jue as the new commander of the reformed Xiao Army. The official who delivers the edict, Mr. Yang, humbly apologizes to Xiao Jue for having been deceived by Xu Jingfu in the past.
At the Xiao family's ancestral hall, Xiao Jue and his brother Xiao Jing kneel before their parents' memorial tablets, informing their spirits that their names have been cleared. Xiao Jue then brings He Yan forward, formally introducing her to his parents as the brave and kind woman he loves and intends to protect for the rest of his life. He Yan speaks to the spirits as well, recalling General Xiao's past encouragement and promising to take care of his son.
While public notices detailing their crimes are posted, inciting the citizens' fury, He Yan and Xiao Jue visit He Rufei in prison. He Rufei is unrepentant, venomously accusing He Yan of stealing the life and glory that was rightfully his. Xiao Jue coolly refutes him, stating that He Yan earned her honor through skill and sacrifice on the battlefield, while He Rufei merely coasted on her reputation.
He Yan adds the final blow, telling him that she proved her worth by starting over from nothing—something he was too cowardly to do—and that regardless of her name or gender, she was always destined to be General Feihong. They leave him screaming in delusional rage. Outside the prison, Xiao Jue takes He Yan's hand just as Chu Zhao arrives to visit his own former master.
Later, inside Xu Jingfu's cell, Chu Zhao faces a barrage of insults from the disgraced chancellor, who calls him an ungrateful traitor. Chu Zhao calmly replies that when faced with the choice between his mentor's grace and the nation's well-being, he chose the latter. Xu Jingfu's rage turns to pleading as he begs Chu Zhao to care for his daughter, Pingting. Chu Zhao's response is cold and final: he has never had romantic feelings for her.
Consumed by fury, Xu Jingfu lunges at him, only to slam his head against the cell door. The truth reaches Xu Pingting, who confronts Chu Zhao in his study. He confirms that he was the one who exposed her father. Devastated, her eyes fall upon a portrait of He Yan, and she finally understands that he had been using her all along.
She calls him a heartless, ungrateful villain, but he remains impassive, simply ordering his attendant to escort her back to her room. Before the next court assembly, a minister, Mr. Wei, snidely remarks on He Yan's rapid rise from a common soldier, but Chu Zhao quickly defends her, stating that her brilliance was merely hidden before, not created.
After the meeting, He Yan offers to treat Chu Zhao to a meal to celebrate his promotion, but Xiao Jue pointedly inserts himself, turning it into a group dinner. The Emperor announces that the Wutuo King has agreed to major concessions in exchange for Maningbu's release. A trade agreement will be established, with Wei taking a favorable seventy percent of the profits, securing peace and prosperity for the realm. As she and Xiao Jue walk together, He Yan reaffirms her ambition to be a great general, and he lovingly jokes that he will support her with his salary.
Episode 34 Recap
Xiao Jue reflects on the suffering caused by war, musing that if peace could be achieved, he would gladly retire from the military. He Yan playfully teases him, declaring her ambition to become a great general and promising to support him with her salary. Playing along, Xiao Jue bows in gratitude, and they share a laugh.
Later, He Yan goes alone to see Li Kuang off on his journey back to Rundu, deciding it best not to bring Xiao Jue along. Meanwhile, Cheng Lisu puts an elaborate plan into motion to propose to Song Taotao. After faking an allergic reaction to get her attention and confirm her feelings, he sincerely confesses his love and asks for her hand in marriage.
He presents her with a beautifully carved Albizia flower hairpin, a symbol of love and marital bliss, which she happily accepts. Soon after, their wedding invitations arrive at the Xiao mansion, prompting Xiao Jue's sister-in-law to good-naturedly ask when he and He Yan plan to marry. Xiao Jue takes He Yan on a nostalgic trip to their old school, Xianchang Academy.
Standing by a loquat tree, He Yan recalls a time when she was locked in a dark room as punishment, and a kind soul secretly passed her a bag of loquats to ease her hunger. Xiao Jue finally confesses that he was the one who gave them to her. Their trip is interrupted by their former teacher, who still remembers Xiao Jue as his most brilliant student and He Yan as the troublemaker who was always last in her class.
