Legend of Yun Xi Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Legend of Yun Xi Synopsis
As the daughter of an Imperial Doctor, Han Yunxi lost her mother at a young age and has gone through various trials and tribulations. But she still maintains a positive and optimistic attitude.
She has a talent for medicine and is well versed in traditional healing arts, but suffers from jealousy and ostracism.
By coincidence, Yunxi married Lord Qin, Long Feiye. From then on she was caught in the middle of a treacherous court struggle.
With her excellent medical skills, wise mind, and kind heart, Han Yunxi managed to detoxify for the court ministers, helped Long Feiye to detect the traitor, relieved the people of the country from the scourge of plague, and successfully cured the Prince who was infected with a strange disease.
Han Yunxi is not only loved by the people for her benevolent attitude as a healer, but also helps Long Feiye to break all kinds of schemes and tricks that are harmful to the country and the people, and quell the unrest of the Chu Family.
After a series of life changes, Yun Shi’s medical skills became more exquisite and won the affection of the King of Qin.
They were indifferent to fame and fortune and studied medicine together, and eventually left the hustle and bustle of the palace and lived a happy life without contention.
Legend of Yun Xi Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Han Yunxi, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Han family, endured mockery throughout her childhood due to a toxic carbuncle on her face. Despite this, she remained optimistic and strong-willed. Neglected by her father and tormented by her stepmother and stepsister, she dedicated herself to studying medicine, eventually mastering the skills to heal her own affliction.
On the wedding day of Prince Qin, Long Feiye, and Han Yunxi, the bridal sedan arrived at the Prince's Mansion, but Long Feiye was nowhere to be seen. Prince Qin, known for his refined demeanor and martial prowess, was celebrated as a war god after his recent victory against Xiqiu.
His mother, Consort Dowager Yi, believed a suitable wife should be of high standing and beneficial to his ambitions, like Baili Mingxiang, not Han Yunxi, who was from an imperial physician's family and whose appearance was widely considered unsightly. As expected, the Consort Dowager's butler declared that the auspicious time had passed and the wedding was off.
However, Han Yunxi, clad in her bridal attire, calmly countered that the marriage was decreed by the Emperor himself, a statement that clearly displeased the eavesdropping Consort Dowager. Refusing to be humiliated, Han Yunxi boldly stepped out of the sedan, tossing her red veil aside to reveal her cured, beautiful face. She walked with her back straight directly into the mansion. Inside, Han Yunxi politely greeted Consort Dowager Yi, who had attempted to defy the imperial decree.
Though furious, the Consort Dowager maintained her composure and, after a brief, tense exchange, instructed the maids to escort Han Yunxi to the wedding chamber. In the wedding chamber, Han Yunxi waited for a long time, growing drowsy. Suddenly, she heard a noise and peered outside, only to collide with a masked man who instantly grasped her throat.
Han Yunxi tried to warn him of her identity as Prince Qin's wife, but before she could finish, the individual, severely wounded and poisoned, collapsed onto her. Determined not to let anyone die on her wedding day, Han Yunxi prepared to treat his injuries. Unbeknownst to her, the man was Long Feiye, her newlywed husband, and this was not their first encounter.
A month prior, Han Yunxi, her face still afflicted and hidden by a veil, was painstakingly climbing a cliff, searching for the rare Shenyou Grass. At the summit, a masked Long Feiye led his men to a secret location to find a scripture and information about the elusive Poison Tribe. They discovered an underground chamber where experiments were being conducted on children using the Poison Tribe's gu-poison formula. Long Feiye and his men swiftly eliminated the culprits.
He hesitated to kill a maddened, gu-poisoned child, instead severing the boy's chains. They found only one volume of the scripture, leading Long Feiye to deduce that the Crown Prince must have hidden the rest. He decided they must take the gu-poisoned child with them to find the Poison Tribe. While Long Feiye was fighting off remaining assailants, he was knocked from the cliff, sending rocks tumbling down. The commotion startled Han Yunxi below, causing her to lose her grip.
As they both fell, Long Feiye caught her in mid-air, and they landed safely at the base of the cliff. The next morning, Han Yunxi awoke to Long Feiye pointing a sword at her. After she explained her purpose for being there, she seized an opportunity to incapacitate him with a self-made poison powder.
Noticing the scripture tucked inside his clothes, Han Yunxi, an avid student of medicine, was fascinated by the toxic herbs it described and took it as compensation for him having seen her face. When his deputy, Chu Xifeng, arrived, a paralyzed Long Feiye instructed him to rendezvous with General Baili and ensure the gu-poisoned child was cared for before setting off in pursuit of Han Yunxi. He cornered her near Herb-Ghost Valley, a place shrouded in a toxic mist.
To escape, Han Yunxi, having taken a homemade antidote, plunged into the mist, leaving Long Feiye blocked outside. Inside the valley, a man in red appeared behind her, curious about the pill she had swallowed. This was Gu Qishao, the charming and unrestrained Master of Herb-Ghost Valley. Discerning by scent alone that her antidote was self-refined, he was intrigued and mischievously pointed her toward a path that led her deeper into his domain.
Gu Qishao secretly observed Han Yunxi, noting her compassion when she tended to an injured rabbit and her advanced knowledge of poisons. He also recognized that the man pursuing her was no ordinary person. Intrigued, Gu Qishao decided to test her. Meanwhile, back in the capital, Emperor Tianhui feigned illness upon news of Prince Qin's return. Crown Prince Long Tianmo attempted to deliver a decree, but Chu Xifeng blocked him, claiming Long Feiye was unwell.
The suspicious Crown Prince insisted on seeing him, only to be sharply rebuked by an emerging Long Feiye. Later, during Prince Qin's grand procession into the city, Han Yunxi's younger stepsister, Han Ruoxue, openly declared her desire to marry him. In Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao challenged Han Yunxi to find three specific herbs—Yimi Flower, Guidaqiang, and Shenyou Grass—within two hours, promising to grant a wish if she succeeded. With her exceptional knowledge, she found them all.
Her wish was for an abundance of Shenyou Grass. After she left, Gu Qishao's maids, Bai Su and Zhuyu, worried she would expose their location and suggested killing her. But Gu Qishao, having taken a liking to her, instead commanded them to allow Han Yunxi free entry to the valley in the future. Han Yunxi returned quietly to the Han Mansion, only to be confronted by her father, Imperial Doctor Han Cong'an, her stepmother Mrs. Xu, and stepsister Han Ruoxue.
They falsely accused her of staying out all night with a man. To prove her innocence, Han Yunxi revealed her scarred face, arguing no man would be interested. Enraged and humiliated, Han Cong'an slapped her across the carbuncle and ordered her to kneel in punishment. Forced to kneel before a portrait of her late mother, Tianxin, Han Yunxi felt utterly hopeless about her father. However, her aunt discovered the Shenyou Grass and, ecstatic, rushed to prepare the medicine. Han Cong'an noticed Yunxi's written prescription, marveling that she had inherited her mother's talent, yet he still secretly tampered with the concoction.
Episode 2 Recap
Following his tense standoff at the end of the previous day, Long Feiye and his vice general, Chu Xifeng, remained outside the mysterious Herb-Ghost Valley, which was protected by a poisonous barrier. Long Feiye demanded entry, but the valley's owner, Gu Qishao, refused, stating that no one could enter without his permission. When Long Feiye threatened to set the valley ablaze, Gu Qishao appeared unfazed, believing Long Feiye wouldn't dare as the very thing he sought was inside.
The stalemate broke when Gu Qishao's maid, Zhuyu, impulsively charged at Long Feiye. Chu Xifeng swiftly subdued her, giving Long Feiye crucial leverage. Seeing this, coupled with Long Feiye's offer of a rare Liusha Iris—a flower that takes sixty years to blossom—and knowing the "Poison Girl" (Han Yunxi) had already left, Gu Qishao finally relented. However, after a thorough search, Long Feiye's men found neither the herbs nor the person they were looking for.
Back in the imperial palace, the Empress Dowager praised Long Feiye for his military success and offered him Fenglu Tea, a rare gift from the late emperor. Long Feiye drank the tea quickly and excused himself, eager to see his mother, Consort Dowager Yi. After his departure, the Empress Dowager ordered her maid to smash the teacup.
The maid then reminded the Empress Dowager that Prince Qin had suffered a severe allergic reaction to Fenglu Tea as a child, yet he showed no symptoms this time. This, along with the fact that he was the sole survivor of a great fire years ago, sparked deep suspicions in the Empress Dowager about Long Feiye's true identity.
As she was secretly the one who started that fire, she decided to investigate discreetly by planting a spy in his mansion, and then had her sedan taken to Qinzheng Hall. In Prince Qin's Mansion, Consort Dowager Yi celebrated her son's victory. She then raised the subject of his marriage, revealing she had already chosen Miss Baili, the gentle daughter of General Baili, one of Long Feiye's key allies.
Meanwhile, in Qinzheng Hall, the Empress Dowager discussed the same matter with Emperor Tianhui. Recalling a promise made years ago to Lady Tianxin after she saved her life, the Empress Dowager proposed a marriage between her son, Long Feiye, and Lady Tianxin's daughter, Han Yunxi. Despite Han Yunxi being known throughout the capital for her disfigured face, the Empress Dowager insisted that her word as the nation's mother must be honored.
Seeing it as a way to control the powerful Prince Qin by marrying him into a family with no political influence, Emperor Tianhui agreed and decreed that the wedding would take place by the end of the month. At the Han Mansion, Han Yunxi was disheartened to find that the rare Shenyou Grass she had found was ineffective against the carbuncles on her face. Her dejection was interrupted by the arrival of the imperial edict.
When it was announced that the "ugly" Han Yunxi was to marry Prince Qin, her stepsister, Han Ruoxue, blurted out her disbelief. Her father, Han Cong'an, quickly apologized and asked for time for Yunxi to prepare before meeting the Empress Dowager. Later, he tried to persuade Yunxi to decline the marriage, suggesting she was unworthy.
However, tired of the constant disdain she faced at home, Han Yunxi refused, seeing the marriage as her only escape and a validation of her worth. Elsewhere, in the Grand Marshal's Mansion, Crown Prince Long Tianmo frantically reported to the Grand Marshal that their Gu-poison test subject and a scripture he had secretly kept had been stolen from a mountain villa.
The Crown Prince confessed he had hidden the scripture from both the Emperor and the Grand Marshal to secure his position. They learned the attackers used swordsmanship characteristic of the Beili royalty, which the Grand Marshal suspected was a deliberate misdirection. Having already eliminated all witnesses at the villa, they resolved to follow this lead to uncover the culprits.
When Long Feiye arrived at the palace in full armor, he was stopped by guards insisting he disarm, a clear slight orchestrated by the Emperor. His vice general, Chu Xifeng, protested, citing the Emperor's own decree allowing Long Feiye this honor. Understanding the political maneuver, Long Feiye strategically declared he would remove his armor to plead guilt, and if still denied an audience, would kneel at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
This forced the Emperor's hand, and he was finally allowed to enter. Meanwhile, Han Yunxi was brought before the Empress Dowager, who ordered her to remove her veil. The Empress Dowager then revealed her condition for helping Yunxi find her long-lost mother: she must marry Long Feiye and act as a spy to find a specific birthmark of the Wind Tribe on his body. In the throne hall, Long Feiye boldly accused officials of wartime corruption.
He specifically called out Vice Minister of Revenue, An Zhonggu, who was dragged away for execution, his desperate cries implicating the Crown Prince and the Grand Marshal. Afterwards, the Empress Dowager gave Han Yunxi a bracelet belonging to her mother to seal their deal. As Han Yunxi was leaving, she passed Long Feiye in a corridor. For a fleeting moment their paths crossed, but he glanced past her, seemingly without notice.
Episode 3 Recap
With rumors of an impending alliance between Western Qiu and Tianning through a princess's marriage, and Prince Qin, Long Feiye, asserting his power against the Emperor, marrying into his mansion was seen as a perilous fate. In the Han Mansion, Han Cong'an, Yunxi's father, had poisoned his daughter with a toxin only he could cure, hoping to prevent her entanglement in the imperial power struggles. This act, however, only deepened the chasm between them.
Upon Yunxi's return from the palace, Han Cong'an feigned concern, explaining the perilous implications of her arranged marriage. Yunxi, however, found the coldness of the Han Mansion more unbearable than the dangers of Prince Qin's Mansion, a feeling stemming from a profound lack of paternal affection. Her father's sudden display of care felt artificial, causing her to instinctively recoil from his touch. Meanwhile, at Wanyan House, the top courtesan, Miss Yuze, attended to Crown Prince Long Tianmo.
He was distraught, as the gu-poisoned child he held had been abducted, and he had yet to discover the culprit. Yuze, pretending to be interested in the luminous pearl he promised, suggested that Lord Qishao might be able to help. Unbeknownst to the Crown Prince, Yuze was devoted to Lord Qishao, and Wanyan House secretly served as his base for observing Tianning's nobility. When Long Tianmo sought Lord Qishao's help, he provided a vial of the child's blood.
Lord Qishao, skilled in such arts, used a few drops and played his flute to command poison flies to seek out the child. The flies located Long Feiye and Chu Xifeng just as the gu-afflicted child was overpowering them. Long Feiye quickly subdued the child with acupuncture and, disregarding his own safety, administered the last available antidote to him. Sensing they were being watched, Long Feiye instructed Chu Xifeng to relocate the child immediately.
Upon the return of the poison flies, Lord Qishao sketched the image of the man the insects had seen. To Long Tianmo's astonishment, the man was his own Royal Uncle, Long Feiye. Lord Qishao was also surprised, realizing the formidable man he had previously encountered was Prince Qin. After the Crown Prince departed, Lord Qishao's aide revealed she had secretly kept some of the child's blood, which he planned to analyze to uncover the royal family's internal conflicts.
The Crown Prince then secretly met with the Grand Marshal. Shrewdly interpreting the Emperor's sentiments, the Grand Marshal confirmed that His Majesty was wary of Long Feiye's growing power. Incited by the Grand Marshal, the two conspired to assassinate Long Feiye during his upcoming wedding, believing the chaotic event would provide the perfect opportunity. In her chamber, as she prepared for the wedding, Han Yunxi sat before a mirror.
Her face, now free of the toxic carbuncles, had a delicate beauty. Dressed in her red wedding gown, her hand touched a worn book, stirring memories of her first encounter with Long Feiye. That night, he had saved her from a fall, and she, in turn, had taken his book. Now, feeling her body weaken from what she believed was medicine for her face, she longed to return the book but did not know his identity.
As her aunt entered, Yunxi coughed up blood. Her aunt revealed that the medicine had been personally prepared by Han Cong'an. A chilling realization washed over Yunxi: her own father had poisoned her. Resolving to sever all ties, Yunxi instructed her aunt to prepare another dose of medicine to temporarily suppress the poison, determined to proceed with the wedding. At Prince Qin's Mansion, Long Feiye was concerned for the gu-poisoned child's security.
As Chu Xifeng reassured him that the child was safe, Long Feiye detected someone on the rooftops. He gave chase, falling into a trap set by Lord Qishao. The figure, Miss Yuze, lured Long Feiye to the Minister of Grand Court's Mansion, where she used a powder to momentarily expose his position. When guards came to investigate, they found the Minister had been murdered, framing Long Feiye.
He pursued Yuze into a forest, but Lord Qishao appeared and unleashed a swarm of poison flies. Despite Long Feiye's skill, the sheer number of insects overwhelmed him, and one managed to bite and poison him. At the Han Mansion, Han Cong'an waited, believing his plan had succeeded. To his shock, Yunxi emerged, beautifully adorned in her wedding gown. When he questioned how she could stand, his words confirmed her suspicions.
Yunxi declared their father-daughter relationship over and stepped into the bridal sedan, leaving him to grieve his misguided actions. Inside the sedan, as the poison flared up, Yunxi coughed blood onto her mother's bracelet. This inadvertently activated a mystical realm within it, which contained the legendary Poison Scripture and a wealth of medical knowledge. In this space, Yunxi used her skills to treat her face and neutralize the toxins in her body.
Thus, despite Consort Dowager Yi's attempts to obstruct the wedding, Yunxi successfully arrived at Prince Qin's Mansion. Weakened by poison, Long Feiye fought off assassins sent by the Crown Prince on his way back. He finally stumbled into the bridal chamber late that night, wounded and exhausted, to find Yunxi waiting. Yunxi recognized him as the man from the cliff, shocked and fearful he was an assassin or there to reclaim his book.
When he collapsed, she overcame her apprehension and began treating his wounds, intending to send him away before he was discovered. However, as she urged him to leave, Long Feiye revealed his identity, telling Yunxi that he was her husband, the Prince of Qin.
Episode 4 Recap
Following Lord Qishao's scheme, the beautiful Miss Yuze, wearing a mask resembling Han Yunxi, successfully lured Long Feiye into a trap. Back at his own base, a maid confirmed Lord Qishao's suspicions about the blood samples: the Crown Prince and the Grand Marshal were secretly holding a Gu-poisoned individual.
Realizing that the presence of a Gu-poisoned person implies the involvement of the Poison Sect and that Prince Qin had now seized this individual from the Crown Prince, Lord Qishao saw a perfect opportunity. He noted the deep-seated conflict between the Crown Prince, Prince Qin, and the Emperor, and decided to fan the flames to make them destroy each other, preparing to meet with the Crown Prince.
Meanwhile, Long Feiye returned to his mansion, where Han Yunxi was forced to navigate their complex new reality. She confessed that the medicine she first administered only temporarily suppressed the poison, as a proper antidote for such a rare toxin would take time to prepare. Using the pretense of needing to expel the poison with acupuncture, she examined his body for the Wind Tribe mark, only to find his torso covered in numerous scars but no distinguishing sign.
Long Feiye, in turn, questioned her about her own past facial disfigurement, which she explained her father had cured with rare herbs. He dismissed her suggestion to procure more Shenyou Grass, a priceless herb, from Mt. Ducheng. Later, the arrival of a poison doctor startled Yunxi, though she maintained her composure. That night, she prepared a precise detoxifying formula and gave it to Chu Xifeng.
However, Long Feiye ordered him to have the mansion's poison doctors examine the prescription, making Yunxi inwardly question his trust. Long Feiye then instructed Yunxi to sleep on the couch in his room, as they would enter the palace together the next morning. Troubled that Long Feiye might recognize her from their prior encounter, Yunxi considered altering her appearance.
Her anxiety led to a nightmare where the Consort Dowager Yi pursued her and her mother, only for her mother to transform into Long Feiye, who then recognized and threatened to kill her. The next morning, Chu Xifeng reported to Long Feiye that the Minister of Grand Court's family had been murdered, and Long Feiye was the prime suspect after being seen on the roof of the minister's mansion.
General Mu Qingwu had even requested to investigate Prince Qin's residence, but the Emperor had deferred it due to the wedding. Realizing the Crown Prince likely knew he had taken the Gu-poisoned boy, Long Feiye concluded he was being targeted by multiple factions. He ordered Chu Xifeng to monitor Mu Qingwu's investigation and to identify the woman who lured him out on his wedding day.
Consort Dowager Yi, relieved by her son's safe return, warned him to be cautious and avoid giving his enemies any leverage, especially concerning the minister's murder case. At the Grand Marshal's mansion, the Crown Prince learned that his assassins had failed to kill Long Feiye. He grew fearful, as Prince Qin now held leverage over them with the Gu-poisoned boy, and discovery by the Emperor seemed imminent.
The Grand Marshal reassured him, vowing to protect him and help him overcome Prince Qin. Later, Long Feiye and Han Yunxi went to greet the Empress Dowager. She remarked on Yunxi's unexpected beauty, noting her resemblance to Lady Tianxin. When she questioned Long Feiye's absence from the wedding rituals, he explained that he had been lured away, poisoned, and attacked, surviving only thanks to Yunxi's timely medical aid.
The Empress Dowager dismissed Long Feiye to meet the Emperor but kept Yunxi behind. Yunxi admitted she had checked Long Feiye's front and back while treating his wounds but found no Wind Tribe mark, fearing he was too guarded. The Empress Dowager revealed that the imperial document detailing the mark's location had been destroyed in a fire. She gave Yunxi a one-month deadline to search Long Feiye's entire body, implying her mother's fate depended on her success.
In Qinzheng Hall, the Emperor confronted Long Feiye about the minister's murder, noting their long-standing animosity. Long Feiye maintained he was framed but lacked proof. While claiming not to suspect his own brother, the Emperor stressed the need for a swift resolution and told Long Feiye to conduct his own investigation, explicitly stating he need not cooperate with General Mu Qingwu.
After Long Feiye left, however, the Emperor instructed Mu Qingwu to investigate thoroughly, declaring that "a royal shall be punished like a civilian if he commits a crime," revealing his true intent to suppress Prince Qin. While waiting for Long Feiye on a palace bridge, Han Yunxi was accosted by the arrogant Princess Changbing, who demanded she kneel. Upon learning Yunxi was the new Consort Qin, the princess mocked her low status and unconventional wedding.
Yunxi cleverly retorted that her marriage was by imperial decree, implying disrespect to the Emperor. Enraged, Princess Changbing tried to have her slapped. Yunxi skillfully deflected the attack, causing the off-balance princess to fall into the lake. Immediately after, a matron pushed Yunxi towards the water, but Long Feiye arrived just in time to catch her. He sternly forced a humiliated Princess Changbing to address Yunxi as "Aunt" and apologize.