He accuses He Yan of luring his prized pupil astray, but Xiao Jue quickly defends her, stating that he fell in love with her first and proudly reminding the teacher that she is now the great General Feihong, the first female general in Wei. That evening, they attend the bustling Yaojing Lantern Festival, which He Yan finds far more lively than the Water God Festival in Jiyang.
At a sugar painting stall, Xiao Jue becomes visibly jealous, remembering that He Yan once made a candy basket for Chu Zhao. When she offers to buy him one, he coldly refuses. Seeing through his pettiness, He Yan explains that the gift to Chu Zhao was merely to repay a favor, and then lovingly crafts a new, much larger sugar painting just for him. Their date continues as they run into Yan He and his wife, Chengxiu.
The four of them participate in guessing lantern riddles, where He Yan’s quick wit wins a beautiful lantern for Xiao Jue. Later, while they are sharing a bowl of sweet dumplings, He Yan spots Feinu in the background and realizes that their entire "lucky" evening, from the unique lantern to the conveniently available food, has been carefully orchestrated by Xiao Jue.
He then leads her to a beautiful tree, presents her with a flower, and confesses his love, asking her to marry him. He Yan joyfully accepts, and they share a passionate kiss, sealing their promise to spend their lives together. In stark contrast, a heartbroken Chu Zhao sits alone, speaking to the sugar painting He Yan once gave him, desperately trying to convince himself of her affection. As if a terrible omen, the delicate candy shatters in his hand.
His despair deepens when he witnesses He Yan and Xiao Jue's kiss under the plum blossoms at the festival. Later, in court, Chu Zhao plants a seed of doubt in the Emperor's mind, arguing that while Xiao Jue and He Yan are a perfect match, it would be dangerous for the state to allow General Fengyun and General Feihong, two commanders with immense military power, to marry.
Unaware of the looming threat, Xiao Jue tells He Yan he has already commissioned Yaojing’s finest embroiderers to create her wedding gown. As she is being measured for the dress, Xiao Jue playfully insists that she measure him as well, leading to a tender moment between them. Their happiness is cut short when a messenger arrives with an urgent summons for Xiao Jue to the palace.
There, after a briefing on a potential threat from the Wutuo people, Chu Zhao makes a shocking entrance and formally asks the Emperor for He Yan’s hand in marriage. Xiao Jue immediately objects, declaring his own engagement to her. The Emperor, swayed by Chu Zhao's earlier warning, presents Xiao Jue with an impossible ultimatum: he may marry He Yan, but only if one of them agrees to surrender their military authority.
He gives Xiao Jue until the next day to decide. Outside the palace, an enraged Xiao Jue punches Chu Zhao, who coldly justifies his actions by pointing out the dilemma: Xiao Jue would never force He Yan to give up her hard-won dream of being a general, nor could he abandon the Xiao Army his father entrusted to him.
When Xiao Jue returns home, he conceals the true nature of the meeting from He Yan, telling her only of the Wutuo threat. Looking at her, he says with hidden sorrow that as General Feihong, she is meant to soar freely. In his ancestral hall, before his parents' memorial tablets, Xiao Jue makes a silent, agonizing decision. He cannot abandon his duty, but he will not be the one to clip her wings. He resolves to sacrifice their future together, accepting a life of solitude.
Episode 35 Recap
In the Xiao family's ancestral hall, Xiao Jue reflects on his impossible situation. Acknowledging his duty to the Xiao Army and his refusal to hinder He Yan's ambitions, he resolves that if they are not fated to be together, he would rather spend his life alone. Meanwhile, the Emperor expresses his unease to a eunuch, admitting he deliberately ruined their marriage because he could not rest easy with two of the nation's most powerful generals united.
He decides to make their separation even more absolute. At the Xiao mansion, a blissfully unaware He Yan joyfully tries on the exquisite wedding gown Xiao Jue had commissioned for her. As her friends admire the dress, their happiness is shattered by Xiao Jue’s return. He carries two imperial edicts. Still in her wedding attire, He Yan kneels as Xiao Jue, with a heavy heart, reads the decrees.