This public confrontation was witnessed by the Emperor, who, already wary of Prince Qin's power, saw it as further proof of his arrogance. He also expressed surprise that the reputedly disfigured Han Yunxi was now a beauty, solidifying his resolve to strip Prince Qin of his military authority. Back at the mansion, Long Feiye told Yunxi to move to Xianyun Pavilion, offering the alternative of sharing his bed.
Yunxi reluctantly chose the former but gave him a specially prepared herbal mixture for his bath to aid his recovery. Suspicious that she was a spy for the Empress Dowager, Long Feiye secretly ordered Chu Xifeng to have the herbs inspected by his doctors. Meanwhile, in her new quarters, Yunxi schemed to find the mark, learning from a maid, Madam Zhao, that Long Feiye bathed at a fixed time every evening.
She planned to use this opportunity to investigate him under the guise of ensuring he used her medicinal herbs. Unbeknownst to them, the Emperor and Empress Dowager discussed a marriage alliance with the neighboring state of Xiqiu. Seeing an opportunity to infiltrate Xiqiu and gain control of its famous warhorses, the Emperor decided against marrying their cunning Princess Chu Qingge to either the naive Crown Prince or the already powerful Prince Qin.
Instead, he declared his intention to marry her himself. Later that evening, Chu Xifeng reported that the imperial and poison doctors had unanimously praised Yunxi's herbal bath formula as a perfect prescription for enhancing vitality. As Long Feiye prepared for his bath, his guards spotted Yunxi sneaking towards the bathing chamber. Chu Xifeng, however, playfully dismissed their concerns, remarking that the Consort merely wished to join her husband and would surely do him no harm.
Episode 5 Recap
Long Feiye, in a black bathing robe, sensed Han Yunxi lingering outside his chamber and called her in. Caught trying to discover a hidden mark on him, Han Yunxi fabricated an excuse, explaining that the entire mansion knew she had been driven out of Moon Pavilion. She expressed her fear of being cast out by Consort Dowager Yi, who despised her origins, leaving her with no dignity.
Boldly, she asked him to treat her better to secure her position, offering her medical and poison skills as a way to be useful. Long Feiye coldly dismissed her, asserting that his mansion had many imperial and poison doctors, rendering her skills useless. After she left, Han Yunxi silently vowed to prove her worth, frustrated by his inaccessibility which prevented her from checking for the mark.
Meanwhile, in Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao and Bai Su discussed Long Feiye’s surprisingly swift recovery. Gu Qishao recalled that during Long Feiye's previous search of the valley, his skilled poison doctors could not overcome a minor poison barrier. He wondered if Long Feiye now had an even more formidable poison expert by his side.
Bai Su, unconcerned, affirmed that Gu Qishao's true objective had been achieved, as Long Feiye would now likely attribute the recent murder cases to the Crown Prince. Later, Han Yunxi discovered an old veil she used to wear due to carbuncles on her face, along with a medical record, among her belongings. When a maid offered to tidy her things, Han Yunxi insisted on handling it herself, quickly hiding the medical record to prevent its discovery.
Elsewhere, at the arrangement of Beili’s Crown Prince Jun Yizheng, Gu Qishao rode to meet Princess Chu Qingge of Xiqiu. Chu Qingge stated her motive for cooperation: Prince Qin had killed her father and slaughtered her soldiers, plunging Xiqiu into turmoil and forcing her into a political marriage. She sought Gu Qishao's help for intelligence, particularly on the imperial harem's power factions. Gu Qishao agreed, requesting palace intelligence in return, and gave her a gift of refined poisons for self-defense.
He arranged future meetings at Herb-Ghost Valley, all while concealing his true identity as Jun Yixie, a prince of Beili. He then revealed that their mutual enemy, Long Feiye, would soon face difficulties from the ongoing "case of the minister of the Grand Court," which would serve as a catalyst for his downfall, given Emperor Tianhui's existing apprehension towards the popular prince.
In Beili, Crown Prince Jun Yizheng reported to his mother that he had successfully persuaded Chu Qingge to accept the political marriage to destabilize Tianning. He assured her of his safety during his secret trip to Xiqiu, citing the many Beili spies among Xiqiu's high-ranking officials. He explained that Xiqiu was now under Beili's influence and that they could control Chu Qingge by threatening her brother, the Crown Prince of Xiqiu.
His mother approved, and when she asked who would assist Chu Qingge in Tianning, Jun Yizheng named his royal brother, Jun Yixie, vowing to keep him busy. As Chu Qingge neared the capital, she discussed Gu Qishao with her nanny, Mammy Lin. She found him skilled but uninhibited, sensing that Jun Yizheng might struggle to control him.
Acknowledging the dangers of the suspicious Emperor Tianhui and the treacherous harem, Chu Qingge passionately declared her marriage was solely for revenge against Long Feiye. She instructed Mammy Lin to have their spies monitor the case of the minister of the Grand Court to identify Long Feiye's enemies as potential allies and to contact Gu Qishao directly at Herb-Ghost Valley if needed. Han Yunxi spent her days studying the unique poisons described in her bracelet's medical records.
Shifting focus from trying to impress Long Feiye, she devised a new plan to see the mark on him. She decided to use a colorless, odorless Blister Poison on his bed, which would cause blisters on his lower body and force him to seek her medical treatment, giving her the perfect opportunity to examine his legs. Unbeknownst to her, Long Feiye was receiving a report from Chu Xifeng.
He learned that Han Yunxi had remained in her pavilion, while the Crown Prince frequented a brothel and the Grand Marshal was in seclusion. Long Feiye deduced they believed he would not expose the secret of the gu-abetted men. Xifeng also reported that Gu Qishao had evaded their trackers on the night Long Feiye was injured. Shortly after, Long Feiye was ambushed upon leaving his mansion.
Recognizing the assassins as the Crown Prince's men, he deemed pursuit a waste of time and returned to Moon Pavilion, where he found Han Yunxi emerging from his room. She claimed she was retrieving a lost medicine bottle, but Long Feiye forbade her from entering his chamber without permission again. Once inside, he detected an unusual scent from his bed and ordered Senior Maid Zhao to change all the bedding, unknowingly foiling Han Yunxi's plan due to his extreme mysophobia.
Eager to learn more, Han Yunxi questioned servants about Long Feiye’s private life, asking if he had concubines or visited brothels. She learned he had extreme mysophobia and preferred to be alone, leading her to speculate he might have a hidden illness. This gossip reached Consort Dowager Yi, who, exasperated, summoned Han Yunxi.
She lectured her on royal etiquette, forcing her to practice walking with a tea tray on her head, and ordered her to change Long Feiye’s clothes and wash his feet that evening. Despite her outward protests, Han Yunxi was inwardly pleased by the opportunity. That evening, Han Yunxi entered Long Feiye's chamber to wash his feet as commanded. Long Feiye dismissed the supervising maid, asserting he would teach his own wife.
As Han Yunxi meticulously removed two layers of his socks, he playfully kicked her, sending her sprawling. A nearby maid interpreted his prank as a sign of affection. Internally, Han Yunxi cataloged the parts of Long Feiye’s body she had seen, blushing as she realized her thoughts had strayed beyond professional detachment. Later, Long Feiye smiled subtly in his bath, recalling the incident, while Han Yunxi lay in her bed, replaying the moments in her mind with a newfound shyness.
Days later, Emperor Tianhui tasked Long Feiye with personally welcoming Princess Chu Qingge. This triggered a flashback to the war with Xiqiu a month prior. His forces were surrounded and outnumbered. A loyal soldier urged him to retreat, but Long Feiye insisted on leading the charge. The Xiqiu Emperor mocked him, revealing his true goal was not Emperor Tianhui, but a hidden being who could turn ordinary people into formidable soldiers.
He demanded Long Feiye surrender, but Long Feiye fiercely refused. As he fought, he underwent a painful transformation. The Xiqiu Emperor recognized him with dawning horror as the legendary "gu-abetted man" he had sought his entire life, and was promptly killed. Enduring immense pain, Long Feiye single-handedly eliminated the remaining enemy forces.
Episode 6 Recap
Haunted by memories of a past battle, Long Feiye finds himself unable to sleep. He recalls the harrowing scene where Chu Xifeng and his men discovered him on a blood-soaked battlefield. All other soldiers and generals had fallen, leaving Long Feiye as the sole survivor, standing unconscious while clutching Tianning's war banner. The troubling memory of the carnage keeps him awake. The following day, Long Feiye joins Crown Prince Tianmo outside the city to welcome the Princess of Western Qiu.
Emperor Tianhui then discusses the arrangements for the ten thousand battle steeds brought by Western Qiu with Long Feiye. Long Feiye urges the Emperor to reconsider displacing local villagers for the steeds' grazing land, highlighting the potential hardship. However, Emperor Tianhui dismisses his concerns, prioritizing national strength over the immediate welfare of the populace. Following this, the Emperor invites Long Feiye to join him in a hot spring bath and a game of chess.
Meanwhile, at the Grand Marshal's Mansion, Crown Prince Tianmo and the Grand Marshal meet with Gu Qishao. Gu Qishao correctly deduces that the Crown Prince wants Prince Qin dead. He then confesses to orchestrating the assassination of the Minister of Grand Court's entire family, luring Prince Qin to the scene through the courtesan Yu Ze to frame him. Although Crown Prince Tianmo is frustrated by the death of the Minister, a loyal supporter, the Grand Marshal praises Gu Qishao's decisiveness.
Gu Qishao then proposes a bolder scheme: to manipulate the Emperor himself into eliminating Prince Qin. He argues that for this "borrowed knife" plan to succeed and shield the Crown Prince from suspicion, the victims used as bait must be officials known to be close to the Crown Prince. Convinced, Tianmo agrees to the plan. Back at the hot spring, Emperor Tianhui observes Long Feiye's numerous battle scars, expressing feigned remorse for the Prince's hardships.
He offers Long Feiye newly conquered territories to govern as a feudal prince. Long Feiye respectfully declines, citing the historical chaos caused by feudal lords. The Emperor then challenges Long Feiye to a game of chess, turning the match into a discussion of military strategy. Emperor Tianhui asserts that superior strength always prevails, subtly suggesting that Long Feiye should now "rest" from military affairs.
Long Feiye, however, humbly states his inability to relax while external enemies and internal traitors remain, affirming his duty to the empire. As evening approaches, the Princess of Western Qiu, Chu Qingge, awaits Emperor Tianhui's arrival in her chambers. When he finally arrives late, he is captivated by her beauty. Chu Qingge, however, states that beauty is fleeting and that she wishes only to be a supportive companion to ease his burdens.
She offers him Xianhao Tea, which he praises but does not drink, citing pressing state affairs before leaving. As soon as he departs, Chu Qingge instructs her mammy to discard the handkerchief she used to wipe her hand after the Emperor's touch. She explains that while he may not have directly killed her father, he is still her enemy, and her current goal is to eliminate his deep-seated suspicions of her.
In the capital, two more high-ranking officials – the Prime Minister's Aide and the Minister of Revenue – are found mysteriously dead. Emperor Tianhui is furious, demanding Mu Qingwu thoroughly investigate. Unbeknownst to him, these deaths are the direct result of the plot by Crown Prince Tianmo and Gu Qishao. In an earlier scene at Wanyan House, the Crown Prince, accompanied by the top courtesan Yu Ze, had been drinking with the two now-deceased officials.
He gifted them special tribute tea, normally reserved only for the Emperor and Empress Dowager, shortly before their deaths. Ten days have passed beyond the deadline set by the Empress Dowager for the birthmark investigation. Yun Xi, growing anxious, learns from Senior Maid Zhao that Long Feiye is now implicated not only in the Minister of Grand Court's case but also in the recent murders.
Determined to clear Long Feiye's name, Yun Xi resolves to identify the poison responsible, believing it will lead to the true culprits. That evening, she brings chicken soup to Long Feiye's study, using the opportunity to eavesdrop and learn that the poison experts in Prince Qin's Mansion and the Imperial Doctors are all unable to identify the substance. Yun Xi sees this as her chance to prove her worth.
During the morning court, ministers loyal to the Grand Marshal and Crown Prince Tianmo accuse Prince Qin of the murders. Despite the lack of evidence, the Grand Marshal suggests the Emperor strip Prince Qin of his duties and military command to appease the public. Long Feiye accepts the decree. Though the Crown Prince feels victorious, the Grand Marshal cautions him against complacency, advising him to keep Gu Qishao close but to eliminate him if he shows any disloyalty.
They also note Consort Qing's animosity towards Long Feiye, seeing it as a potential tool. Later, Emperor Tianhui privately expresses regret to Long Feiye, claiming the decision was a temporary measure. He then confides his concern about Beili's spies, stating that Long Feiye is the only one he can truly rely on. At the Yizhuang, Long Feiye and Chu Xifeng examine the bodies.
Long Feiye detects a lingering, unusual sandalwood scent, realizing it must have been on the victims before death. He instructs Chu Xifeng to investigate noble mansions for similar fragrances. They confirm the two recently deceased officials bore the same scent and died similarly to the Minister of Grand Court's family, though the method of poisoning appears different. Meanwhile, Yun Xi disguises herself as a maid and sneaks out of the mansion.
She finds her way to Huaxikou, a shop she discovers is owned by Gu Qishao. She greets him cheerfully, and he gifts her a newly developed cleanser. As Yun Xi departs, Gu Qishao suppresses his feelings, resolving to keep his distance to protect her. Later, Gu Qishao meets Crown Prince Tianmo at Wanyan House.
The Prince boasts about Long Feiye losing his military authority, but Gu Qishao advises caution, warning that acting too hastily could help Long Feiye clear his name. Concurrently, Yun Xi reaches the Yizhuang. When guards refuse her entry, she uses a sedative to knock them out. Upon entering, she is startled by a small, furry pet belonging to Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue, who is also present. However, it is revealed that Gu Beiyue harbors a secret identity as a descendant of the Shadow Clan.
Episode 7 Recap
Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue was inspecting several bodies at the morgue, attempting to determine the cause of death for a series of high-ranking officials who had mysteriously perished. He admitted his limited knowledge of poisons, noting that even top poison experts were baffled by the strange toxins. Han Yunxi, feigning a commission from Imperial Doctor Han Cong'an, arrived to assist in the investigation.
Using her unique abilities, Han Yunxi quickly identified the cause of death as a poison from "spider mosquitoes." She explained that the perpetrator mixed a special powder into the victims' food or fragrances, which attracted the bloodthirsty spider mosquitoes, causing a silent and untraceable death by paralyzing the victims' functions and stopping their hearts. Impressed by her insight, Gu Beiyue inquired about her source, but Han Yunxi claimed she couldn't remember the name of the ancient book and quickly departed.
Meanwhile, at Wanyan House, Gu Qishao provided Yu Ze, the top courtesan, with fresh "poison mosquito powder," instructing her to lie low. He explained that since Prince Qin Long Feiye's military power had been removed, he would have more time to investigate the case. Gu Qishao believed the Imperial Academy of Medicine would find nothing and advised against any rash actions that might arouse Long Feiye's suspicions.
He reflected on the insidious nature of the poison, which, while harmless itself, attracted the spider mosquitoes that caused undetectable deaths. As Han Yunxi left the morgue, she unexpectedly encountered Gu Qishao. Their playful banter led to Gu Qishao insisting on treating her to a meal at his favorite noodle shop, a place he considered his "secret base." After their meal, as Han Yunxi walked away, she inadvertently bumped into Yu Ze, who was distracted and dropped a small bottle.
Han Yunxi recognized the contents as the very poison powder she had just identified at the morgue. Unseen by Yu Ze, Han Yunxi followed her to Wanyan House, suspecting her involvement. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Long Feiye, searching for Han Yunxi, discovered a silver needle in her room.
This discovery, coupled with recalled conversations about draining poison with needles and the Empress Dowager's desire to find the Wind Tribe mark on him, led him to realize that Han Yunxi was not only the "poison girl" who had stolen his medicinal scripture but also a spy sent by the Empress Dowager. He began to reflect on their past encounters, a mix of emotions stirring within him.
In Qinghui Palace, Consort Qing, who was Princess Chu Qingge of Western Qiu, lamented the unavenged defeat of her country. Unwilling to wait passively, she decided to send her treasured Thousand-Year Blood Jade to the Empress Dowager. She instructed her senior maid to ensure that all the palace consorts knew of this grand gesture, hoping to draw attention.
Noble Consort Xiao, mother of the Second Imperial Prince, immediately saw Consort Qing's move as a threat and ordered her maid to investigate the gift. At Renshou Palace, the Empress Dowager received the blood jade, appreciating its value but suspicious of Consort Qing's motives. When Emperor Tianhui arrived, she brought up his recent decision to strip Prince Qin of his military power.
The Emperor dismissed it as a mere "test," assuring her that a "tiger without teeth" was no longer a threat. The Empress Dowager warned him against pushing Long Feiye too far and then showed him Consort Qing's gift, pointedly asking if he was captivated by her beauty. Emperor Tianhui asserted his focus remained on the country. The Empress Dowager cautioned him about "beauty breeding disaster," expressing her distrust of Chu Qingge.
She concluded by reminding him that she had secured his throne, but maintaining it was his responsibility, especially with Prince Qin "waiting in the wings." Later, Emperor Tianhui made an unannounced visit to Consort Qing's residence. He found her painting a landscape of Xiqiu and praised her artistry. The Emperor then subtly probed her thoughts on the recent poisonings.
Feigning humility, Consort Qing stated that Prince Qin, known for his wisdom and bravery, would not resort to such a "silly method" if he wished to eliminate someone, expressing her belief in his innocence. Upon Han Yunxi's return, Long Feiye confronted her, forcing her to kneel. Deliberately omitting his discovery that she was a spy, he demanded to know why she had hidden her identity and seemingly implicated him in the Grand Court murder.
Han Yunxi earnestly explained she had only sought the Shenyou grass for her carbuncle and hadn't known his identity until their marriage, keeping silent out of fear. To prove her worth, she revealed that the victims died from spider mosquito poison and that she had seen a woman carrying the poison powder. Acting on her tip, Long Feiye and his aide, Xifeng, went to Wanyan House. There, they learned the top courtesan, Yu Ze, only entertained familiar noble clients.
Though he suspected Yu Ze, Long Feiye decided against immediate action, concluding that a single bottle wasn't conclusive proof and acting in a crowded place like Wanyan House would be improper. He ordered Xifeng to quietly investigate Yu Ze's patrons. The next morning, Han Yunxi learned that Long Feiye had gone to welcome Tang Li, his close brother known for his lively personality and formidable skills.
Meanwhile, Ouyang Ningjing, Tang Li's spirited fiancée from Yunkong Academy, was furiously beating a wooden dummy with his name on it, enraged by his decision to flee their marriage. After her father advised her to change her tactics, and she learned Tang Li was not at the academy, Ouyang Ningjing deduced he was at Prince Qin's Mansion. Determined, she resolved to stop waiting and go drag him back herself.
That night, a frantic maid informed Consort Qing that Emperor Tianhui had fallen ill. At Wende Palace, Imperial Doctor Han Cong'an diagnosed the Emperor with the highly infectious smallpox. The Empress Dowager was furious at the doctor's inability to promise a cure but displayed little genuine sorrow. When she asked who would volunteer to stay and care for the Emperor, the other consorts remained silent. Consort Qing immediately stepped forward, proclaiming her unwavering loyalty.
The Empress Dowager praised her while scolding Noble Consort Xiao for her cowardice. As strict isolation protocols were issued, Consort Qing observed the Empress Dowager's composure and the fact that only the Emperor was afflicted with no clear source of infection. She suspected the illness was a carefully orchestrated political test.
Episode 8 Recap
In Cangmo Pavilion, Long Feiye and Tang Li discussed their respective marriages. Long Feiye expressed resignation regarding his own arranged union, while Tang Li conveyed his panic about his upcoming wedding. Tang Li questioned why Long Feiye married Han Yunxi without having met her and sought refuge with his brother, explaining that his master was now hunting him for escaping his own wedding.
Long Feiye then tasked Tang Li with a crucial mission: to visit Wanyan House and confirm if the top courtesan, Yuze, bore a sword wound on her left shoulder. Long Feiye's noble status precluded him from entering such an establishment, and Chu Xifeng also cited his own known identity and lack of experience, leaving the task to Tang Li, who sarcastically noted his "experience" as a runaway groom.
Tang Li proceeded to Wanyan House, attempting to reserve the entire establishment to see only Yuze. Despite the Madam's efforts to present other courtesans, Tang Li insisted, offering lavish payment. Yuze eventually agreed to receive him. Inside her room, Tang Li showered "Yuze" with compliments, claiming his substantial expenditure was solely for a night with her. When "Yuze" inquired if he had a wife, Tang Li denied it.
As they were about to get closer, "Yuze" revealed herself to be Ouyang Ningjing, Tang Li's enraged fiancée. Furious that Tang Li had fled their wedding only to frequent a brothel, Ningjing attacked him. Tang Li attempted to explain that he was on a serious mission, but Ningjing scornfully pointed out that he was untying a woman's clothes. Amidst their chaotic argument, the real Yuze, whom Ningjing had subdued earlier to take her place, managed to escape.
Ningjing tried to pursue her, but Tang Li restrained her, furious that she had ruined his mission. Shortly after, Chu Xifeng reported to Long Feiye that Yuze had fled towards Poison Mosquito Valley, with Princess Consort Qin and his men already in pursuit. The group converged outside Poison Mosquito Valley. Chu Xifeng reported that while they had surrounded the valley's exit, its interior was teeming with venomous mosquitoes, making entry perilous.