The first bestows upon her a mansion in honor of her title as General Feihong. Before she can fully process this, he reads the second, a devastating order from the Emperor: she is to be married to Chu Zhao on an auspicious day. A flashback reveals Xiao Jue's confrontation with the Emperor. He had refused to surrender either his or He Yan's military authority, prompting the Emperor to command him to personally deliver the marriage decree.
Xiao Jue initially defied the order, willing to accept any punishment, but relented only when the Emperor threatened the safety of the entire Xiao family. Back in the present, a heartbroken He Yan tearfully questions how he could prepare for their wedding only to command her to marry another. Despite her anguish, she accepts the decree. As Xiao Jue hands her the scroll, his hand lingers, unable to let go, until she gently asks him to release it.
He Yan seeks an audience with the Emperor to plead her case. Chu Zhao is also present and insincerely promises to treat her well. He Yan cuts him off, telling the Emperor she understands his political concerns and will obey the order not to marry Xiao Jue. However, she adamantly refuses to marry Chu Zhao, declaring she would rather remain alone for the rest of her life.
Reminded of Xiao Jue’s own plea to give He Yan a choice, the Emperor relents and grants her wish. Outside, He Yan confronts Chu Zhao, accusing him of using love as a pretext for his ambition and calling him a ruthless schemer akin to Xu Jingfu. She smashes a tassel he once gave her, severing their ties completely. Xu Pinting is taunted by a servant about Chu Zhao's betrothal to He Yan.
Later, when she overhears Chu Zhao telling Yingxiang that the wedding is off, she mocks his failure. An argument ensues, culminating in Xu Pinting attempting to stab Chu Zhao. Yingxiang throws herself in front of him, taking the fatal wound. In her last moments, she begs Chu Zhao to let go of his obsessive quest.
As Yingxiang dies in his arms, a hysterical Xu Pinting laughs, screaming that this is his karma: the one he desires will never be his, and the only one who truly loved him is now dead. Troubled by his brother's despair, Xiao Jing urges Xiao Jue to fight for his happiness. He reminds Xiao Jue of all he has sacrificed for the family and tells him not to give up on He Yan.
Spurred by his brother's words, Xiao Jue rushes to the newly established General Feihong Mansion. He finds He Yan there and confesses he cannot let her go. She tells him it isn't too late, as she has already convinced the Emperor to allow her to remain single. Vowing to follow his heart, Xiao Jue declares that with or without a marriage contract, she will always be his wife. They embrace, their bond reaffirmed.
Sometime later, He Yan helps a nervous Song Taotao prepare for her wedding to Cheng Lisu, advising her to always remember her own identity and dreams. During the lively wedding celebration, He Yan watches with a touch of wistful envy. Xiao Jue notices her sadness and takes her hand, comforting her. She assures him she is not bitter, acknowledging that at least they can be together and grow old, a fortune many lovers never have. The peaceful period is short-lived.
While He Yan and Xiao Jue share a lamb hotpot at the Xiao Mansion, the urgent drums of the beacon tower sound an alarm. Feinu rushes in with a report: the Wutuo have launched a simultaneous attack on both Mingshui and Huayuan. Without a moment's hesitation, He Yan declares they must go to the palace at once.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
As war drums sound from the border, a guard reports that Wutuo forces are simultaneously attacking both Mingshui and Huayuan. He Yan and Xiao Jue waste no time and rush to the palace. The Emperor, furious that Wutuo has broken their peace treaty, issues his commands. He orders Xiao Jue to lead an army to Mingshui to repel the invaders. He then assigns Yan He to defend Huayuan, with Chu Zhao acting as military supervisor.
Finally, he commands He Yan to take the Fuyue Army to Rundu and guard the city alongside Li Kuang. He Yan questions the order, pointing out that Rundu is peaceful while Huayuan is under heavy attack, but the Emperor insists it is a necessary precaution against Wutuo's trickery. Later, He Yan expresses her suspicion to Xiao Jue that the Emperor's decision is meant to keep their forces separated out of distrust.