Princess Consort Qin explained she possessed two antidote pills that would provide one hour of immunity, but she only had two. Tang Li offered to accompany Long Feiye to atone for his mistake, but Princess Consort Qin insisted on going herself, citing her expertise in detoxification as a necessary precaution against Yuze's poison skills. Long Feiye agreed.
Before entering, he took a cloak from Chu Xifeng, which Princess Consort Qin briefly mistook as a gesture for her, only to see him proceed into the valley holding it himself. Inside, Yuze appeared and played a tune on her flute, summoning a massive swarm of insects. Princess Consort Qin's repelling powder proved useless, leaving Long Feiye to fend them off.
In a critical moment, as Yuze launched a hidden weapon at Long Feiye, Princess Consort Qin pushed him aside, taking the blow to her shoulder. The impact sent them falling into a pool, which carried them over a waterfall to a secluded area. Long Feiye carried the injured and semi-conscious Princess Consort Qin into a cave to treat her wound.
As he began to remove her outer robes, she regained some awareness and jokingly asked if he intended for them to consummate their marriage there before gasping in pain. After gently applying medicine, Long Feiye told her to rest while he searched for an exit. Worried, Princess Consort Qin soon ventured out and, in a moment of panic, dropped a cherished medicine bag—a keepsake from her mother—into the swift river.
As she desperately reached for it, she nearly fell in, but Long Feiye appeared, pulling her to safety. He then used his internal energy to draw the bag from the turbulent water and return it to her. By the river, Princess Consort Qin spotted a large fish. Long Feiye then demonstrated his formidable power, causing the river water to swirl into the majestic form of a dragon, leaving her awestruck.
He quickly shattered the reverent moment by playfully splashing her with water and reminding her to bring the fish they had caught. As night fell, Princess Consort Qin roasted the fish by a fire, her mind replaying Long Feiye's rescue. She shared details of her lonely childhood, expressing no resentment and noting she was used to being "unpopular."
She then told Long Feiye how she envied him for having a loving mother and the respect of Tang Li, suggesting he must be very popular. Long Feiye, in turn, explained that Ouyang Ningjing was his master's daughter and had been fond of Tang Li since their childhood at Yunkong Academy. Princess Consort Qin offered him the cooked fish, but he declined.
She pointed out the bright stars, sharing her mother's belief that deceased loved ones watch over them from the sky. Seeking to clear the air, she assured Long Feiye she had only been at the villa to collect herbs and promised not to reveal his presence there in exchange for his trust. Long Feiye then insisted she rest due to her injury and, lifting her into his arms, let her sleep on his lap.
He gazed at her, pondering why she had shielded him, questioning if she truly was just after the Wind Tribe mark on his body. Meanwhile, Tang Li, Chu Xifeng, and Ouyang Ningjing entered Poison Mosquito Valley under the pretense of buying medicine. They located Yuze, and Ningjing used her "Requiem Tune" to neutralize the venomous insects, allowing Chu Xifeng to take Yuze into custody. Just then, Gu Qishao arrived with Zhuyu and Bai Su, drawn by Yuze's signal.
Zhuyu recognized Princess Consort Qin, who had just regrouped with the others, as the "poison girl" from before and blamed her for their troubles. She impulsively suggested kidnapping the princess consort to exchange for Yuze, but Bai Su reminded Gu Qishao of their "great plan" and their duty to his deceased mother. Regaining his composure, Gu Qishao instructed Bai Su to subtly misdirect Long Feiye's investigation towards the Crown Prince and the Grand Marshal.
Alone, he lamented that he had perhaps met Princess Consort Qin too late in life for a chance at love. In the Imperial Palace, Consort Qing attended to the ailing Emperor Tianhui. A plan was underway within her faction for her wet nurse, Mammy Lin, to spread news of the Emperor's impending death. The opportunity was to arise during a prayer trip to Grand Xiangguo Temple.
However, after examining the Emperor's prescription, Consort Qing noticed it contained vinegar—an ingredient that contradicts smallpox treatment. She deduced the Emperor only had chickenpox and that the severe diagnosis was a trap to test her loyalty. She aborted the plan, correctly surmising that acting on it would have exposed her. Later, the Emperor discussed the successful ruse with the Empress Dowager, pleased that Consort Qing had passed his test, although his mother advised continued caution.
Upon their return to the estate, Long Feiye summoned Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue to treat the still-unconscious Princess Consort Qin. Gu Beiyue was stunned to realize the patient was the same highly skilled woman he had previously encountered at the morgue. He diagnosed her condition as a relapse of old injuries compounded by exhaustion and a cold, reassuring Long Feiye that she would recover with medicine and rest. Despite the prognosis, Long Feiye remained steadfastly by her side, unwilling to leave.
Episode 9 Recap
In a flashback, Qingfei recalls a meeting with Beili's Crown Prince, who expressed condolences for the death of Xiqiu's emperor. The prince reminded her of the long-standing alliance between their nations, proposing that even with Xiqiu weakened, revenge was possible. He urged her to marry into Tianning, allowing them to collaborate from within and annihilate the kingdom, thus avenging her father.
Later, speaking with her senior maid, Qingfei acknowledged the suffering she would endure but affirmed her willingness to sacrifice anything, even her life, for Xiqiu and her father's memory. Meanwhile, Prince Qin's Mansion buzzed with the chaotic arrival of Tang Li and Ning Jing. Ning Jing relentlessly pursued a resistant Tang Li, who insisted he only saw her as a "little sister," despite their shared childhood of eating, bathing, and studying together.
Citing urgent business, Tang Li tried to send her away, but Ning Jing, grabbing his hair, declared her intention to stay and help their senior, Long Feiye, who had been framed. Tang Li then shifted tactics, blaming Ning Jing for disrupting Long Feiye's plans and causing Han Yunxi's injury, claiming he now had to stay to fix the mess. Undeterred, Ning Jing announced she would remain by his side, much to his dismay. Elsewhere, Han Yunxi recovered from her injuries.
Zhao Mama confessed to giving Han Yunxi’s face veil and Poison Scripture to Long Feiye, which relieved Yunxi, who hoped it would end his suspicions. Zhao Mama also revealed that Long Feiye had watched over her all night and would have been the first person she saw upon waking if not for urgent matters, leaving Yunxi to wonder if his care had been a dream.
Soon after, Ning Jing visited, expressing admiration for Yunxi's boldness, especially her act of kicking open her own sedan chair door to enter the mansion. After hearing how Tang Li had abandoned their wedding, Han Yunxi secretly gave Ning Jing a potent powder called "Nonstop Diarrhea," advising her to use it on Tang Li if he became disobedient. In the palace, the Empress Dowager grilled Noble Consort Xiao for neglecting the Emperor during his smallpox scare.
Qingfei skillfully intervened, claiming she had a history of smallpox and had begged Noble Consort Xiao for the chance to care for the Emperor, thus framing the act as a gesture of sisterly kindness. Although the Empress Dowager publicly praised them, she privately saw through Qingfei's ploy to gain favor and create a rift between the Emperor and Noble Consort Xiao.
Seeing an opportunity to shift the harem's power dynamics, the Empress Dowager decided to subtly support Qingfei while remaining wary of her true motives. She then dispatched her aide to the Qin Mansion to gather intelligence on Han Yunxi. Back at the mansion, Long Feiye found Tang Li, who was complaining bitterly about Ning Jing. He declared he would rather die than marry the "violent girl" and that he wanted a partner he truly loved.
When Ning Jing found him, he defiantly announced he was going to Wanyan House, a brothel, prompting a furious Ning Jing to use the "Nonstop Diarrhea" powder on him. Later, Long Feiye questioned Han Yunxi about her refusal to answer the Empress Dowager's summons. Their conversation about who had changed her clothes and tended her wound was interrupted when a pale Tang Li stumbled in, clutching his stomach and collapsing onto Long Feiye.
After Han Yunxi quickly provided an antidote, she excused herself. Furious that Han Yunxi had defied her summons, the Empress Dowager decided to target her Third Aunt to gain leverage and summoned Minister Beigong. Meanwhile, Gu Qishao's subordinate, Bai Su, reported that Long Feiye hadn't left his mansion, leading her to believe the captured courtesan, Yu Ze, was imprisoned there. Gu Qishao dismissed this, assuming Long Feiye was simply caring for his injured consort.
Bai Su warned him not to be swayed by Han Yunxi, but their discussion was inconclusive. In reality, Yu Ze was being held in the mansion, where she was on a hunger strike. Chu Xifeng ordered his men to force-feed her rice soup to keep her alive to testify. Nearby, Tang Li confronted Han Yunxi, accusing her of being a "vicious woman" for helping Ning Jing poison him.
Ning Jing fiercely defended Yunxi, arguing Tang Li deserved it for threatening to go to a brothel. Yunxi cautioned Ning Jing against misusing poisons and revealed she had already given Tang Li the antidote. The Empress Dowager's plot unfolded as Minister Beigong framed Taihe Hospital, the business of Han Yunxi's Third Aunt's family.
A woman publicly accused the hospital of killing her mother-in-law over a simple cold, and soon after, the respected Doctor Li was found dead at home, an apparent suicide. The case was rushed to the Grand Court, where Han Yunxi's distraught aunt begged her for help. At the trial, Minister Beigong hastily declared Doctor Li guilty of malpractice and suicide, ordering Taihe Hospital to be permanently closed and fined. Witnessing the blatant injustice, Han Yunxi boldly intervened.
Having been dismissed by Minister Beigong, who refused to recognize her and cited the Empress Dowager’s order for a swift verdict, Han Yunxi stood with her Third Aunt and pounded the grievance drum at the Grand Court. She was confident Long Feiye would intervene, as she had already shrewdly approached Chu Xifeng and framed the court’s dismissal of her identity as a direct insult to Prince Qin himself.
At the Grand Court, Minister Beigong, furious at the disruption, again ordered guards to remove Han Yunxi. Just as they advanced, Long Feiye made a dramatic entrance. He sternly rebuked the minister for his disrespect towards his consort. A terrified Minister Beigong immediately fell to his knees, profusely apologizing for his oversight.
Long Feiye, dismissing the personal offense, instructed him to proceed with the trial, emphasizing that it was a matter of life and death and that justice must be served without deference to his presence.
Episode 10 Recap
Consort Qing gracefully informed the Emperor that dancing for prayer was a tradition in Xiqiu. She expressed her desire to pray for his long and healthy life, as he had just recovered from an illness. The Emperor, pleased by her gesture, asked her to perform the dance for him again that night in her palace, hinting at his favor. This interaction subtly underscored Consort Qing's efforts to secure her standing in the imperial harem.
At the Court of Judicial Review, Han Yunxi cleverly exposed the false testimonies of Coroner Xia and Imperial Doctor Lin regarding the death of Mrs. Chen's mother-in-law. Yunxi highlighted that while the prescription from Taihe Hospital contained "kuigeng", the dosage given would not have caused immediate death. She argued that the victim's swift demise implied a more potent poison or a different method of administration. Han Yunxi's sharp questioning prompted Minister Beigong to summon Mrs. Chen.
Mrs. Chen, who had nearly been assassinated while fleeing, was saved by Chu Xifeng and brought to the court. Under interrogation, she confessed that someone had given her five hundred taels to frame Taihe Hospital and had also provided a separate, lethal decoction to administer to her mother-in-law. With this crucial testimony, Taihe Hospital was acquitted of all charges. Long Feiye, asserting his influence, quickly led Han Yunxi away.
In their carriage, he speculated that a powerful figure, one capable of controlling the Court of Judicial Review and unafraid of Prince Qin's Mansion, was behind the plot. Han Yunxi tentatively suggested the Empress Dowager, but Long Feiye dismissed the idea. As the carriage jolted, Han Yunxi accidentally bumped into Long Feiye, aggravating his unhealed wound.
Despite his own discomfort, he presented her with a rare White Jade Ointment, a gift he had specifically requested from the Emperor to help treat her own injuries. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager, displeased with Minister Beigong's handling of the case, revealed she had merely sought to "warn" Han Yunxi and keep her "on a tight leash," lest she become arrogant after marrying Prince Qin.
Later that night, Han Yunxi, troubled by the Empress Dowager's escalating pressure and her own growing feelings for Long Feiye, unknowingly fell asleep in a pavilion. Tang Li, seeking revenge for the laxative powder Han Yunxi had given Ningjing, approached with a basin of water. However, Long Feiye intervened, protecting the sleeping Han Yunxi by using his internal energy to make Tang Li splash himself instead.
Startled awake by the commotion, Han Yunxi was terrified by Tang Li's drenched appearance, mistaking him for a water ghost. Upon seeing Long Feiye, she ran and leaped into his arms, refusing to let go until she recognized Tang Li's voice. A disgruntled Tang Li departed, annoyed by Long Feiye's protectiveness. Long Feiye then led Han Yunxi to a bath, instructing her to help him undress.
Though she was meant to be looking for a specific mark, she was overcome with shyness after disrobing him, covering her face and peeking through her fingers. When Long Feiye teasingly offered for her to join him, she shyly ran out of the room. Back in Xianyun Pavilion, Han Yunxi questioned Senior Servant Gui about a particularly severe burn scar on Long Feiye’s body.
Senior Servant Gui recounted his tragic past: as an infant, he was framed by the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Astronomers as an inauspicious child, blamed for a series of droughts. This led to his separation from his mother, the Yi Consort Dowager, for over a decade while he was sent to a suburban imperial palace.
On the very day a decree for his return was issued at the late Emperor’s wish, a devastating fire erupted at the palace, and Long Feiye was the sole survivor. Pondering these events, Han Yunxi connected the timing of the fire to the Empress Dowager and suspected she had orchestrated it. She realized the Empress Dowager's demand to find a "Wind Tribe mark" on Long Feiye was a cruel attempt to find a pretext to discredit his royal lineage.
The next morning, an enthusiastic Ningjing roused Han Yunxi, urging her to dress up to captivate Long Feiye. However, Han Yunxi was preoccupied with whether to confess her role as the Empress Dowager's spy to him. She subtly asked Ningjing what one should do if forced to deceive a loved one for an "ineffable reason." The innocent Ningjing immediately assumed Han Yunxi was alluding to Tang Li and his mysterious abandonment of their wedding.
Later, upon encountering Tang Li, Ningjing comically imagined he was suffering from a terminal illness or had provoked powerful enemies. She sincerely took his hand, declaring her readiness to share his hardships, which only caused Tang Li to panic. He stammered that they should lead separate lives, confessing, "To be frank, I get scared every time I see you. Look, my hands are trembling."
Unconvinced, Ningjing tearfully insisted he must have a secret sorrow, but Tang Li dismissed his tears as just "sand in my eyes" and fled, with her in playful pursuit. Soon after, Han Yunxi found a book in Long Feiye's private study detailing the location and appearance of the Wind Tribe mark.
Arriving at Renshou Palace, she reported to the Empress Dowager that she had seen the mark on the left side of Long Feiye's lower back and that it resembled "an eagle soaring with wings spread." The Empress Dowager expressed her satisfaction but coldly dismissed Han Yunxi’s request to see her mother, Lady Tianxin.
She questioned the veracity of the report and reminded Han Yunxi of her precarious position, warning that her life would be in peril if Long Feiye or his mother discovered her deception. The Empress Dowager then stated she would only reveal Lady Tianxin's whereabouts after verifying the information, ordering Han Yunxi to remain in Prince Qin's Mansion and report Long Feiye's movements via carrier pigeon.
Forced to comply, Han Yunxi began penning notes for the Empress Dowager, filling them with fabricated, mundane details about Long Feiye's daily routine, often interspersed with heartfelt expressions of her longing for him. Unbeknownst to her, Long Feiye was fully aware of her correspondence. Chu Xifeng intercepted every carrier pigeon, delivering the messages to Long Feiye before they reached the palace. He had intentionally left the book about the Wind Tribe mark in his study for her to find.
Amused by her clumsy attempts at espionage and touched by her true feelings, he was reassured that she had no intention of betraying him. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager, passing through Qinghui Palace, observed Consort Qing transcribing a "Prayer Sutra" for her longevity. Consort Qing explained it was a Xiqiu custom for newly married women. Though her attendant was impressed, the Empress Dowager remained suspicious of Consort Qing's true motives.
In the Grand Marshal's residence, the Grand Marshal cautioned Crown Prince Tianmo against any rash actions, revealing that Prince Qin was secretly monitoring them in connection with a homicide case involving two ministers. This period of inactivity allowed Long Feiye some leisure. He went to Xianyun Pavilion and found numerous discarded paper balls on the floor. He picked up a few and read Han Yunxi's feigned reports, which were filled with her thinly veiled affection and longing for him.
Smiling, he stealthily approached Han Yunxi, who was lost in thought, took one of her notes, and began to read it aloud. Mortified, Han Yunxi frantically tried to snatch it back. In the ensuing playful struggle, Long Feiye held the note high out of her reach, only to be surprised when she leaped onto him to reclaim it, leaving them both blushing.
Episode 11 Recap
Long Feiye brought Han Yunxi to a heavily guarded detention facility. Han Yunxi was deeply apprehensive along the way, fearing that her connection to the Empress Dowager had been exposed and that she was about to be imprisoned. However, upon seeing Yu Ze, the top courtesan, lying on the ground, Han Yunxi realized Long Feiye had brought her to treat the prisoner.
After examining Yu Ze, Han Yunxi determined she was suffering from a rare condition called Rice-poison, which had been exacerbated because she was forced to consume rice soup. Han Yunxi confidently declared she could develop an antidote within three days. The next day, Han Yunxi prepared a prescription and went to a pharmacy to buy herbs. As she left, she unexpectedly encountered Gu Qishao.
Long Feiye's carriage passed by just as Gu Qishao shielded Han Yunxi, causing Long Feiye to subtly frown. Unbeknownst to Han Yunxi, Gu Qishao's subordinates had been unable to locate Yu Ze's detention site for days, forcing him to act personally. Their "chance" encounter was, in fact, orchestrated by Gu Qishao, who had deliberately followed her. That night, as Long Feiye and Han Yunxi, now with the prepared antidote, walked through deserted streets, a masked Gu Qishao trailed them.
However, Long Feiye had anticipated this. He had his men, disguised as ordinary passersby, intentionally bump into Gu Qishao, causing him to lose their trail. Once they arrived at Yu Ze's detention facility, Long Feiye, uncharacteristically, questioned Han Yunxi with an air of possessiveness about the man she met at the pharmacy earlier. After her sincere explanation, Long Feiye allowed Han Yunxi to proceed with treating Yu Ze.
Han Yunxi used acupuncture to heal Yu Ze, then Long Feiye instructed her to wait outside while he and Chu Xifeng interrogated the prisoner. From outside, Han Yunxi could hear Yu Ze’s incessant cursing. However, when Chu Xifeng placed Yu Ze’s face near a cage containing giant rats, Yu Ze trembled in fear. As a top courtesan, her appearance was paramount to her. Under this terrifying pressure, Yu Ze confessed that the Crown Prince was behind the conspiracy.
On the city wall, with Yu Ze’s confession in hand, Long Feiye met with Mu Qingwu, asking for his cooperation to expose the true mastermind. Consequently, as Emperor Tianhui was advising the Crown Prince on matters of state, Mu Qingwu reported the progress of the false accusation case, stating that the top courtesan of Wanyan House had been apprehended. He deliberately omitted any mention of the confession to observe the Crown Prince's reaction.
The impulsive Crown Prince indeed showed signs of panic, raising the Emperor's suspicions. As Mu Qingwu was leaving the palace to assist Long Feiye with the investigation, he was approached by Princess Changbing, who had long admired him. She asked him to accompany her to the West Street bazaar. Despite her clear intentions, Mu Qingwu politely excused himself due to urgent duties. Meanwhile, Ning Jing dragged Han Yunxi to the lively West Street bazaar.
As they browsed Gu Qishao's shop, Han Yunxi's attention was drawn to a prison cart carrying what appeared to be Yu Ze. At this moment, Gu Qishao and his group were also watching the cart. When Han Yunxi pursued the cart alone, a masked Gu Qishao was already engaged in a fierce fight with General Mu Qingwu and his soldiers. Han Yunxi saw Mu Qingwu and his men fall to the ground, bitten by poisonous mosquitoes summoned by an accomplice.
She stepped forward and, invoking her identity as Princess Consort Qin, intimidated their opponents. Gu Qishao then smiled faintly and led his people away. Han Yunxi promptly told the arriving Ning Jing to pursue the accomplice, while she knelt down and quickly used a small knife to drain the poisoned blood from General Mu Qingwu. Mu Qingwu’s father, Minister Mu, dispatched troops for support.
The soldiers, upon seeing Han Yunxi beside the fallen Mu Qingwu and holding a sharp weapon, immediately arrested her. Ning Jing, returning after her pursuit, was also apprehended as Han Yunxi chose not to reveal their identities at that moment. Inside the General's Manor, Minister Mu was initially determined to execute both women, even if it meant offending Prince Qin.
However, when Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue emerged after examining Mu Qingwu, admitting he had no clue for further treatment, he saw the bound Han Yunxi as a last resort. Only then did the anxious Minister Mu choose to trust Han Yunxi’s earlier claims. After Han Yunxi cured Mu Qingwu of the spider mosquito poison, she was about to leave when Mu Qingwu suddenly coughed up poisoned blood. Han Yunxi concluded that another, harder-to-diagnose poison remained in his body.
At this critical juncture, Princess Changbing, who had learned that her beloved Brother Qingwu was allegedly harmed by Princess Consort Qin, arrived in a fury. Disregarding Minister Mu’s pleas, Princess Changbing insisted on executing Han Yunxi, declaring she would rather kill an innocent person than let a suspect go free. Just then, a deep voice rang out, ordering Princess Changbing to stop. It was Long Feiye, who had arrived.
Episode 12 Recap
Princess Changbing vehemently asserted that Mu Qingwu’s dire state was Han Yunxi’s fault, accusing her of poisoning him due to her suspicious presence at the scene. Despite Long Feiye’s intervention, Princess Changbing refused to back down, threatening to report the matter to the Emperor and Empress Dowager if Long Feiye forcibly protected Han Yunxi.
To prevent the situation from escalating and implicating Prince Qin’s Mansion, Han Yunxi bravely promised Princess Changbing that if she could not detoxify Mu Qingwu within two days, she would atone with her life. Long Feiye expressed his trust in Han Yunxi’s abilities, reassuring her that he believed she could overcome this crisis and would wait for her to return home. Before the two-day deadline, Princess Changbing had Han Yunxi arrested and imprisoned.
She then ordered guards to pour icy water over Han Yunxi, intending to make her fall ill and die in the cold cell. Despite outwardly suppressing her anger, Han Yunxi subtly poisoned Princess Changbing’s face with a flick of her finger, leaving a chronic toxin. Meanwhile, in the Grand Marshal’s Mansion, the Grand Marshal and Crown Prince Long Tianmo discussed their scheme.
They planned to kill both Han Yunxi and Mu Qingwu, leaving no witnesses, to deepen the animosity between Prince Qin and Old General Mu. This would also buy the Grand Marshal time regarding the border account issues. Driven by his ambition, the Grand Marshal visited the Emperor, feigning concern for the monarch. He volunteered to investigate Princess Consort Qin’s alleged assassination of General Mu, unaware that Long Feiye had already obtained incriminating evidence of his corruption.
In Medicine Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao, who outwardly appeared calm but harbored deep feelings for Han Yunxi, was visited by Crown Prince Long Tianmo. The Crown Prince recounted the Grand Marshal’s plan, but Gu Qishao, contrary to his usual ruthless nature, became uncharacteristically cautious. Under the cover of night, Gu Qishao secretly entered the prison. Seeing Han Yunxi shivering on the cold ground, his heart was filled with pain.
Though they stood on opposing sides, Gu Qishao gave Han Yunxi an anti-cold medicine and covered her with his cloak before disappearing from the cell. At noon, Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue arrived at the prison as promised and described Mu Qingwu’s symptoms to Han Yunxi. Based on the Poison Scripture in her bracelet, Han Yunxi identified Mu Qingwu’s affliction as Myriad Snake Venom and instructed Gu Beiyue on its unique detoxification method.
Gu Beiyue, astonished by this unheard-of cure, expressed his deep admiration for Han Yunxi. After Gu Beiyue left, Han Yunxi fell into the Grand Marshal’s trap. She was subjected to severe torture, after which the torturers, feigning gratitude for her mother Lady Tianxin’s past kindness, offered to help her escape. The Grand Marshal intended for Han Yunxi to become a fugitive, then arrange for her to be killed and her death staged as a suicide, thus framing Prince Qin.
Just as Han Yunxi was surrounded and on the verge of death, Long Feiye appeared, swiftly defeating all the black-clad assailants. Overjoyed and relieved, Han Yunxi embraced Long Feiye tightly. Long Feiye, though initially reserved, had gradually grown accustomed to her intimate gestures. Han Yunxi revealed that she had seen through the Grand Marshal’s deception but chose to take the risk, believing that by escaping the prison and curing Mu Qingwu, she could clear her name.
She acknowledged that without Long Feiye’s timely intervention, she might not have survived. Han Yunxi and Long Feiye quickly arrived at the General’s Mansion, where Han Yunxi immediately began administering acupuncture to Mu Qingwu. Simultaneously, Princess Changbing and Minister Beigong arrived with an imperial edict to arrest Han Yunxi as a fugitive. Princess Changbing, determined to avenge her 'Brother Qingwu,' disregarded Long Feiye’s presence and Old General Mu’s pleas, attempting to forcefully seize Han Yunxi.
At that moment, Mu Qingwu slowly opened his eyes and regained consciousness, undeniable proof of Han Yunxi’s exceptional medical skill. Princess Changbing and Old General Mu gathered around the bed. It became clear that Princess Changbing’s actions stemmed from her deep concern for Mu Qingwu, which had been manipulated by others. Long Feiye ordered Minister Beigong to be suspended and thoroughly investigated.
As for Princess Changbing, Han Yunxi playfully drew on her face with a brush, giving her a minor but memorable lesson. Afterward, Han Yunxi and Long Feiye shared a carriage. Long Feiye noticed that Han Yunxi, perhaps exhausted from the past few days, had fallen asleep despite the bumpy ride. He gently pulled her into his embrace, holding her close.
In a separate development, Consort Qing’s arrival in the palace had caused distress for the mother of a prince, making her a laughingstock in the harem. The prince advised his mother not to worry, suggesting she apologize to his father, the Emperor. He promised to investigate Consort Qing’s background, affirming that the Emperor would not abandon his mother as long as he was there.
Episode 13 Recap
Upon realizing the need to present the criminal Yu Ze to Emperor Tianhui at the palace to clear his name, Long Feiye cast a loving glance at the sleeping Yunxi before leaving his carriage. To his surprise, Yunxi and Chu Xifeng were already awaiting him at the palace gates. Yunxi explained she had come as a precaution, fearing Yu Ze might cause more trouble, and had given Yu Ze a substance called Truth Powder.
Yunxi explained to Yu Ze that for one day, if she were to lie, her pulse would become unstable, leading to a painful death. She advised Yu Ze to answer all questions truthfully. Witnessing Yunxi's devotion and foresight, Chu Xifeng was moved, expressing how fortunate Long Feiye was to have such a brilliant Princess Consort, to which Yunxi playfully responded that she was indeed Long Feiye's "lucky star."
Inside the palace, Yu Ze confessed that all her actions were commanded by the Crown Prince, Long Tianmo, arguing that a mere prostitute could not have committed such grave crimes without his influence. Emperor Tianhui ordered her to be put on death row, and as she was dragged away, Yu Ze defiantly called him a "fatuous monarch." Long Feiye then addressed the Emperor, expressing skepticism about the Crown Prince's direct involvement, citing Yu Ze's formidable martial arts and poison skills.
He recounted orchestrating a false scenario with Young General Mu, which nearly cost Mu his life, to uncover the true mastermind. Long Feiye subtly suggested that the viciousness of the poison user did not align with the Crown Prince's usually benevolent nature. Emperor Tianhui, frustrated, called his son "stupid" for being manipulated and lamented the bleak future of his nation.
Long Feiye then implicated the Grand Marshal, exposing him as the "vermin" who had abetted the Crown Prince and engaged in corruption. The Emperor immediately ordered the Grand Marshal summoned. The Grand Marshal, summoned to the palace, admitted his failure and accepted his fate. The Emperor expressed his disappointment that the Grand Marshal had allowed Prince Qin to corner him.
The Grand Marshal then claimed his and the Crown Prince's actions were to counter Prince Qin's growing influence for the sake of the Emperor. The Emperor scoffed at this, accusing him of embezzling public funds. The Grand Marshal, while admitting guilt, revealed that Prince Qin had investigated the Poison Master's whereabouts, indicating a clear ambition, but they lacked direct evidence. He pleaded for his own life to be taken as atonement, begging the Emperor to care for the Crown Prince.
Emperor Tianhui ordered him imprisoned. Later, in prison, a distraught Crown Prince Tianmo blamed himself for his uncle’s predicament. The Grand Marshal advised Tianmo that as the future emperor, he must remain calm. He warned that Long Feiye was dangerous and stressed the importance of never acting rashly against him without absolute certainty of victory. He assured Tianmo that as long as he avoids major mistakes, the Emperor would not depose him.
In the Imperial Garden, Emperor Tianhui informed Long Feiye that the Grand Marshal was solely responsible and had been imprisoned. He then sentenced the Grand Marshal to death, ordering Long Feiye to personally execute him with poisoned wine to grant him a dignified end. At the execution, the Grand Marshal remained defiant. Long Feiye, dismissing him as a dying man, revealed a profound secret: he is a descendant of Qinxi.
He declared that Tianning, Xiqiu, and Beili were treacherous clans occupying Qinxi's territories and vowed to make them pay for their crimes. The Grand Marshal, aghast, realized Long Feiye was the child who had escaped and a gu-abetted man. Long Feiye confirmed the excruciating pain of his monthly gu-poison outbreaks constantly reminded him of his unavenged revenge. He pledged to one day reclaim all that belonged to him and bring peace to the people of Qinxi.
Distraught, Crown Prince Tianmo visited Gu Qishao, who explained that he had instructed Yu Ze to implicate Tianmo as a strategic move; the Emperor would never depose his heir, making the Crown Prince a political weakness for his enemies to exploit. Gu Qishao offered his loyalty, which Tianmo accepted. Meanwhile, Long Feiye's men raided the Grand Marshal's mansion, discovering immense extorted wealth. Feiye ordered it all to be distributed to citizens in disaster areas, bypassing the imperial treasury.
Later, Tianmo learned from a subordinate that his own brother, Second Prince Long Tianqing, had secretly helped leak the Grand Marshal's account books to his enemies. Enraged, Tianmo vowed to make Long Tianqing pay. Following the case's resolution, Long Feiye and Yunxi strolled through the streets. After he complimented her kindness, she playfully urged him to repeat "those four words." He instead tenderly responded, "I'm glad you're safe."
From a distance, Gu Qishao observed them, his main concern being Yunxi's safety. Back at the mansion, Chu Xifeng reported that the Emperor, wary of Long Feiye, was transferring custody of the Poison Master to the Second Prince, Long Tianqing. The location would be moved every half-month, known only to the two of them. Long Tianqing then ruthlessly ordered the disposal of anyone who knew about the transfer. At a restaurant, Crown Prince Tianmo revealed a scheme to his subordinate.
He would pretend to rescue Yu Ze for Gu Qishao by giving her a fake-death pill but would secretly administer a real poison as well. He planned to blame Long Feiye for the additional poison, thus securing Gu Qishao's unwavering loyalty and sowing discord between his two rivals. At Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao discovered Tianmo's treachery, realizing Yu Ze had been given a second, fast-acting poison.
Furious, his subordinate wished to kill Tianmo, but Gu Qishao stopped him, stating the Crown Prince still had value. He used golden needles to place Yu Ze in a preserved state, vowing to wake her one day. Just then, Beili's Crown Prince Jun Yizheng arrived, calling Gu Qishao a "waste" on behalf of his father.
Gu Qishao retorted that he now controlled Tianning's Crown Prince and had intelligence on the Poison Master's upcoming transfer, presenting a prime opportunity for Beili to seize him and create their own army of gu-abetted men. Later, Yunxi found Gu Qishao eating alone at a noodle shop she had once recommended. He lamented that she had yet to properly repay him for his help.
Acknowledging his feelings, Yunxi agreed to meet him at the same shop in ten days to treat him to a meal, which he happily accepted. Meanwhile, Long Feiye consolidated his power by purging the Grand Marshal’s allies from the court. Impressed by Feiye's growing popularity and effective governance, Tang Li wistfully wondered when they could finally reveal their true identities as descendants of Qinxi.
Episode 14 Recap
Long Feiye and Tang Li reminisced about the tragic past when the Tianning Empire used the people of Qinxi for experiments to create gu-abetted individuals. Feeling a deep kinship, they pledged to avenge their fallen kingdom and restore the royal glory of Qinxi. Meanwhile, in Beili, Jun Yizheng was openly discontent. He complained that Gu Qishao had not personally seen him off, having been preoccupied with new information concerning the Poison Tribe.
Jun Yizheng sternly warned that Gu Qishao must inform him immediately once the Poison Tribe's new location was found, lest their good days come to an end. In the palace, Princess Changbing fretted over a red spot that had appeared on her face, fearing it was a rash and worrying it would disfigure her and cause her beloved Qingwu to dislike her.
Simultaneously, Emperor Tianhui, having learned that Noble Consort Xiao had angered him earlier, directed his displeasure towards Chu Qingqiu. However, when Emperor Tianhui visited Qinghui Palace that evening, Chu Qingqiu skillfully navigated the conversation, subtly suggesting the removal of Prince Qin. This move not only avoided the Emperor’s disdain but instead made him feel she deeply understood his intentions.
Unbeknownst to the Emperor, even Noble Consort Xiao's earlier outburst was a calculated move orchestrated by Chu Qingqiu for the palace guards to witness. After the Emperor left, Chu Qingqiu instructed her momo to contact a man from Beili under the guise of going out to pray, specifically to deliver a letter to Gu Qishao. Later, outside a flower shop, Chu Qingqiu’s momo and Bai Su discreetly exchanged letters.
Gu Qishao requested Chu Qingqiu to investigate Emperor Tianhui's plans for relocating the Poison Tribe. In return, Chu Qingqiu inquired whether there were any influential figures within the palace she could leverage, explaining her ultimate goal for Xiqiu to benefit from the ongoing conflicts between other powers. Both parties were wary of each other, yet recognized their mutual reliance to achieve their respective goals.
At the Prince Qin Mansion, Consort Dowager Yi seized the opportunity of Long Feiye’s absence to confront Princess Consort Qin. The Consort Dowager harshly criticized Han Yunxi for her actions, including her imprisonment and involvement in a murder case, claiming Yunxi was bringing shame to the entire Prince Qin Mansion and was a "hoodoo" who had caused misfortune to everyone around her.
Yunxi retorted with sarcasm, suggesting she could profit by intentionally bringing bad luck to others if she truly possessed such powers. Enraged, Consort Dowager Yi ordered Yunxi to be confined to the woodshed without food for several days as punishment. Despite her predicament, Yunxi remained calm, anticipating that Princess Changbing would soon seek her out for a cure. Just as Yunxi predicted, Princess Changbing arrived at the Prince Qin Mansion, her face visibly worsening from the mysterious rash.
She desperately sought Princess Consort Qin's help. Yunxi, ever the strategist, decided to make the arrogant princess suffer a little longer. She feigned indifference, insisting she needed to eat her fill before attending to any "distinguished guests." After leisurely enjoying her meal, Yunxi finally proceeded to the main hall, where Empress Dowager and Princess Changbing were impatiently waiting. Consort Dowager Yi, under pressure from the Empress Dowager, reluctantly allowed Yunxi to emerge.
Yunxi then claimed she was too weak to enter the palace, citing the cold water Princess Changbing had doused her with in prison had caused a chronic illness. However, with Empress Dowager and Princess Changbing persistently pleading with Consort Dowager Yi, and with the added pressure of Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue being available in the palace, Consort Dowager Yi finally consented, and Yunxi set off for the palace. En route, Princess Changbing’s facial itch became unbearable.
She abruptly stopped her palanquin and rushed to Yunxi’s, tearing off her veil to reveal her afflicted face and demanding immediate treatment. Passersby also noticed Changbing's affliction and gossiped. Yunxi, however, deliberately feigned extreme weakness, claiming dizziness and warning the princess to keep her distance lest she cough blood onto her. Changbing, enraged by Yunxi’s feigned helplessness, demanded she rise and cure her. Yunxi then dramatically fainted.
Upon their arrival at the palace, Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue informed Empress Dowager that Princess Consort Qin was suffering from a severe cold, and waking her to treat the princess could endanger her life. He advised three days of rest for Yunxi, a suggestion Empress Dowager accepted, arranging for Yunxi to stay in a side palace. Privately, Gu Beiyue assured Yunxi that she only needed tonics, and Yunxi confided her intent to make the "cantankerous" princess suffer a little longer.
When Yunxi finally began the treatment, she cleverly urged Empress Dowager to leave, claiming Princess Changbing’s poisoned face had become contagious. Empress Dowager, startled, immediately ordered Wangyou Palace to be sealed off and left Yunxi to attend to Changbing. Yunxi then informed Changbing that while the poison could be cured with ointments and an antidote, a Thousand Years Blood Jade was essential for massaging the face to ensure a swift recovery.
Changbing confirmed that Empress Dowager possessed such a jade, gifted by the Emperor’s new consort, Qing Fei, and that Lvluo knew how to retrieve it. Yunxi feigned doubt, suggesting Empress Dowager might not part with it easily. Changbing, desperate, insisted she would take full responsibility if anything went wrong. Yunxi then subtly bribed a palace maid with silver to gain access to Empress Dowager's chambers.
Her true intention was to search for other clues within the palace, seizing this rare opportunity. She was browsing through bamboo scrolls when Empress Dowager returned. Confronted, Yunxi feigned innocence, claiming Princess Changbing had sent her to borrow the blood jade, knowing Empress Dowager’s deep affection for her granddaughter. Despite Yunxi’s clever excuses, Empress Dowager, aware of the bribe, ordered the maid's hands to be severed for her transgression.
Later, Empress Dowager visited Princess Changbing, who expressed relief and claimed to feel much better thanks to the Thousand Years Blood Jade. Yunxi confirmed that Changbing’s "poison tinea," likely contracted from the filthy prison, was indeed curable thanks to the jade. She then presented a prescription. Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue, examining it, stated that while most ingredients were available in the palace, one crucial component, the ten-node cicada slough, was missing.
He explained its extreme rarity, noting that only two existed: one held by Beili's Empress and the other bestowed by the late emperor to Consort Dowager Yi. Gu Beiyue stressed that it was a "king medicine," a major ingredient, without which the medicine would be ineffective. He suggested Empress Dowager herself accompany him to the Prince Qin Mansion to request the rare medicine, as Consort Dowager Yi would likely refuse him alone.
Yunxi, feigning the need to remain by Changbing's side due to the risk of relapse, further pushed Empress Dowager to make the humiliating journey. Reluctantly, Empress Dowager agreed, walking into Yunxi’s carefully laid trap. Yunxi silently noted this as a "great filial gift" to her mother-in-law, a chance for Consort Dowager Yi to finally exact revenge for years of grievances. At the Prince Qin Mansion, Empress Dowager humbly requested the ten-node cicada slough from Consort Dowager Yi.
Consort Dowager Yi, feigning ignorance, expressed shock that Changbing's visit was for medical treatment, not just a casual visit, and questioned Yunxi's medical skills, reminding Empress Dowager of Yunxi's past reputation as "trash" and her recent imprisonment. Empress Dowager defended Yunxi, mentioning the "misunderstanding" surrounding the Young General's case and appealing to Consort Dowager Yi’s maternal instincts, reminding her that Changbing, having lost her mother young, needed her support.
Empress Dowager even apologized for Changbing's spoiled nature, acknowledging Consort Dowager Yi’s role in it. The scene concluded with Empress Dowager’s abject apologies, finally allowing Consort Dowager Yi to revel in her long-awaited moment of triumph.
Episode 15 Recap
With the Empress Dowager gone, Consort Dowager Yi’s smile grew. She reflected on her lifelong rivalry with the Empress Dowager, noting how the Empress Dowager had never begged her before. Regardless of whether Han Yunxi's actions in obtaining the ten-node cicada slough were intentional, Consort Dowager Yi was pleased to have given away the imperial gift and resolved to reward Han Yunxi handsomely upon her return.
Meanwhile, Han Yunxi lamented the Empress Dowager and Princess Changbing's "ladder-kicking" behavior, finding the grandmother-granddaughter duo remarkably similar. Her thoughts drifted to the day she declared her bond with Han Cong'an as "ending today." Just then, Prince Qin arrived to greet her, pulling her onto his horse. She expressed how much she missed home, especially its delicious food, finding the palace rigid and its dishes unappetizing despite their appearance.
Upon their arrival at Prince Qin's Mansion, Consort Dowager Yi, along with her staff, awaited them. Consort Dowager Yi, who had rushed out upon hearing their return, warmly welcomed them back and instructed Han Yunxi to rest. Feeling the warmth of this welcome, all of Han Yunxi's lingering resentment and sadness dissipated. In Wangyou Palace, Princess Changbing’s facial rashes had disappeared.
Despite her recovery, she still dismissed Han Yunxi as a "despicable servant," claiming her healing was solely due to the thousand years blood jade and ten-node cicada slough. When Noble Consort Xiao and Consort Qing arrived to visit, Princess Changbing, known for disliking Noble Consort Xiao's passive-aggressive nature, immediately lauded Consort Qing’s renowned beauty. She pointedly asked Noble Consort Xiao if Consort Qing's beauty, which eclipsed the entire harem, shouldn't be graced by a child with the Emperor.
Noble Consort Xiao, clearly angered, suddenly declared urgent business and departed abruptly. Princess Changbing then scornfully referred to Noble Consort Xiao as an "old hussy," complaining about her and the Second Prince, who often bullied the Crown Prince. Han Yunxi diligently prepared numerous gifts for her maiden visit, noting it had been nearly three months since her marriage. She felt the mid-autumn festival was an opportune time for a family reunion.
Initially, she thought it unnecessary for Prince Qin to accompany her, believing his presence might cause inconvenience. However, Ouyang Ningjing strongly insisted that a husband must accompany his wife on her first return visit, warning that otherwise, Han Yunxi would be mocked. Han Yunxi, however, seemed unconcerned about being mocked. Ouyang Ningjing then confronted Prince Qin directly in his study, questioning why he wouldn't accompany Han Yunxi.