Xiao Jue reassures her, explaining that Rundu is strategically located between Mingshui and Huayuan, allowing her to provide reinforcements to either front as needed. Before they part, she makes him promise he will return safely. As Yan He prepares to depart for Huayuan, his pregnant wife, Xiu Xiu, insists on accompanying him. Though he is concerned for her safety, she reminds him that she has followed the army before and the baby is not due for some time.
Seeing her determination, he agrees, happy that he will be able to witness the birth of their child. Soon after, Xiao Jing and his wife see Xiao Jue and He Yan off, promising to take care of everything at home so they can focus on the war.
Shortly after arriving at their respective posts, He Yan receives an urgent report from the front: Wutuo has sent massive reinforcements to Huayuan, and Yan He's forces have been locked in a grueling battle for two days and nights. Without hesitation, He Yan leaves 5,000 of her elite soldiers to help Li Kuang defend Rundu and immediately leads the rest of her army to reinforce Huayuan.
Her timely arrival turns the tide of the battle, and together they successfully drive back the Wutuo army. Chu Zhao, pleased with the outcome, prepares a victory banquet for the soldiers. The celebration is cut short by tragedy. Yan He, exhausted and severely wounded from the prolonged battle, stumbles back into the camp and collapses.
With his dying breaths, he pleads with He Yan not to let his wife know what has happened, fearing the shock would harm her and their unborn child. At that very moment, Xiu Xiu goes into premature labor. As she endures the painful birth, He Yan lies and tells her that Yan He is still clearing out the remaining enemy forces. Xiu Xiu gives birth to a healthy baby girl.
He Yan informs her that Yan He had already chosen a name for their daughter: Muxia. Grief-stricken and furious, He Yan confronts Chu Zhao at the banquet. She coldly blames his self-serving counsel to the Emperor for the decision to split their forces, which left Yan He to fight alone for two days and ultimately cost him his life. Her words strike Chu Zhao, who is consumed by guilt.
He recalls his mother's warnings and realizes the devastating consequences of his actions. He understands that if Wei's top generals had been united, Wutuo would never have dared to invade. The Wutuo forces defeated at Huayuan retreat, but only to reinforce their army attacking Mingshui. Upon hearing the news, He Yan arranges for a subordinate to remain and defend Huayuan, while she leads her troops to aid the besieged Xiao family army. At Mingshui, the battle is brutal.
Xiao Jue finds himself surrounded by a dozen enemy soldiers, fighting for his life. Just as his situation becomes dire, He Yan and her army charge into the fray like a whirlwind. Fighting back-to-back with perfect coordination, they cut a path through the enemy ranks and together, they slay the Wutuo commander, securing a decisive victory for Wei. In the aftermath, Chu Zhao is held accountable for his disastrous advice that weakened Wei's defenses.
The Emperor strips him of his official rank and exiles him to the border, never to be employed again. When He Yan and Xiao Jue return to the capital, the Emperor rewards them but dismisses them from court quickly. With the war finally over and peace restored to the lands, He Yan remarks that Yan He's spirit can finally rest. Seeing their unwavering loyalty, the Emperor's suspicions are finally put to rest. He issues an imperial edict, granting their marriage.
Overjoyed, they kneel and accept the decree they had longed for. Xiao Jue and He Yan are married in a grand ceremony celebrated by all. As they walk on the red carpet together, memories of their shared struggles and triumphs flash through their minds. During the wedding banquet, Song Taotao goes to find He Yan in her room, only to discover she is missing. At the same time, Xiao Jue has also disappeared from the main hall.
The newlyweds have snuck away to Mount Cuiwang on the outskirts of the capital. He Yan had heard the moonlight there was the most beautiful in the world and wanted to see it for herself. Xiao Jue playfully feigns jealousy of the moon's title. Amused, He Yan teases him, and he responds by kissing her, promising that the "peerless moon" is now hers.
Holding hands under the night sky, she asks him what the moon will look like in ten, twenty, or even fifty years. He admits he doesn't know. She says she wants to see the difference for herself, and he agrees that they will find out together.