She implored him not to be someone who constantly breaks a woman's fragile heart, lest she cease waiting for him. Meanwhile, Han Ruoxue, who had meticulously dressed up, waited at the Han family gates, eagerly anticipating Prince Qin's arrival. Seeing Han Yunxi’s carriage pull up without Prince Qin, she intercepted it. Han Ruoxue rudely questioned Han Yunxi’s solo return, suggesting she had been divorced, as no new bride ever returned home alone.
She further taunted Han Yunxi, asserting that since Prince Qin had never even kicked her bridal sedan, their marriage wasn't legitimate. The confrontation escalated as Han Ruoxue spitefully brought up her mother, Mrs. Xu, claiming that Han Yunxi's mother had seduced her father, Han Cong'an, which made Mrs. Xu a concubine and thus Han Ruoxue a daughter of a concubine, thereby robbing Han Ruoxue of her rightful position as the legitimate daughter and Prince Qin's wife.
Just as the argument reached its peak, Prince Qin arrived, riding gallantly to the Han family gates. As Han Cong'an finally returned from the palace, he entered the great hall to find his entire household kneeling, save for Han Yunxi and Prince Qin, who stood commandingly before them. Imperial Doctor Han, Han Cong'an, immediately prostrated himself.
Prince Qin sternly rebuked Han Cong'an and Mrs. Xu for their abysmal upbringing of Han Ruoxue and for her outrageous disrespect toward Princess Consort Qin. He declared that Han Yunxi, as his wife, was now Princess Consort Qin, and challenged Mrs. Xu's audacity by questioning if she considered herself superior to him.
He emphasized that even if Han Yunxi wasn't his wife, she was Han Cong'an's eldest daughter, and a daughter of a concubine had no right to disrespect her elder sister. Though Han Ruoxue begged for mercy, Prince Qin, prompted by Han Yunxi's intercession for leniency on her special day, spared her life. However, he decreed that Han Ruoxue would serve as Han Yunxi's temporary maid for the day, to learn proper seniority and status.
He then issued a stark warning, stating he had no interest in marrying sisters from the same family and threatened severe repercussions if Han Ruoxue dared to spread rumors that tarnished his or Han Yunxi's reputation. Han Yunxi, feeling delighted, subtly affirmed her status as his Princess Consort Qin. While Han Yunxi was preoccupied with her maiden visit, Lord Qishao, oblivious, meticulously prepared for their promised ten-day rendezvous. He donned new clothes and set out to meet Han Yunxi.
Bai Su and Zhuyu, left behind in Herb-Ghost Valley, speculated about Lord Qishao's intentions. Zhuyu wondered if he was going to see Han Yunxi, noting his unusual behavior towards her, such as their similar-looking eyes and their shared pet name for rabbits, suggesting he might have fallen in love. Bai Su countered that his actions might serve a deeper purpose.
Zhuyu then impulsively suggested kidnapping Han Yunxi, but Bai Su quickly dismissed the idea, warning that Long Feiye, Tianning's God of War, was not someone to be trifled with lightly. Meanwhile, at Hongfu Restaurant, the Second Prince met with his subordinate to conspire against Consort Qing.
The Second Prince, whose mother, Noble Consort Xiao, was constantly troubled by Consort Qing's growing influence and noble Xiqiu princess status, expressed his resolve to eliminate this potential threat "in the cradle," planning to do so in utmost secrecy to ease his mother's worries. Later, in a courtyard at the Han Mansion, Prince Qin, Han Yunxi, and her younger brother Han Yunyi shared a pleasant conversation.
Prince Qin even encouraged Yunyi to address him as "brother-in-law," a term that brought a sense of closeness. Yunyi, laughing, recounted how Han Ruoxue used to bully Han Yunxi, sometimes even preventing her from joining family meals. Han Yunxi playfully interjected that she wasn't always bullied and had her own "bottom line" when provoked. The mood shifted when Han Yunxi encountered Han Cong'an in a side corridor.
Han Yunxi confronted him, expressing her deep hurt from his childhood neglect, especially after her mother's death. She recounted how he had allowed Mrs. Xu and Han Ruoxue to bully her, and she longed to know why.
Han Cong'an, who secretly knew Yunxi was only his foster daughter, explained that his strictness and apparent indifference were a deliberate attempt to protect her from Mrs. Xu and Han Ruoxue, especially since he couldn't always be by her side while on duty in the palace, and given Third Aunt's temperament and Yunyi's youth. Han Yunxi, however, remained unconvinced by his explanation, tears welling in her eyes.
During tea service, Han Ruoxue deliberately tried to spill scalding water on Han Yunxi. Prince Qin swiftly intervened, knocking the teacup aside, though his hand was burned in the process. Before Prince Qin could unleash his full fury, Han Yunxi took charge, sending Han Ruoxue to kneel in the yard and giving the arrogant girl a resounding slap when she resisted. Mrs. Xu and Han Ruoxue, seething with silent indignation, mentally added this to their grievances.
Prince Qin later questioned Han Yunxi, asking why she had taken it upon herself to punish Han Ruoxue, implying she had shielded the girl from his more severe wrath. Han Yunxi explained that Han Ruoxue was but an ignorant child who couldn't endure Prince Qin's full anger, adding that he, being so magnanimous, shouldn't bother with such a minor incident. She expressed her belief that peace was always the best option.
Later, Han Yunxi led Prince Qin to a secluded room, showing him a portrait of her mother, Lady Tianxin. She revealed that this room, where her mother once lived, was the only place she truly felt at home.
Prince Qin immediately recognized Lady Tianxin as the woman who had saved his life during his childhood, recalling a perilous flashback where Lady Tianxin, shielding a gu-abetted child, confronted ruthless pursuers who accused her of theft and threatened her life for protecting the innocent. Back in the present, Prince Qin knelt before the portrait, solemnly vowing to take good care of Han Yunxi. Han Yunxi, pleasantly surprised, reminded him that her mother was not deceased but merely missing.
Meanwhile, in a bustling noodle shop, Lord Qishao sat alone, waiting. He had been there all day and night, patiently hoping for Han Yunxi to appear. He claimed to the vendor that he had just arrived and was not hungry, having strolled around the streets while waiting. The vendor recognized him, asking if he was waiting for the same "good looking" girl he had been with previously. Lord Qishao confirmed it, though his heart was heavy with unspoken longing.
At the Han mansion, in a softly lit room with red candles, Han Yunxi playfully mentioned a traditional ritual for conception to Prince Qin. She then teased him, saying he had "hands and feet" and didn't need her to serve him in bed. When Prince Qin asked if she wanted him to leave, she quickly denied it, claiming she was only concerned about Consort Dowager Yi. Prince Qin, however, decided to stay.
Episode 16 Recap
Long Feiye chose to stay the night at Han Yunxi's maiden house. He teased her, suggesting she might be afraid of him, to which Han Yunxi retorted that she wasn't, and even questioned his masculinity. Though she claimed not to be sleepy, Han Yunxi eventually drifted off, her sleeping posture causing her to sprawl onto Long Feiye, making him gasp slightly. Despite this, he gently allowed her to sleep undisturbed.
The next morning, Han Yunxi woke up to find herself lying on Long Feiye, startling them both awake. After preparing for the day, she encountered Third Aunt in the courtyard, and they had some private girl talk. Third Aunt expressed her concern for Han Yunxi's status within Prince Qin's Mansion, especially since Long Feiye seemed to care for her.
She pressed Han Yunxi about using the fertility amulet she had given her, emphasizing the importance of a child for a woman's position, citing the common saying "a mother's status is dependent on her child." While discussing this, Third Aunt mentioned the date, which made Han Yunxi realize she had forgotten her ten-day appointment with Gu Qishao.
Filled with guilt, she rushed to the noodle stall, where the owner confirmed that Gu Qishao had waited for her all day and night. Long Feiye patiently waited for Han Yunxi outside her family mansion for a long time. Upon her return, Han Yunxi profusely apologized for her tardiness, explaining she had forgotten her meeting with a friend.
Long Feiye inquired about this "important friend," and Han Yunxi confessed that her sudden happiness at his accompanying her home had made her forget everything else. To make amends, Han Yunxi offered to concoct some nourishing pills for him. However, she then remembered the lack of a private pharmacy in Prince Qin's Mansion, an issue that had caused her trouble with Consort Dowager Yi before.
Long Feiye, finding it insignificant, readily promised to arrange a dedicated pharmacy for her upon their return to the mansion. Han Yunxi was thrilled, never having had her own pharmacy before, and suggested they go together to purchase herbs that very afternoon. Concurrently, Long Feiye and Han Yunxi returned to Prince Qin's Mansion and were greeted by a smiling Baili Mingxiang standing beside Consort Dowager Yi, with Tang Li also present.
Baili Mingxiang greeted Long Feiye and Consort Dowager Yi with warm embraces, explaining she had come because she missed them and didn't want to trouble Long Feiye, who was busy. Consort Dowager Yi lovingly chided her for coming alone. Tang Li, equally enthusiastic, welcomed Mingxiang, calling her his brother's childhood sweetheart and informing Han Yunxi that Mingxiang had been Consort Dowager Yi's initial choice for Long Feiye's wife.
Han Yunxi, feeling her territory invaded, retorted that she was the current Princess Consort Qin. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Tianmo, having received reliable intelligence, secretly sought out Gu Qishao at Herb-Ghost Valley. He informed Gu Qishao that Second Prince Long Tianqing intended to harm Consort Qing, seeking advice on how to eliminate the Second Prince and avenge his maternal uncle. Gu Qishao, however, advised the Crown Prince against direct action.
Instead, he proposed a strategy to leverage this situation to win Consort Qing's favor, pointing out her current imperial favor and the mutual benefits of such an alliance given the Crown Prince's future succession. Following this, Crown Prince Tianmo visited Princess Changbing in Forget-Worry Palace, ostensibly to check on her recovery.
He then used Princess Changbing as a conduit to present Consort Qing with a box of unique Xiqiu folk items, explaining their intricate design was meant to help ease her homesickness and pass the time. Consort Qing expressed her gratitude through Princess Changbing and invited her to stay for lunch. Back at Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao was in a foul mood, ordering Zhuyu to remove White-Ear from his room, stating he no longer liked the rabbit.
Zhuyu, interpreting his words literally, offered to cook the rabbit for dinner, a suggestion Gu Qishao indifferently accepted. Bai Su, however, sensed the underlying cause of Gu Qishao's anger, surmising it was due to Princess Consort Qin. She intervened, stopping Zhuyu from harming White-Ear, believing that Gu Qishao's feelings for Han Yunxi were not as simple as they appeared. Gu Qishao, having instructed his subordinates to decline all visitors, then left, his whereabouts unknown.
Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, General Baili received an urgent message from his butler: his daughter, Baili Mingxiang, had secretly made her way to Prince Qin's Mansion using his badge, despite his specific instructions for her to study elsewhere.
The General was greatly concerned about the political implications of her unexpected arrival, fearing that if His Majesty discovered her presence at Prince Qin's Mansion, it could lead to unwanted suspicions about Prince Qin's relationship with the northern territories and potentially jeopardize Prince Qin's larger plans. The butler assured him that Mingxiang had entered discreetly, but the General remained uneasy, knowing Prince Qin had just recently married. Later, Long Feiye visited Baili Mingxiang in her room.
She explained that the gu-possessed person he had sent to her had suddenly died, and she had come in person out of concern for his health, fearing that the news might leak. Long Feiye expressed concern for her own delicate health, noting she should not have traveled. Mingxiang explained that since he had given the gu-controlling medicine to the boy, she worried for his well-being.
She insisted on being the one to cure his "gu poison" with "beauty blood," which would be ready in two months. Long Feiye suggested Han Yunxi's poison skills were excellent and she could help. However, Mingxiang adamantly refused, declaring that she had suffered for years to prepare the "beauty blood" for him and and that her life would be meaningless if she couldn't cure him.
She became agitated, on the verge of a relapse, and pleaded with him to promise to let her cure him. Unbeknownst to them, Han Yunxi had approached the room and witnessed this intimate and emotional exchange, leaving her visibly upset. The next morning, Ning Jing found a dispirited Han Yunxi still in bed. She chided Han Yunxi for her lack of drive against the "enemy" Baili Mingxiang, arguing that Han Yunxi, as the Princess Consort, should not sit idly by.
Ning Jing, boasting of her wealthy father's abundant jewelry, convinced Han Yunxi that she was far prettier than Mingxiang and only needed a little effort in dressing up to outshine her. She even mentioned preparing for "seduction needs" for Tang Li, though Han Yunxi misunderstood her meaning. Ning Jing then enthusiastically gave Han Yunxi a makeover. Later, at breakfast, Baili Mingxiang initially addressed Han Yunxi as "Miss Han."
Ning Jing immediately corrected her, asserting Han Yunxi's title as Princess Consort Qin and suggesting that Mingxiang, who called Long Feiye "brother," should address Han Yunxi as "sister-in-law." Tang Li interjected, calling Ning Jing "shameless" and claiming his brother had not acknowledged Han Yunxi, but Han Yunxi firmly stated that she was still the consort regardless. Ning Jing then physically dragged Tang Li away, claiming she needed him to help reply to a letter from her father.
Mingxiang then subtly expressed her "concern" over Tang Li and Ning Jing's seemingly forced relationship, implying it would lead to unhappiness. Han Yunxi then reminded Long Feiye of their plan to buy herbs together, but Long Feiye, influenced by Mingxiang's presence and apparent need for his attention, did not accompany her. Feeling neglected, Han Yunxi struggled with her jealousy, torn between her assigned "purpose" in the marriage and her genuine feelings. She ultimately decided to seek out Gu Qishao.
At Herb-Ghost Valley, Han Yunxi was initially stopped by guards who invoked the valley's strict rule: "The uninvited shall be killed." However, Gu Qishao intervened, scolding his guards and welcoming Han Yunxi. Han Yunxi apologized for missing their previous appointment, and Gu Qishao, feigning annoyance, demanded she make amends. Instead of gifts, he led her to the kitchen, revealing White-Ear, and asked her to cook for him. Han Yunxi, initially hesitant, agreed and even started a fire for him.
Bai Su and Zhuyu watched in astonishment as Gu Qishao, a man who had never set foot in a kitchen, helped Han Yunxi, a clear sign of her profound influence on him. They were secretly relieved they hadn't killed White-Ear. Han Yunxi playfully teased Gu Qishao for getting his face dirty, calling him a "noble young man who has never worked before."
She confessed that she often cooked, but never for Prince Qin, as his mansion had too many servants and people who disliked her, especially a newly arrived, annoying individual, which was why she had sought solace with him. Gu Qishao acknowledged that everyone in the capital knew Prince Qin and his Princess Consort Han Yunxi, and had heard of her transformation from having a "carbuncle" to becoming a "peerless beauty."
Han Yunxi and Gu Qishao shared a convivial meal and drinks in a pavilion. Han Yunxi praised the valley's abundance of herbs, calling it a "paradise on earth." Gu Qishao then showed her a uniquely shaped bottle designed for cleansing cream, its "swan's neck" inspired by her own transformation from an "ugly duckling" into a "swan." He believed it would sell well and promised to remember her if it did. They continued to drink, enjoying their pleasant conversation and shared understanding, Han Yunxi proving to be a surprisingly good drinker.
Episode 17 Recap
In Prince Qin's Mansion, Long Feiye observed Baili Mingxiang and Tang Li practicing calligraphy. Baili Mingxiang’s handwriting was growing remarkably similar to Long Feiye’s. When Long Feiye inquired about the progress of the newly established medicine room, Chu Xifeng reported that all necessary herbs had been collected and arranged within Xianyun Pavilion. Long Feiye then asked about Princess Consort Qin’s whereabouts. Chu Xifeng revealed that she had gone to Herb-Ghost Valley.
Tang Li playfully remarked that Princess Consort Qin must have dressed up for a secret rendezvous, a comment that caused Long Feiye to feel a mix of emotions. Meanwhile, in Qinghui Palace, Consort Qing secretly read a note from the Crown Prince, learning that Noble Consort Xiao intended to harm her. Instead of alerting the Emperor, Consort Qing resolved to devise a counter-strategy. Later, Gu Qishao brought a heavily intoxicated Princess Consort Qin to the entrance of Prince Qin's Mansion.
Still craving more alcohol, Princess Consort Qin resisted leaving. Long Feiye, observing their interaction, became visibly agitated and nearly engaged Gu Qishao in a confrontation. He warned Gu Qishao to release Princess Consort Qin if he valued his life, prompting Gu Qishao to leave. Long Feiye then carried Princess Consort Qin into the mansion. Despite their reunion, the couple immediately began to argue, both having been seen in intimate situations with members of the opposite sex.
Princess Consort Qin drunkenly accused Long Feiye of being too close to other women. As Tang Li, Ning Jing, and Baili Mingxiang arrived, Princess Consort Qin, in her inebriated state, declared Long Feiye was hers and dramatically pushed Baili Mingxiang away before passionately kissing Long Feiye, asserting her intention to secure her position by having children with him.
Ning Jing, witnessing the scene, was left wide-eyed with shock, while Tang Li attempted to shield Ning Jing’s eyes, only for her to resist. Ning Jing then confronted Baili Mingxiang, questioning why she continued to cling to Long Feiye after his marriage, which Baili Mingxiang dismissed as a misunderstanding. The following morning, Baili Mingxiang rose early to prepare tonic soup for Long Feiye, expressing concern for his recent appearance.
However, a mammy informed her that Princess Consort Qin, with her exceptional medical skills, was perfectly capable of caring for His Highness, rendering Baili Mingxiang’s efforts unnecessary. The mammy further elaborated on the growing affection between Long Feiye and Princess Consort Qin, noting how His Highness had even accompanied her back to her family’s home, a clear sign of his acknowledgment of her status.
The mammy also recounted how Long Feiye had stayed by Princess Consort Qin’s side the entire night she was drunk, implying the possibility of an heir soon, which would surely win Consort Dowager Yi’s approval. Baili Mingxiang realized she had severely underestimated Princess Consort Qin. Baili Mingxiang then attempted to provoke Princess Consort Qin, who was still recovering from her drunken stupor, but Princess Consort Qin’s friend Ning Jing was also present, thwarting Baili Mingxiang’s efforts.
Simultaneously, Ning Jing oversaw the relocation of Princess Consort Qin’s belongings from Xianyun Pavilion to Long Feiye’s personal room in Moon Pavilion, a deliberate move to gauge Long Feiye’s true feelings for Princess Consort Qin. Ning Jing reminded Princess Consort Qin of her drunken claims the previous night, including her desire to live with Long Feiye and make him her "husband of a bandit chief."
Mortified, Princess Consort Qin denied ever uttering such embarrassing words and expressed apprehension about facing Long Feiye. Ning Jing, however, urged her to stay and see if Long Feiye would allow it, as a true test of his affection. When Long Feiye returned and discovered Princess Consort Qin's belongings in his room, he subtly suppressed a smile but outwardly instructed her to move them back.
Princess Consort Qin defiantly refused, asserting her authority as Princess Consort Qin and claiming the right to sleep anywhere she desired within the mansion, even on his bed. Long Feiye, amused, teased her about wishing to share his bed. Princess Consort Qin, now sober and embarrassed, quickly clarified she would sleep on the couch, but adamantly refused to move out, declaring it a matter of her dignity as Princess Consort Qin.
Ning Jing, observing their exchange, expressed awe at Princess Consort Qin’s ability to make the usually taciturn and unsentimental Long Feiye listen to her. Inspired by a mammy’s advice on how to make men cherish their partners by creating "crisis awareness" through competitors, Ning Jing decided to test Tang Li’s feelings. She enlisted Chu Xifeng to accompany her to Hongfu Restaurant and immediately began ordering wine.
Chu Xifeng, citing official duties, attempted to leave, but Ning Jing insisted he stay, unilaterally declaring him her friend and demanding his protection should she become drunk. Soon after, Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue arrived at the restaurant. Ning Jing wasted no time in introducing herself as Ouyang Ningjing, Princess Consort Qin’s junior, referencing their prior meeting at Prince Qin’s Mansion.
She then dismissively told Chu Xifeng to leave, claiming the occasion was "unsuitable" for him and that Gu Beiyue would look after her. Ning Jing proceeded to heavily toast Gu Beiyue, inquiring about his marital status and praising his handsome and graceful demeanor, remarking that he was unlike "those dudes."
She even shared a story from her childhood about how she once pranked "that little asshole," Tang Li, by putting a snake in his collar after he put a mouse in her bed, implying his current disobedience. Chu Xifeng, feeling distressed, rushed to Tang Li and exaggeratedly reported that Ning Jing was "touching Gu Beiyue’s thigh." Tang Li, immediately fearing for Ning Jing’s well-being, stormed into Hongfu Restaurant.
He confronted Ning Jing about her unruly behavior, attempting to physically remove her, but she resisted, asserting her right to have other friends and defiantly calling Tang Li "that little asshole" to his face. Gu Beiyue, upon hearing Ning Jing’s casual use of the epithet for Tang Li, discreetly excused himself, citing urgent matters at the Imperial Hospital. Tang Li then sat down with Ning Jing, engaging in a serious conversation.
He promised her that once his brother Long Feiye’s significant task was accomplished, he would return to Yunkong College and provide her with a proper explanation. Ning Jing, with tears welling in her eyes, chose to believe him, sealing their promise with a pinky swear. The following noon, Long Feiye was diligently instructing Tang Li on the principles of self-cultivation, family harmony, country governance, and world peace.
Princess Consort Qin arrived, her spirits high, to invite Long Feiye to the Lantern Festival the following night. Tang Li interjected, asserting his brother’s busy schedule. However, Princess Consort Qin explained that she had seldom ventured out since developing a carbuncle on her face and had never experienced the festive lanterns, earnestly requesting Long Feiye’s company if his duties were not too pressing. Long Feiye agreed to meet her at 7:00 p. m. at Rosefinch Bridge.
After Princess Consort Qin departed, Long Feiye displayed signs of his gu poison acting up. Tang Li, deeply concerned, reminded Long Feiye of the dangerous phase his gu poison was entering and advised him against leaving the mansion. Long Feiye stated he had an essential meeting with Minister Situ to attend, as he needed to gain the minister's trust.
Tang Li expressed apprehension about Long Feiye possibly transforming in public during the festival, but Long Feiye assured him he had the situation under control. Tang Li then sought out Baili Mingxiang to inquire about the "beauty blood" needed to suppress the gu poison. Baili Mingxiang confirmed that the medicinal concentration in her blood was sufficient and could be concocted into medicine within two days.
She also inquired if Long Feiye had obtained the Poison Master's Poison Scripture, which Tang Li affirmed, though Baili Mingxiang found it a useless collection of muddled writings. She reiterated her belief that her "beauty blood" would successfully cure Long Feiye. Simultaneously in the palace, Emperor Tianhui was strategizing with his elite "men of sacrifice" about transferring the Poison Master.
News had reached them through Beili spies that the Poison Master's location and the dungeon’s structure had been compromised, creating a critical situation. Emperor Tianhui revealed his plan to construct three new dungeons and use deceptive tactics to mislead those observing the Poison Master, with the ultimate goal of not only relocating the Poison Master but also apprehending all hidden enemies. Just then, a eunuch reported that Consort Qing had been poisoned. Emperor Tianhui immediately rushed to Qinghui Palace.
The Imperial Doctor informed him that Consort Qing had been poisoned by a complex mixture of potent toxins, and while he had managed to temporarily remove some poisonous blood via acupuncture, he could not find an antidote for the remaining poison. During this, Consort Qing and her mammy subtly steered the Emperor's suspicions towards Noble Consort Xiao.
Enraged by the absence of Chief Imperial Doctor Han Cong’an, Emperor Tianhui demanded that he be brought to the palace, even if he had to crawl. Another Imperial Doctor suggested summoning Princess Consort Qin, Han Cong’an’s daughter, due to her profound knowledge of toxicology, noting her success in detoxifying Young General Mu previously. Emperor Tianhui then issued an imperial decree, ordering Princess Consort Qin to enter the palace at once to treat Consort Qing.
The eunuch, Li Gonggong, swiftly arrived at Prince Qin’s Mansion to deliver the imperial decree. Princess Consort Qin, who had been enthusiastically preparing for her Lantern Festival date with Long Feiye, had to prioritize the urgent task of treating Consort Qing. Consort Dowager Yi, present at the reception of the decree, expressed deep concerns about Princess Consort Qin’s ability to treat Consort Qing, given her noble status as a Xiqiu princess.
She cautioned Princess Consort Qin that failure could ignite another war between Xiqiu and Tianning, potentially beyond even Long Feiye’s ability to mitigate. Princess Consort Qin, however, confidently assured Consort Dowager Yi that she would successfully cure Consort Qing and prevent any trouble for Long Feiye or the Consort Dowager. She then reiterated her need to return quickly for her Lantern Festival date, and Consort Dowager Yi advised her to be careful on her journey.
Episode 18 Recap
Yunxi arrived at Qinghui Palace, where Emperor Tianhui stood by the bedside of the ailing Consort Qing. Yunxi swiftly diagnosed her condition and wrote a detailed prescription. She had hoped to leave the palace quickly to meet Long Feiye for a lantern festival, but one crucial herb, 'baicao', needed to be freshly picked. Yunxi instructed Imperial Doctor Gu to fetch it from Herb-Ghost Valley, stating that the Valley Master would provide it if he mentioned her name as a friend.
As Consort Qing was the Emperor's beloved, Emperor Tianhui ordered Yunxi to stay in a side chamber until Consort Qing recovered. Yunxi was anxious, hoping to leave quickly for her lantern festival date with Long Feiye. Fortunately, Consort Qing was perceptive. After Imperial Doctor Gu returned with the 'baicao' and Consort Qing took the medicine, she recovered significantly and permitted Yunxi to leave the palace.
Emperor Tianhui, however, still dismissed Yunxi with a caveat, telling her to return immediately if Consort Qing's condition worsened. Meanwhile, Gu Qishao discussed with his subordinate the Emperor's recent request for herbs. He felt that being overly eager might arouse suspicion, preferring to maintain their good relationship with the Crown Prince, especially since Chu Qingge, or Consort Qing, was already their spy keeping an eye on Emperor Tianhui.
He lamented that Yunxi's request for 'baicao' had cost him some plants and mused about making her pay double next time. He also mentioned that information on Long Feiye and the Poison Tribe remained elusive, and the Crown Prince was pressuring them for progress. Gu Qishao decided that Princess Consort Qin herself would be their breakthrough, admitting he had begun to miss her.
The evening came, and Yunxi waited alone on the street with two sugar-coated haws, but Long Feiye never showed up for their promised date. Upon returning to the Qin Prince Mansion, she saw Mingxiang helping a pale and sickly Long Feiye into the Moon Pavilion. Concerned, Yunxi tried to approach him, but Feiye, looking unwell, ordered her to move back to Xianyun Pavilion, stating it was a command, not a negotiation. Yunxi complied, though confused.
Long Feiye's gu poison was about to flare up, and Mingxiang and Tang Li were typically the ones who cared for him. Mingxiang worried about Yunxi misunderstanding, but Long Feiye insisted that Yunxi must never know about his gu poison, stating it was a secret between him and Mingxiang. He instructed Mingxiang and Xifeng to guard his room, allowing no one but Mingxiang and Tang Li to enter. He privately mused that his actions were for Yunxi's own good.
Later, Yunxi wondered what Mingxiang and Long Feiye were doing alone in Moon Pavilion so late. The next morning, Yunxi attempted to enter Moon Pavilion but was stopped by Xifeng, who claimed His Highness was handling military affairs. Yunxi was puzzled why Mingxiang was present for military matters, and though Xifeng escorted her away, Yunxi felt some relief when she saw Tang Li also there, at least ensuring it wasn't just Long Feiye and Mingxiang alone.
It was revealed that the entire poisoning incident was a pre-planned stratagem by Consort Qing. She had deliberately ingested the self-defense poison Gu Qishao had given her, then colluded with the Crown Prince to switch it with the poison Noble Consort Xiao intended to use against her, effectively causing Noble Consort Xiao to panic and expose herself. Meanwhile, Noble Consort Xiao, frantic after the poison was discovered, consulted with her son, Second Prince Tianqing.
Tianqing reassured her, suggesting someone might be framing her, using her name to target Consort Qing due to her favored status. He promised to investigate who truly benefited. In Qinzheng Hall, Emperor Tianhui discussed the newly built palace dungeon with Li Quan, confirming it was complete and the workers had been eliminated and buried. He then ordered Li Quan to secretly investigate Consort Qing's poisoning and keep a close watch on Noble Consort Xiao.
The Crown Prince's subordinate later detailed the intricate plot: Gu Qishao had convinced the Crown Prince about a special self-defense poison from Beili. Subsequently, the Crown Prince was advised to amplify the poisoning incident, leading him to orchestrate the switch of the poison intended for Consort Qing with the one given by Gu Qishao, after Consort Qing had already ingested it as part of her plan.
Noble Consort Xiao, in her panic, had ordered her maid to bury the poison, inadvertently incriminating herself when the Emperor searched her palace. Back at Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao complained to Yunxi about her constant demand for his herbs, both personally and through others like Gu Beiyue, warning that his valley would go bankrupt. Yunxi playfully retorted that he shouldn't refuse the Emperor's money. Their friendly banter was interrupted by the arrival of Long Feiye.
Yunxi introduced Gu Qishao as her friend, but Long Feiye stated they were already acquainted. He provocatively brought up Yuze, the top courtesan of Wanyan House, who disappeared after he arrested and tortured her, claiming she repeatedly muttered "Valley Master" while in a coma. Long Feiye implied Gu Qishao’s involvement and ordered his men to take Gu Qishao away for questioning.
Yunxi immediately intervened, reminding Long Feiye that Gu Qishao had saved her life when Long Feiye's men were pursuing her and vehemently declared her intention to protect her friend. Long Feiye and Xifeng then departed without Gu Qishao. Gu Qishao later reassured Yunxi that it was merely a test, and he was fortunate that Zhuyu, who had a volatile temper, wasn't present. He mused that Long Feiye might genuinely be starting to suspect him.
Yunxi noticed the strong herbal smell from Long Feiye’s chamber, confirming he was taking medicine. Confused why he hid his illness, she resolved to discover what Mingxiang was decocting to ascertain his condition. She observed Mingxiang giving a pot to maids to clean, then discreetly took a sample from it. Testing it with a silver needle, Yunxi discovered the medicine was poisoned.
Observing Long Feiye’s steady breathing, she deduced it was likely a slow-acting poison and decided against alerting Mingxiang immediately to avoid alarming her. When Yunxi directly asked Long Feiye if he was poisoned, he dismissed her concerns, claiming he was merely suffering from a backlash from practicing martial arts too eagerly. Yunxi, realizing Mingxiang would deny any wrongdoing and that she needed more evidence, left quietly. Meanwhile, Ningjing approached Tang Li, administering Yunxi's special tranquilizer to him.
Tang Li quickly grew dizzy and sleepy, collapsing into Ningjing's arms. He woke later that night to find himself bound, with Ningjing sitting on him. Panicked, he cried for help, accusing Ningjing of kidnapping and "raping a good man." Ningjing, however, declared her intentions, stating that "after tonight, he'll be mine," implying her desire to bear his child to secure her status.
She earnestly expressed her love for him and urged him to love her back, while nearby servants merely laughed, accustomed to their antics. Later, Yunxi burst into Long Feiye’s chamber, confronting Mingxiang about what she believed was poisoned medicine and dramatically spilling the bowl. Long Feiye, enraged, defended Mingxiang, asserting his trust in her and demanding Yunxi leave.
He accused her of being spoiled and warned her against meddling in his affairs, declaring that from then on, he would no longer concern himself with her matters. Xifeng then escorted a heartbroken Yunxi out. Yunxi was unaware that what she spilled was Mingxiang's 'Beauty Blood,' intended to treat Long Feiye's gu poison by using poison to counteract poison.
With the crucial medicine spilled, Long Feiye's gu poison became uncontrolled, causing him to convulse and cough up poisonous blood, overcome by the escalating affliction. Mingxiang, distraught, retrieved some of her own blood, determined to use it again to detoxify Long Feiye’s gu poison.
Episode 19 Recap
Feeling enraged that Long Feiye did not trust her, Yunxi returned to her quarters. Ouyang Ningjing arrived to comfort her, and Yunxi confided her suspicion that Baili Mingxiang was poisoning Long Feiye. Ningjing was skeptical, citing Baili Mingxiang's father's loyalty and her own affection for Long Feiye. Yunxi explained that Long Feiye had consumed the poison multiple times, leading to residual toxins in his system.
Having already formulated the antidote, Yunxi instructed Ningjing to watch Baili Mingxiang closely to prevent further poisoning, while she herself hastened to Herb-Ghost Valley to gather the ingredients. Upon Yunxi's arrival at Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao, alerted by the bell, playfully chided her for taking his herbs without asking. Focused on her urgent task, Yunxi quickly collected the necessary ingredients, brushing aside his advances.
When Gu Qishao inquired about the person in danger and questioned how Long Feiye allowed her to leave, Yunxi replied bitterly that her husband was preoccupied with someone else and had neglected her. After gathering her herbs, she hurried back to Prince Qin's Mansion. In the study, Long Feiye, Chu Xifeng, and Tang Li were strategizing to intercept the Poison Master. Tang Li noted that the Emperor had constructed three dungeons to mislead them.
Long Feiye explained that the formidable Shadow Guard Feng would likely escort the real Poison Master and instructed Chu Xifeng to dispatch agile subordinates to the three routes to probe the enemy's defenses. Meanwhile, Baili Mingxiang prepared a dose of her "Beauty Blood" for Long Feiye. Tang Li remarked that the blood was essential to suppress Long Feiye's gu poison during the critical operation.
He then teased Baili Mingxiang about the previous night when Ningjing had apparently drugged and bound her, an incident Baili Mingxiang dismissed as Ningjing's madness from which she easily escaped. Long Feiye then met with Yunxi, who presented him with osmanthus cakes as an apology for their recent disagreement. After having just taken Baili Mingxiang's "Beauty Blood," Long Feiye took the cakes to his room.
Later, Baili Mingxiang noticed the cakes and, claiming they were stale, offered to throw them away. Long Feiye stopped her, insisting he wanted to eat them. Yunxi confided in Ningjing that Long Feiye had eaten only one of the four cakes, explaining she had to divide the antidote to mask its strong herbal taste. Happy that Long Feiye had explained his recent coldness, Yunxi was confident he would eventually eat them all.
In the palace, Consort Qing sensed the heightened security and deduced that the Emperor was moving the Poison Master. To relay this information to Gu Qishao, she feigned an early menstrual cycle and expressed a desire to conceive, persuading the Emperor to summon Yunxi to treat her. Just as the summons arrived at Prince Qin's Mansion, Baili Mingxiang, intending to make her own cakes for Long Feiye, entered the kitchen.
Discovering Yunxi's leftover herbal ingredients, she realized they were for an antidote meant to counteract her "Beauty Blood" and rushed out of the mansion in a panic. Upon Yunxi's arrival at the palace, Consort Qing cunningly presented a list of rare medicinal herbs she claimed were needed, knowing Yunxi's connection to Herb-Ghost Valley would make her an ideal messenger. At the valley, Gu Qishao was delighted to see Yunxi again but quickly sensed the true nature of her visit.
He cautioned her to stay away from palace intrigues, especially involving Consort Qing. After Yunxi departed, Gu Qishao submerged the list in water, revealing a hidden message confirming that the Second Prince was supervising the construction of dungeons, indicating the Poison Master's transfer was imminent. Realizing he lacked time to summon his own forces, Gu Qishao decided to manipulate Crown Prince Long Tianmo. Gu Qishao found the Crown Prince indulging in debauchery at Wanyan House.
He sternly confronted the prince and, to shock him out of his apathy, dramatically demonstrated his likely fate by strangulation should the Second Prince ascend the throne. Terrified, the Crown Prince agreed to cooperate. As planned, he met with the Second Prince, Long Tianqing, who, underestimating his brother, deliberately revealed that the Emperor had ordered him to transfer the Poison Master that very day via one of three decoy dungeons.
Long Tianqing intended for this information to bait the Crown Prince into a foolish action. The Crown Prince recognized the trap, but Gu Qishao persuaded him to act, arguing that seizing the Poison Master would not only expose Long Tianqing's incompetence but could also be blamed on Prince Qin. Gu Qishao guaranteed the operation would be untraceable by using assassins who would be poisoned beforehand. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Long Feiye confirmed his arrangements were in place.
An imperial eunuch then arrived, summoning both him and Yunxi to the palace. Long Feiye had anticipated this, knowing the Emperor would want to personally monitor him. Though Tang Li voiced concern over Yunxi's ties to the Empress Dowager, Long Feiye dismissed it and told his team to proceed. In the Imperial Garden, the Emperor and Long Feiye engaged in a game of Go.
Despite the continuous sound of sonorous arrows—a pre-arranged signal—Long Feiye remained calm, dismissing the noises as minor disturbances. A flashback revealed his intricate plan: the three dungeons were decoys, and the real location was the Imperial Palace's ancestral hall, which the Second Prince was "renovating." The Second Prince's carriage would serve as the transport, a fact that could be confirmed by the depth of its wheel prints.
The raids on the fake dungeons were a diversion to make the Emperor and Second Prince lower their guard. Long Feiye had also foreseen being summoned to the palace. He had instructed Tang Li to fire the sonorous arrows once the Second Prince neared the city gate. This would signal General Baili to have a deputy report an urgent matter to the Emperor, creating the distraction Long Feiye needed to slip away and intercept the Poison Master himself.
Episode 20 Recap
The Empress Dowager met with Han Yunxi, firmly stating that Yunxi held no leverage to bargain. Despite Yunxi’s desperate plea to see her mother, even just once, the Empress Dowager adamantly refused, offering instead another of her mother’s possessions. When Yunxi persisted, the Empress Dowager threatened to ensure she would never see her mother again. Recognizing her powerlessness, Yunxi yielded and requested to see her mother’s belongings.
The Empress Dowager then led Yunxi to a secret chamber she claimed contained her mother’s things. Yunxi’s hopes surged as she recognized the chamber’s layout, identical to her mother’s pharmacy, and found a cherished medicine bottle bearing a unique iris painted over a crack—a detail only her mother would have added. The Empress Dowager confirmed Yunxi’s mother was alive, promising a reunion if Yunxi remained obedient, before dismissing her.
Senior Servant Gui later noted to the Empress Dowager that Princess Consort Qin seemed genuinely touched, believing she would now serve them faithfully. Meanwhile, urgent military news arrived from the border for the Emperor. He requested Prince Qin to wait in the Imperial Garden pavilion, claiming pressing matters. Prince Qin suggested someone play chess with him, prompting the Emperor to summon Crown Prince Tianmo, secretly instructing him to closely monitor Prince Qin. However, Prince Qin held an advantage.
He subtly reminded Tianmo about a gu-abetted kid and the Crown Prince's lost Poison Scripture, hinting at a shared secret. Prince Qin expressed a desire to return to his mansion without the Emperor's knowledge, asking Tianmo to cover for him to avoid misunderstandings. Tianmo, recalling the Emperor’s recent displeasure over the Grand Marshal’s past actions, hesitated. Prince Qin further pressed, implying that exposing the gu-abetted kid would harm them both, and advised Tianmo to focus on their chess game.
The Emperor faced significant political woes. He was furious that border residents had attacked his army for mere grains, ordering their execution and public display as a warning. He also announced increased border provisions and taxation. His officials, wary of the Ministry of Revenue's habitual deceit, requested the Emperor personally oversee the timely and accurate distribution of military funds, leading him to summon the Minister of Revenue.
The Minister reported the national treasury was dry, attributing it to continuous wars, southern floods, and the Grand Marshal’s corruption through various pretexts and heavy taxation, causing severe deficits. Enraged, the Emperor demanded all Ministry of Revenue account books for his personal review. Concurrently, the unconscious Poison Master, accompanied by the Second Prince, was being transported in a carriage towards the palace.
As they reached Vermilion Bird Street, the Emperor's lead guard, Wind, known as the Wind Tribe's martial ace, sensed something amiss—the street was deserted. He realized it was an ambush. Arrows rained down, followed by the appearance of masked assailants. The Second Prince cowered inside the carriage. Wind, however, adeptly defended against his attackers. From the rooftops, a masked figure, Prince Qin, descended and engaged Wind in a fierce, evenly matched battle.
An observer, Gu Beiyue, disguised as an Imperial Doctor, recognized the formidable skills of both combatants and his own insufficient martial prowess to intervene directly, resolving instead to track them. As the intense fight continued, Prince Qin’s gu poison unexpectedly flared. Before he could be severely wounded, Tang Li arrived, deflecting Wind’s arrows using the Rain Needle technique and aiding Prince Qin. With Tang Li’s timely intervention, Prince Qin successfully seized the Poison Master.
Prince Qin, Tang Li, and their men proceeded to transport the Poison Master on a cart. They were soon intercepted by masked Xifeng. Prince Qin, feeling his gu poison surge earlier than anticipated, learned that Princess Consort Qin had unknowingly added herbs to his cakes that counteracted Baili Mingxiang's medicine, causing the early onset of his gu symptoms. Just then, Gu Qishao's group launched an attack, seizing the opportune moment.
During the intense skirmish, Prince Qin, to protect the Poison Master and repel the assailants, unleashed his internal energy, causing his gu poison to fully erupt. His eyes turned red and his hair whitened as he transformed into a gu-abetted man. This transformation granted him immense power, which he used to battle Gu Qishao’s forces, driving them into retreat.
As the effects of the gu-abetted transformation began to wane, and Prince Qin reverted to his normal appearance, he urgently instructed Tang Li to transport the Poison Master to Solitude Pavilion and ordered Xifeng to immediately escort him back to the palace, knowing that his absence would directly reveal their involvement in the rescue. Back at the palace, the Emperor was incensed.
He had discovered that Prince Qin had distributed the Grand Marshal’s embezzled funds directly to the people, effectively securing their loyalty and leaving the national treasury severely depleted. This forced the Emperor to draw from his private vault to fund military provisions. After handling these affairs, the Emperor returned to the Imperial Garden, intending to resume his chess game with Prince Qin. He found his servants had left their posts and Prince Qin was nowhere to be found.
He angrily dispatched Li Quan to search the washroom. Just as the Emperor’s fury peaked, Prince Qin opportunely returned, claiming he had been admiring the beautiful blossoms in the garden and had momentarily lost track of time. The Emperor, having no proof to the contrary, accepted the explanation and invited Prince Qin to continue their game.
Han Yunxi, having decided to be completely open with Prince Qin, resolved to confess her ties to the Empress Dowager, believing her mother’s situation was far too complex for her to handle alone and that honesty was crucial to protect him. She sought out Prince Qin in the Imperial Garden.
As the Emperor was about to resume his chess game with Prince Qin, Prince Qin showed signs of discomfort and attempted to decline playing, causing the Emperor to express concern and order an Imperial Doctor summoned. Han Yunxi then arrived. Prince Qin stated that with his consort’s medical skills, he required no other physicians, which pleased the Emperor, who praised Yunxi’s abilities.
Soon after, the Second Prince approached the Emperor, reporting that the Poison Master had been rescued by a gu-abetted man. Noticing Prince Qin’s physical discomfort, the Emperor, now suspicious, suggested a spar between Prince Qin and his bodyguard, Wind. Han Yunxi, secretly using silver needles to suppress Prince Qin’s poison, attempted to decline the spar on his behalf, but Prince Qin subtly stopped her, fearing she might inadvertently offend the Emperor or expose his condition.
Prince Qin engaged in the spar, successfully avoiding any major flaws or a full gu poison outbreak. As he turned to leave, his eyes briefly turned red. Wind, the imperial bodyguard, later reported to the Emperor that Prince Qin’s fighting style during the spar was different from that of the masked kidnapper. At Prince Qin’s Mansion, Baili Mingxiang was informed that Han Yunxi was a spy for the Empress Dowager, having secretly relayed messages.
Mingxiang, distressed by this revelation and connecting it to Prince Qin’s current deteriorating health, feared Yunxi’s actions could expose Prince Qin’s secret identity to the Empress Dowager. She immediately reported to Consort Dowager Yi, calling Yunxi a spy. Shortly after, as Han Yunxi and Xifeng helped a weakened Prince Qin return to the mansion, Baili Mingxiang confronted Yunxi, accusing her of deliberately harming Prince Qin with the cakes.
Yunxi insisted they were antidotes, but Mingxiang dismissed her claims, declaring Prince Qin’s condition was entirely Yunxi’s fault. Mingxiang then slapped Yunxi and threatened to lock her in the woodshed for Consort Dowager Yi to punish. Consort Dowager Yi arrived, dismissed Yunxi’s attempts at explanation, and ordered Senior Servant Gui to confine her to the woodshed, stating she would deal with her after Prince Qin recovered. Consort Dowager Yi then went to Prince Qin, concerned by his condition.
Prince Qin reassured her that his illness was minor, a result of exertion and a backlash from his martial arts during the spar, with Baili Mingxiang and Tang Li present to care for him. In the aftermath, the Emperor’s intensive search for the Poison Master and the masked figures yielded no results. He berated the Second Prince for his incompetence and ordered him confined and isolated, with an investigation into any potential links to the kidnappers.
The sudden appearance of the mysterious gu-abetted man also remained without a lead, prompting the Emperor to demand a continued, thorough search throughout the capital. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Tianmo acknowledged that although their plan to seize the Poison Master failed, it successfully undermined the Second Prince's relationship with the Emperor. At Prince Qin’s mansion, Baili Mingxiang worried over Prince Qin (Long Feiye), who remained in a coma.
Tang Li and Xifeng explained that the recent, short interval between poison attacks had severely weakened his body, prolonging his recovery. Blaming Han Yunxi for Prince Qin’s state, Baili Mingxiang declared her intent to use her precious Beauty Blood to save him. Tang Li and Xifeng intervened, warning her that repeated blood extractions could endanger her own life.
However, Baili Mingxiang insisted, stating that her life’s purpose was to save Prince Qin, and if he perished, her existence would be meaningless. They urged her to preserve herself, as she was crucial for curing his gu poison.
Episode 21 Recap
Confined to the woodshed, Yunxi meticulously recalled Prince Qin's symptoms, desperate to find a way to detoxify him. When Ning Jing arrived with food, Yunxi seized the opportunity, urgently pleading with Ning Jing to distract Baili Mingxiang, who remained constantly by Prince Qin's side. Yunxi explained that Baili Mingxiang attributed Prince Qin's condition to her medicine, but Yunxi was determined to examine him herself to diagnose the problem.
Despite Baili Mingxiang's initial resistance, Ning Jing cleverly convinced her that Yunxi had fainted, and if His Majesty found out, Prince Qin could face trouble for allowing a bestowed consort to suffer. This ruse successfully drew Baili Mingxiang away. Yunxi then used her bracelet to examine Prince Qin, discovering he was suffering from a gu poison outbreak. She realized it could only be suppressed, not cured, by using an equally potent substance known as Beauty Blood.
In Yujing Pavilion, Baili Mingxiang reported Yunxi's "escape" to Consort Dowager Yi, insisting Yunxi should never be allowed back. Ning Jing attempted to defend Yunxi, arguing that Yunxi didn't seem like a spy, citing her past actions like clearing Prince Qin's name, healing Princess Changbing and Consort Qing, and even helping to manage Empress Dowager.
However, Baili Mingxiang countered, asserting that if not for Yunxi, Prince Qin would not be in his current state, and reiterated that Yunxi's spy identity was undeniable, regardless of any past help. The discussion left Consort Dowager Yi with a headache, prompting her to retreat. Meanwhile, as Yunxi ventured to Herb-Ghost Valley to find an alternative to Beauty Blood, she was stopped by imperial soldiers who accused her of being an escaped criminal's accomplice.
Lord Qishao appeared just in time, saving her from arrest and jokingly chiding her for being so helpless without her poisons. Later, Ning Jing confessed her confusion to Tang Li about Yunxi's true nature, especially after Baili Mingxiang's accusations. Tang Li advised her that appearances could be deceiving and that one must use their heart to discern truth.
When Ning Jing pointed out that Tang Li always seemed to appear when she was upset, subtly suggesting his affection, he playfully denied it and threatened to change his habits. Inside Herb-Ghost Valley, Yunxi inquired of Lord Qishao about Beauty Blood, which he described as the blood of a girl who had consumed poison for a decade. He dismissed the creation of such a substance as cruel, then offered Moonseed, a potent herb, as an alternative.
He would not sell it, but offered it in exchange for Yunxi agreeing to three future requests from him. Yunxi agreed, adding her own condition that his requests must not violate her morals. They journeyed to a dangerous cave with poisonous pools where the Moonseed grew, Yunxi's resolve to obtain the herb for Prince Qin overriding her fear. As she risked her life to retrieve the flower, Lord Qishao observed her, musing internally that her beauty overshadowed even the flowers.
Later, Lord Qishao discussed Yunxi's visit with his servants, Zhuyu and Bai Su. He speculated that Yunxi’s desperate search for Moonseed indicated its intended user was likely Prince Qin. He connected the Moonseed and Beauty Blood, both highly toxic, to the "weak period" after a gu poison outbreak.
Recalling that a gu-abetted man with a similar physique to Prince Qin had appeared during the abduction of the Poison Master, Lord Qishao instructed Bai Su to investigate Prince Qin's past, convinced that these coincidences warranted suspicion. The next morning, Yunxi, exhausted from a night spent grinding medicine for Prince Qin, departed Lord Qishao's valley, thanking him for his help.
Elsewhere, a young eunuch reported to Eunuch Li Quan that he had briefly seen Prince Qin's eyes flash red while in the Imperial Garden. Li Quan, concerned, immediately relayed this suspicious detail to His Majesty, linking it to the abducted Poison Master and the appearance of gu-abetted men. His Majesty, deeply troubled, decided to personally visit Prince Qin with an Imperial Doctor.
Learning of the Emperor's impending arrival, Baili Mingxiang bravely used Beauty Blood to suppress Prince Qin's gu poison and awaken him, revealing that she cultivates the rare blood specifically for him, risking her own life to protect his identity and past sacrifices. When His Majesty arrived, Prince Qin feigned a relapse of an old illness. Dr. Sun, the Imperial Doctor, examined Prince Qin and reported only a weak pulse, with no signs of poison, despite the Emperor's stern warnings.
Later, while bathing, His Majesty pressed Dr. Sun again, but the doctor reiterated that Prince Qin merely appeared weak. Eunuch Li Quan then hesitantly reported disturbing civilian rumors circulating about His Majesty, accusing him of imposing harsh taxes for military purposes and even developing gu-abetted men from the ancient Qinxi Dynasty, causing widespread panic. Enraged, His Majesty suspected Prince Qin was behind these slanders, seeing it as a deliberate manipulation of the public.
He immediately ordered Lei, his loyal guard, to conduct a thorough and detailed investigation into the source of the rumors and Prince Qin's entire past, particularly the period after a past fire, leaving no stone unturned. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Consort Dowager Yi confronted Yunxi, harshly accusing her of being a spy who nearly caused Prince Qin's death, and ordered her jewelry removed, her clothes replaced with coarse ones, and her confinement to the remote northwest courtyard.
Just then, Prince Qin arrived, having been informed of the situation. He intervened, much to Consort Dowager Yi's surprise, and claimed Yunxi was not Empress Dowager's spy, but his own, working as a double agent to feed false information to the palace. Though skeptical, Consort Dowager Yi allowed Prince Qin to take Yunxi away. Alone, Yunxi offered Prince Qin the Moonseed pill she had meticulously prepared. He accepted it without hesitation, expressing his trust in her.
Yunxi then asked why he had saved her, realizing he had known about her spy identity all along but never exposed her. Yunxi also revealed that she had deduced his gu poison from his symptoms and the red flash in his eyes that day. Overwhelmed with emotion, she blurted out that she liked him, then quickly rephrased it, saying she simply didn't want to help the Empress Dowager.
Prince Qin pulled her into a tender embrace, laying her head on his shoulder. Meanwhile, Consort Dowager Yi visited Baili Mingxiang, praising her and promising that in due time, she would ensure Baili Mingxiang became Prince Qin's secondary consort, believing her to be the true mistress of the mansion. However, Consort Dowager Yi also mentioned Prince Qin's intercession for Yunxi, causing a pang of jealousy in Baili Mingxiang. Later, Prince Qin gently asked Yunxi why she became Empress Dowager's spy.
Yunxi tearfully revealed that before her marriage, Empress Dowager had summoned her, showing her mother's bracelet and claiming her mother was still alive, promising a reunion if Yunxi became her informant. Prince Qin observed that Empress Dowager was merely manipulating Yunxi, recalling that Lady Tianxin had died falling off a cliff after taking a sword blow for him, and suggested her mother was likely long gone. Yet, Yunxi insisted she would cling to even the slightest glimmer of hope.
Episode 22 Recap
Long Feiye grappled with whether to reveal to Han Yunxi the truth of her mother’s death, fearing that exposing this secret would unravel his own past. He believed that allowing her to live with hope was better than facing a future devoid of it. Meanwhile, Mingxiang confronted Long Feiye, questioning why he continued to shield Han Yunxi, whom she believed to be Empress Dowager’s spy.
Long Feiye defended Han Yunxi, explaining that her mother had saved him from prison fifteen years prior. Mingxiang suspected this was a ploy by Empress Dowager, but Long Feiye dismissed her concerns, stating that neither the Empress Dowager nor Han Yunxi knew his true identity back then. Mingxiang, noticing Long Feiye’s uncharacteristic emotional responses, then directly asked if he had developed true feelings for Han Yunxi.
Separately, Lord Qishao discussed with an associate that Long Feiye’s return to the palace fifteen years ago coincided precisely with the Poison Master’s madness and the disappearance of the gu-abetted man. Lord Qishao, hinting at a larger theory, left to find evidence. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Han Yunxi mused about Long Feiye’s strenuous schedule, observing his habit of drinking Nanshan tea late into the night.
Suddenly, Lord Qishao appeared in her Xianyun Pavilion, having risked his life to sneak in. He presented her with Xunlong incense, explaining that when combined with Moonseed, it would amplify the herb’s medicinal effects to their utmost. As Han Yunxi thanked him, Long Feiye abruptly entered. Han Yunxi playfully teased him, asking if he was jealous, but Long Feiye responded with an unexpected kiss that left her flushed.
He then sternly declared Princess Consort Qin grounded from that day forward, forbidding her from stepping out of Xianyun Pavilion without his permission. Later, Han Yunxi complained to Ning Jing about Long Feiye's overreaction. Ning Jing, however, defended her Senior, explaining that his jealousy was understandable given Han Yunxi was his wife and he found another man in her room late at night.
Han Yunxi worried about Long Feiye's perceptions, but Ning Jing reassured her that despite his aloof demeanor, he deeply cared for her, advising her not to confront him while he was still upset. The next day, Xifeng reported to Long Feiye that the party who attempted to seize the Poison Master was none other than Lord Qishao, the Master of Herb-Ghost Valley.
Xifeng also revealed that Lord Qishao held another identity as the Crown Prince’s advisor, speculating that a man of his wealth and power would not settle for a simple advisory role and thus had a greater purpose. Long Feiye acknowledged the report and ordered his shadow guards to enhance defenses. Notably, during Xifeng's report, Han Yunxi attempted to bring Long Feiye pastries, but he ignored her, creating an awkward tension that even Xifeng observed.
Xifeng also reported that news of His Majesty’s creation of gu-abetted men had spread widely, causing public discontent. He also noted the Crown Prince’s suspicious activities and continued research into gu-abetted men. Long Feiye instructed him to send a warning to the Crown Prince to cease immoral acts, but to temporarily leave the Crown Prince’s stronghold intact.
In Qinghui Palace, Qingfei received a secret letter from the Crown Prince, confirming that Noble Consort Xiao had given her not a poison, but contraception medicine. Due to its minimal dosage and subtle effects, the Imperial Academy of Medicine had been unable to detect it. Recognizing she couldn't reveal this to the Emperor without exposing her own medicine-switching, Qingfei plotted a different approach.
Noble Consort Xiao was already present, tearfully imploring Empress Dowager to intercede on behalf of her son, Tianqing, the Second Prince, who had been confined by the Emperor. Qingfei and Princess Changbing then arrived. Qingfei subtly praised Noble Consort Xiao’s generosity in distributing cakes to other consorts, slyly implying the possibility of foul play.
Princess Changbing, known for her bluntness, innocently remarked on never receiving such cakes and questioned why, if they were so good, they weren’t sent to her or Empress Dowager. She then blurted out that stories often mentioned "contraception medicine" being used instead of deadly poisons. Hearing this, Noble Consort Xiao suddenly felt unwell and excused herself.
Empress Dowager, already paranoid, immediately ordered her senior servant to dispatch shadow guards to monitor Noble Consort Xiao’s palace and to compile a list of all consorts who had received cakes from her over the years, stating that if the seeds of suspicion were planted, nothing could remain hidden, especially concerning the imperial bloodline. At Prince Qin’s Mansion, two boxes of precious medicinal herbs arrived for Han Yunxi.
She suspected Long Feiye sent them, though she later heard him playfully suggest they were from Lord Qishao. Long Feiye then informed her she would be accompanying him to treat someone important, but kept the person’s identity a secret. She noted his secretive yet endearing demeanor. Upon arrival at the Solitude Pavilion, she found the patient to be a delirious old man. Long Feiye implored her to cure him, emphasizing his importance.
Tang Li, Long Feiye's brother, expressed concern that the old man's madness was not caused by poison and that revealing his existence to Han Yunxi was risky, but Long Feiye insisted. Han Yunxi examined the old man, concluding that his condition required further research, but she remained unaware that he was the Poison Master. Tang Li also noticed that Long Feiye had caught a cold, which he attributed to the dusty and poorly ventilated environment.
Han Yunxi soon returned to the Herb-Ghost Valley to gather more herbs, believing that her previous grounding was now lifted since Long Feiye had allowed her into the Solitude Pavilion. There, she encountered Lord Qishao, who playfully greeted her, expressing how much he had missed her. Han Yunxi, reminding him of her married status, playfully dismissed his advances, but he continued to flirt, describing an ideal woman—intelligent, beautiful, and unique—subtly implying she fit the description.
He then offered her full access to his herb land, which she eagerly accepted. He then reviewed her medicinal prescriptions, astutely noting that one was for delirium, consistent with the old man she was treating, and the other for a cold, which he deduced was for Prince Qin. Lord Qishao then declared that "the fish has bitten the bait." Following this, Lord Qishao met with the Crown Prince and revealed his findings.
He explained that Xunlong incense, while commonly known to expel illnesses, would cause cold-like symptoms in someone who had been poisoned by a gu. Having observed Long Feiye’s cold and cross-referenced it with Han Yunxi’s prescription for him, Lord Qishao stated that he had confirmed Long Feiye was indeed severely poisoned and, with specific acupuncture to reverse his meridians, his gu-abetted identity would be exposed.
Based on this information, the Crown Prince subsequently reported to the Emperor that Prince Qin was not of the Tianning royal family, but rather a descendant of Qinxi and the last known gu-abetted man. He proposed using Empress Dowager’s upcoming birthday banquet as an opportunity to force Long Feiye to reveal his true form, characterized by red eyes and white hair. The Emperor accepted the plan.
Empress Dowager, informed by the Emperor and already wary of issues concerning imperial lineage due to the earlier incident with Noble Consort Xiao, began to plot. She decided to use Han Yunxi to perform the acupuncture at the banquet, confident she had ways to ensure Han Yunxi’s compliance. Upon Han Yunxi's return to Prince Qin’s Mansion, Long Feiye immediately questioned her visit to Herb-Ghost Valley.
When Xifeng clarified that his orders only extended to watching the valley, not preventing her entry, Long Feiye reiterated that her grounding had never been lifted. Han Yunxi protested, stating she assumed the permission to visit Solitude Pavilion implied an end to her grounding.
Long Feiye firmly restricted her movements to Moon Pavilion and Solitude Pavilion only, instructing Xifeng to procure anything she needed, thereby confirming that the previous two boxes of herbs had indeed been sent by Long Feiye himself. Han Yunxi also continued her visits to the delirious old man in Solitude Pavilion. During one visit, she brought him various foods, discovering they both disliked parsley and carrots.
When she tried to engage him, he became agitated and delirious, reacting strongly to her bracelet, prompting her to administer a calming pill. Later, Han Yunxi faced criticism from Consort Dowager Yi, Long Feiye’s adoptive mother, and Tang Li, his brother. Consort Dowager Yi chastised her for her informal attire, deeming it unfitting for a Princess Consort and stating she was an embarrassment to the mansion.
Han Yunxi, however, unapologetically defended her practical clothing, pointing out that she held only the title of Princess Consort without any real authority or the provisions that came with it, challenging Consort Dowager Yi to restore her full rights if she wished for her to uphold the mansion's dignity. That evening, Mingxiang visited Long Feiye, reminiscing about their childhood, particularly an instance when he had carried her up a tree.
Long Feiye acknowledged the memory but referred to her as being "like a younger sister" to him, deeply disappointing Mingxiang. This prompted her to resolve to curry favor with Consort Dowager Yi in her pursuit of Long Feiye’s affection. Separately, Ning Jing discovered several boxes of expensive jewelry that Long Feiye had purchased for Han Yunxi. She enthusiastically assured Han Yunxi that Long Feiye clearly loved her, citing his protective actions, supportive behavior, and his evident jealousy over Lord Qishao.
The news of Long Feiye taking Han Yunxi to the market and buying her a pile of jewelry after Consort Dowager Yi’s earlier reprimand reached Mingxiang through the senior servant, leaving her crestfallen and burdened with despair.
Episode 23 Recap
The Empress Dowager's birthday banquet began, and Long Feiye, impeccably dressed, arrived with his wife, Han Yunxi. Before entering the palace, Long Feiye showed concern for Yunxi, reminding her to be careful, and they temporarily separated to attend to different matters. Han Yunxi went to see the Empress Dowager, who presented her with Lady Tianxin's medical bag as bait.
The Empress Dowager demanded Yunxi use acupuncture needles on Long Feiye's Tianshu, Lingxu, and Qihai acupoints after he was injured during the banquet. When Yunxi hesitated, the Empress Dowager intensified her manipulation by showing Yunxi a woman with a strong resemblance to Lady Tianxin, claiming it was her mother, but only allowing her a glimpse through a curtain. The young and naive Yunxi pleaded with the Empress Dowager, who remained firm.
She threatened that if Yunxi did not comply, Yunxi, Long Feiye, and her "mother" would all perish. Believing as a medical practitioner that these three acupoints would not cause severe harm, Han Yunxi reluctantly agreed to take the risk. Meanwhile, Baili Mingxiang, weakened by significant blood loss from her efforts to cultivate "Beauty Blood" to save Long Feiye, collapsed in a corridor. She was found and helped by Ouyang Ningjing.
Consort Dowager Yi, upon hearing of Mingxiang's condition, rushed to her side. Taking advantage of the situation, Mingxiang insisted that Han Yunxi was the Empress Dowager's spy and warned Consort Dowager Yi that Long Feiye's safety was paramount during the banquet. Consort Dowager Yi assured Mingxiang that she would handle the situation if Yunxi dared to harm Long Feiye.
In the Imperial Garden, Consort Qing performed a graceful dance that pleased the Empress Dowager and captivated the Emperor, much to Noble Consort Xiao's envy. Long Feiye's attention, however, remained solely on Han Yunxi. Noticing Yunxi's discomfort, he gently offered to take her back to Prince Qin's Mansion as soon as the banquet concluded. The festivities were interrupted when a renowned swordsman from Xiqiu proposed a duel.
Despite Long Feiye's initial reluctance, deeming it improper for the occasion, the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the royal children all pressured him, making it impossible to refuse. The duel commenced, but Long Feiye fell into a trap. Having been warned by Yunxi that his body had not yet recovered, he couldn't fully utilize his internal energy and was no match for the skilled Xiqiu swordsman.
After several exchanges, he was wounded and fell, just as the Empress Dowager had anticipated. Long Feiye insisted that only Han Yunxi treat his injuries. Torn, Yunxi eventually had no choice but to follow the Empress Dowager's orders under threat, using the needles on the three designated acupoints. Immediately after, the Empress Dowager claimed fatigue, called an end to the performances, and dispersed the crowd.
The Emperor, having already arranged for archers, prepared to capture Long Feiye, whom he believed to be a Gu-poisoned man. He overheard a staged argument between Long Feiye and Han Yunxi from their tent, followed by the emergence of a red-eyed, white-haired Gu-poisoned man, seemingly confirming his suspicions. However, as the guards closed in, Long Feiye emerged and struck the figure, who was revealed to be Chu Xifeng in disguise.
In the ensuing confusion, Consort Qing shielded the Emperor from a sword attack, falling unconscious after pleading with him to look after Xiqiu. This entire sequence was a well-devised strategy. Chu Xifeng's masquerade successfully lured the Emperor's guards to the secret base where the Crown Prince was developing Gu-poisoned men, thus protecting Long Feiye while sowing discord within the Tianning royal family.
Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, a distraught Consort Dowager Yi was about to punish Han Yunxi, but Long Feiye, though in great pain, arrived just in time to protect her. Consumed by guilt, Yunxi confessed the Empress Dowager's threats, prompting Long Feiye to reveal a devastating truth: her mother had died ten years ago. Yunxi collapsed in disbelief. Long Feiye then recounted the tragic events of his past to Han Yunxi.
He revealed that his birth mother had sacrificed her life to save him. He also shared how, as a child, he was poisoned by the Poison Master clan and held in a dungeon for four years, forced to drink a mysterious soup that slowly transformed him into a Gu-poisoned man.
Finally, he confessed that Yunxi's mother, Lady Tianxin, had also died in front of him; she was a doctor who had tried to rescue him, only to be stabbed to death by Tianning soldiers while shielding him. These haunting memories were the deep wounds he had carried for years. As he shared his pain, Yunxi's heart ached for him.
In that moment of shared vulnerability, Long Feiye realized Yunxi was the one he was destined to protect for the rest of his life, and Yunxi, in turn, felt that Long Feiye was a heaven-sent match, a gift from her mother's spirit.
Episode 24 Recap
Consumed by fury over her mother, Lady Tianxin's, death and the perceived ongoing harm inflicted upon Long Feiye by those responsible, Han Yunxi declared her intent to kill them. Long Feiye, recognizing her unbridled rage, urged her to calm down, asserting that it was not the time for revenge. When she resisted, he gently incapacitated her. Soon after, Baili Mingxiang entered, informing Long Feiye of Chu Xifeng's return.
Long Feiye then instructed Baili Mingxiang to assist him with a task once Han Yunxi regained consciousness. Meanwhile, Chu Xifeng reported to Tang Li that their scheme had successfully lured people into the fane, ensuring Emperor Tianhui would soon uncover the Crown Prince's secret development of gu-abetted men, a "scapegoat trick" Tang Li proudly claimed credit for.
Separately, in a different location, Gu Qishao's subordinate revealed that their recent plan against Long Feiye had failed, and they still couldn't confirm if he was a gu-abetted man. Despite Gu Qishao's efforts to create discord within the royal family by removing the Grand Marshal, Long Feiye's growing power remained a concern. Gu Qishao concluded that Long Feiye's sole weakness was Princess Consort Qin, Han Yunxi, and if she would not come to him, he would go to her.
In Wende Palace, Emperor Tianhui affectionately tended to Qingfei, who had bravely shielded him. He insisted she recuperate in his chambers, dismissing her concerns about palace rules by declaring himself the ultimate authority. Moments later, his subordinates returned. One reported failing to apprehend the impostor gu-abetted man but noted Prince Qin's departure, observing only a slight weakness and the absence of Chu Xifeng, with an unfamiliar person accompanying him.
This fueled Emperor Tianhui's suspicion, prompting him to order close surveillance on Prince Qin. Another subordinate then revealed a more alarming discovery: tracking the fake gu-abetted man led them to the fane where the Poison Tribe had been held, only to find the Crown Prince secretly developing gu-abetted men there. Enraged, Emperor Tianhui denounced his son as "rebellious."
Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Long Feiye strategized with his subordinate about diverting Emperor Tianhui's suspicions by exposing the Crown Prince's secret gu-abetted men research. He believed this would pit the Emperor and Crown Prince against each other, potentially leading to the latter's downfall and making him vulnerable to manipulation. Amidst this, Baili Mingxiang confronted a distraught Han Yunxi, cruelly announcing that Long Feiye had driven her out and demanded she leave with her belongings.
Baili Mingxiang asserted her lifelong connection with Long Feiye, claiming they were destined, and accused Han Yunxi of nearly exposing and killing him. Han Yunxi, heartbroken, insisted her actions were unintentional and pleaded to see Long Feiye one last time. When Long Feiye appeared, he confirmed there was no longer a place for her in his mansion.
Han Yunxi then inquired about her mother's burial, to which Long Feiye replied she was in the Tang tomb and Ningjing would take her to pay respects. With a heavy heart, Han Yunxi thanked him for his past care and bid farewell, departing into the stormy weather. Long Feiye believed that keeping Han Yunxi away from the mansion was the safest course of action for her.
Han Yunxi, now utterly alone, walked through a heavy downpour, feeling abandoned as she sought refuge at her paternal home. However, the Han family, instead of offering comfort, openly discussed her damaged reputation, fearing her return would bring great shame upon them. To her shock, her father admitted to poisoning her, prompting Han Yunxi to declare their relationship severed. Her stepmother also lamented how Han Yunxi's actions would jeopardize Ruoxue's marriage prospects.
With nowhere left to go, Han Yunxi continued her solitary walk in the torrential rain. Just as despair consumed her, Gu Qishao appeared, holding an umbrella, offering her a path forward. Han Yunxi, now recovering in Herb-Ghost Valley under Gu Qishao's attentive care, was suffering from a high fever and delirium due to the rain. Gu Qishao firmly instructed his subordinates to look after her, rebuking one who complained about Yunxi's low mood.
He prioritized her recovery before making any further plans regarding the Poison Tribe. Meanwhile, back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Tang Li, despite his past dislike for Han Yunxi, stressed to Ningjing the urgent need to retrieve her, revealing that only Han Yunxi could cure the Poison Tribe's madness. Ningjing was surprised, learning about this hidden secret and "Beauty Blood" for the first time. Separately, Emperor Tianhui confronted the Crown Prince, accusing him of treason for secretly developing gu-abetted men.
The Crown Prince desperately pleaded for forgiveness, claiming he acted out of self-preservation, feeling neglected and monitored by his father since his uncle's death and resenting the Second Prince's involvement in the Poison Tribe matter. He also tried to claim his experiments were unsuccessful, thus incapable of disrupting the Emperor's plans. Unmoved and enraged, Emperor Tianhui ordered the Crown Prince to be confined to Zhaoyang Palace. Empress Dowager arrived, urging Emperor Tianhui to manage his anger.
While acknowledging the Crown Prince's faults stemmed from his early loss of a mother, she cautioned against deposing him due to the current political instability, external threats, and Long Feiye's burgeoning influence among the populace. Emperor Tianhui, frustrated, viewed Long Feiye as cunning and responsible for both the gu-abetted man attack and the Crown Prince's actions, feeling manipulated.
Empress Dowager, who confessed to long suspecting Long Feiye's true lineage, proposed a cunning plan: spread a rumor that Prince Qin was not a true royal member but a legendary gu-abetted man, thereby undermining his public support. Emperor Tianhui approved the scheme, and Empress Dowager further suggested attacking Long Feiye's known weakness, Han Yunxi, believing that creating "internal and external problems" would prevent him from challenging their authority.
The rumors quickly spread, reaching commoners in places like Hongfu Restaurant, asserting that Prince Qin was not of royal blood but a gu-abetted man. The Second Prince, now favored by Emperor Tianhui, confirmed the success of their rumor campaign, earning his father's praise for his initiative, unlike his "incurable" elder brother. Meanwhile, in Prince Qin's Mansion, Ningjing frantically informed Tang Li of the widespread rumors about Long Feiye.
Baili Mingxiang immediately accused Han Yunxi of leaking the information, claiming Han Yunxi, while treating Long Feiye after his fight with a Xiqiu expert at the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, used needles to make him reveal his true gu-abetted form. Ningjing vehemently defended Han Yunxi, refusing to believe she would betray them. Baili Mingxiang countered that Han Yunxi, having been driven out, likely harbored resentment and sought revenge.
When Long Feiye learned of the rumors, he dismissed Baili Mingxiang's accusations, stating his belief in his wife. He affirmed Han Yunxi was still his wife, despite her departure, and demanded Baili Mingxiang treat her with respect as his sister-in-law. Baili Mingxiang retorted that she never considered him a brother, thus wouldn't acknowledge Han Yunxi as family.
Long Feiye concluded that Emperor Tianhui was behind the rumors, aiming to sow discord within their ranks, and ordered his household not to discuss the matter, especially to keep it from Consort Dowager Yi. Long Feiye was summoned to the palace, where Emperor Tianhui, feigning concern, acknowledged the rampant rumors about Prince Qin being a gu-abetted man. Long Feiye insisted the rumors were baseless and sought an opportunity to clear his name.
Emperor Tianhui, claiming to support him, stated that for Long Feiye's safety and to allow him to clear his name, he and his subordinates must remain confined to the palace. He also announced that General Mu would be dispatched to protect Prince Qin's Mansion, a move Empress Dowager secretly lauded as a clever first step in their scheme.
Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Long Feiye explained the siege to Consort Dowager Yi, assuring her it was due to the Emperor's suspicion regarding the gu-abetted man attack at the birthday banquet. Meanwhile, Baili Mingxiang's condition worsened as her poison flared up, causing her to vomit blood. She desperately wanted to develop the "Beauty Blood" quickly, believing it was crucial for Long Feiye's survival should his own poison manifest, and expressed her willingness to die for him.
Tang Li, witnessing Baili Mingxiang's suffering, discussed it with Ningjing, who was deeply saddened by Baili Mingxiang's plight. Ningjing, now aware of Han Yunxi's whereabouts in Herb-Ghost Valley, resolved to go find her, believing Han Yunxi was the only one who could help. Tang Li later informed Long Feiye that Ningjing might have already gone to Herb-Ghost Valley to find Han Yunxi. Long Feiye, recognizing that their confinement prevented access to Solitude Pavilion and treatment for the Poison Tribe, silently hoped Han Yunxi would prioritize treating the Poison Tribe.
Episode 25 Recap
Having recently recovered from exposure to a poison barrier, Ning Jing confronted Gu Qishao in Herb-Ghost Valley, demanding to see Han Yunxi. Gu Qishao, who had mercifully detoxified her, sternly reminded her that the valley was not a place to enter at will. Ning Jing asserted her close friendship with Han Yunxi. Gu Qishao then probed, asking if Long Feiye had told her Yunxi was there, which Ning Jing denied. Gu Qishao was initially reluctant, stating Han Yunxi was unwell.
However, Ning Jing was confident that her presence would lift Yunxi's spirits and aid her recovery. Upon meeting Han Yunxi, Ning Jing learned that Yunxi felt Long Feiye had been heartless by driving her away. Ning Jing quickly clarified that Long Feiye’s actions were a protective measure due to the widespread dangers associated with being a gu-abetted person and the Consort Dowager's strong opposition. Realizing Long Feiye's true intentions, Yunxi felt relieved, dispelling her belief that he favored Baili Mingxiang.
Ning Jing then revealed her visit's true purpose: Baili Mingxiang was cultivating Beauty Blood for Long Feiye. Yunxi understood the perilous process, which involved years of ingesting various slow poisons to accumulate three hundred different toxins in the blood. Ning Jing confirmed Baili Mingxiang's deep, almost unbearable devotion to Long Feiye, emphasizing that once the cultivation began, it could not be stopped without risking death, a fact Long Feiye had struggled with, having sought failed cures for her.
Yunxi, believing all poisons have antidotes, offered to help Baili Mingxiang for Long Feiye’s sake, aiming to alleviate her suffering. Gu Qishao, who had been listening, interrupted with news that Emperor Tianhui's forces, led by General Mu Qingwu, had encircled Prince Qin's Mansion, making return impossible. In Prince Qin's Mansion, Tang Li expressed concern for Ning Jing’s safety, though he tried to mask it with dismissive remarks.
Chu Xifeng reported to Long Feiye that the rumors against him were orchestrated by the Second Prince, confirming Emperor Tianhui's involvement. Long Feiye remained composed, advocating patience. Back in Herb-Ghost Valley, Ning Jing urged Han Yunxi to focus on curing the madman in Solitude Pavilion, revealing him to be the Poison Master, a pivotal step towards saving Long Feiye from his gu poison. Yunxi agreed, understanding the urgency. At Renshou Palace, Emperor Tianhui discussed his strategy with the Empress Dowager.
He intentionally assigned Mu Qingwu to guard Prince Qin’s Mansion, anticipating that Mu Qingwu, who owed Han Yunxi a debt, might allow Long Feiye to escape. This, the Emperor hoped, would lead him directly to the Poison Master. The Second Prince, Long Tianqing, reported his successful campaign to turn public opinion against Prince Qin.
As a reward, he requested permission to visit his unwell mother, Noble Consort Xiao, a request Emperor Tianhui granted, along with a pardon for his recent misdeeds. Emperor Tianhui then took Consort Qing (Chu Qingge) to a newly built palace, meticulously designed to evoke her homeland of Xiqiu. He declared his deep affection for her, promising to promote her to Noble Consort, granting her significant authority over the harem, which she gratefully accepted.
Word of Consort Qing's promotion and new palace reached Noble Consort Xiao, who reacted with furious jealousy, feeling her hard-won status threatened. Meanwhile, Consort Qing basked in her success, having secured the Emperor's trust and a prestigious new title, placing her on par with Noble Consort Xiao. She expressed concern over the Crown Prince's confinement, believing it was linked to his secret research into gu-abetted individuals, which could open the door for the Second Prince to consolidate power.
She knew she had to proceed cautiously given Emperor Tianhui's strict adherence to rules. Her servant then confirmed that the Empress Dowager was investigating Noble Consort Xiao. News of Chu Qingge's advancement pleased Gu Qishao. Han Yunxi, in Solitude Pavilion, diligently attended to Poison Master, bringing him food and offering comfort. She discovered he knew a specific red string game, just like her deceased mother, revealing a poignant connection. Yunxi reaffirmed her resolve to cure him to save Long Feiye.
Chu Xifeng later informed Long Feiye that the guards at Prince Qin's Mansion had become lax and that Han Yunxi was secretly treating Poison Master, unobserved by Gu Qishao. Long Feiye found himself recalling cherished moments with Yunxi. Yunxi continued her tireless work, driven by her desire to cure Long Feiye. However, Poison Master’s condition showed no improvement based on her medical knowledge, prompting her to suspect an issue with her medicinal formula.
Yunxi sought Gu Qishao’s expertise with the prescription. He playfully agreed, adding three more conditions to the three she already owed him, making a total of six conditions. Later, Ning Jing brought pastries from Gu Qishao to Yunxi. Though Ning Jing expressed concern about Gu Qishao's rivalry with Long Feiye, she eagerly consumed most of the delicious pastries. Ning Jing also reminded Yunxi that it was Long Feiye's true birthday.
Yunxi noted this important detail, but remained engrossed in writing out the new prescription for Gu Qishao's review. That night, Ning Jing cautiously returned to Prince Qin's Mansion. She accidentally collided with Baili Mingxiang, scattering the fireflies Baili Mingxiang had lovingly prepared all afternoon for Long Feiye's birthday. Baili Mingxiang was heartbroken, tears streaming down her face as she watched the fireflies escape, lamenting that her fleeting moments and unrequited love for Long Feiye were slipping away.
Ning Jing then reunited with Tang Li in the mansion, their playful bickering hinting at Tang Li's underlying concern for her. Long Feiye arrived, receiving the anti-poison barrier antidote from Ning Jing, and learning of Gu Qishao's evident interest in Yunxi. Long Feiye and Chu Xifeng subsequently headed to Herb-Ghost Valley. Chu Xifeng entered first and was quickly incapacitated by Gu Qishao's poison, then attended to by Zhuyu.
Zhuyu mischievously told Chu Xifeng that Gu Qishao had "buried alive" Long Feiye. A frantic Chu Xifeng then rushed to find his master. Long Feiye entered and finally reunited with Han Yunxi. Yunxi briefly excused herself, asking him to wait. Long Feiye waited for Yunxi on the steps, surrounded by the soft glow of fireflies. Yunxi soon found him there. She solemnly promised to spend every future birthday with him.
Long Feiye, admiring her under the moonlight, playfully reminded her of a past promise to accept a punishment. He then asked her to close her eyes and gently kissed her forehead. Han Yunxi, blushing, wrapped her arms around his waist, and Long Feiye drew her into a tender embrace. Gu Qishao, hidden, witnessed their reunion. The following day, Gu Qishao watched with amusement as Zhuyu offered Chu Xifeng noodles and freshly brewed wine, a subtle apology for her prank.
They exchanged a knowing smile. At Wende Palace, Emperor Tianhui received a report that two black-clad figures had escaped Prince Qin's Mansion and vanished near Herb-Ghost Valley. He surmised that the Poison Master was likely held captive within the valley. In Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao, observing Han Yunxi's intense dedication to finding a cure for madness, concluded that Poison Master was indeed in Long Feiye's custody.
Episode 26 Recap
Long Tianmo, the Crown Prince, was confined to his palace when his younger brother, Long Tianqing, paid him a visit. Initially, Tianmo suspected his brother was there to gloat, but Tianqing feigned sincerity, prostrating himself and proclaiming Tianmo as the future successor and current crown prince, even offering to bear unwarranted blame for him. Believing he had misjudged his brother, Tianmo felt remorse and promised Tianqing a drink once his confinement was lifted.
However, Tianqing quickly dropped his facade, revealing his true colors. He questioned Tianmo's right to be Crown Prince, insulting his deceased mother, intelligence, and capabilities, provocatively challenging him. Enraged by the deception, Tianmo threatened Tianqing’s life, but Tianqing defiantly dared him to try. After Tianqing's departure, a servant informed Tianmo that the Emperor was investigating the gu-abetted men.
Despite his advisor Gu Qishao's counsel to remain patient, Tianmo, consumed by anger and a desire to eliminate his brother, decided to frame Tianqing by fabricating and adding to existing evidence of Tianqing's involvement in the gu-abetted men research, then submitting it to the Ministry of Personnel. Meanwhile, at Prince Qin's Mansion, Chu Xifeng confirmed to Prince Qin, Feiye, that the Crown Prince had indeed delivered all the incriminating evidence against the Second Prince.
Feiye then subtly inquired about the wine at Herb-Ghost Valley. That same evening, at Herb-Ghost Valley, Yunxi found herself lost in thoughts of Feiye’s forehead kiss. Gu Qishao, sensing her preoccupation, playfully quoted an ancient verse, implying his own affections for her. Yunxi, flustered, quickly reminded him that she was married, pleading with him not to jeopardize their friendship.
Qishao brushed it off as a joke, claiming he wouldn’t stoop to stealing another man’s wife, though he playfully called her gullible. He then presented her with a medicine he had painstakingly prepared, explaining he relied solely on his hands to precisely measure its minute dosage. As their hands touched while exchanging the medicine, Feiye suddenly appeared, unleashing internal force to strike down Gu Qishao before swiftly grabbing Yunxi's hand and pulling her away.
When Yunxi chided Feiye for being jealous, he childishly pouted, then pulled her close, and sealed her lips with a tender kiss. In the imperial court, ministers presented their findings regarding the escalating rumors of gu-abetted men and widespread disappearances, implicitly linking Prince Qin to the incidents.
The Emperor, in a display of formidable power, ordered two officials, who had brought forth the initial reports and were now accused of disregarding human life and spreading rumors, to be dragged out and beheaded, terrifying the remaining court members. Even the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Personnel, who secretly possessed evidence of the Second Prince’s misdeeds, remained silent, recognizing the Emperor’s clear intent to protect his favored son.
News of this reached Crown Prince Long Tianmo, who seethed over the Emperor's blatant favoritism towards the Second Prince. He resolved that upon the lifting of his confinement, his top priority would be to win over the Ministers of Revenue and Personnel, using them to ensnare the Second Prince. At Hongfu Restaurant, Second Prince Long Tianqing sought solace in wine, despairing over the decimation of his network of operatives across the provinces.
His advisor urged him to rally, reminding him that despite his losses, the Emperor still favored him, and the Crown Prince had significantly fallen from grace, leaving the succession still open for contention. The advisor suggested that by diligently tracking the movements at Herb-Ghost Valley and successfully apprehending the Poison Master, Tianqing could earn significant merit and secure his claim to the throne. Determined, Tianqing refocused his efforts on this new objective.
Meanwhile, at Herb-Ghost Valley, Yunxi apologized to Gu Qishao on Feiye's behalf, causing Qishao considerable discomfort. Noticing his genuine anger, Yunxi expressed her gratitude for his help and tactfully took her leave. Qishao watched her retreating figure, contemplating his unrequited feelings. Later, after Tang Li escorted Yunxi back to Prince Qin's Mansion, Bai Su urged the exhausted Gu Qishao, who had been staying up for days, to rest.
While Zhuyu remained oblivious, Bai Su keenly observed the underlying coldness in Qishao's eyes, despite his superficial smile. At Renshou Palace, the Empress Dowager summoned Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue to analyze the powders found in pastries Noble Consort Xiao had sent to various concubines over the years. Gu Beiyue’s examination confirmed the powders were derived from rare herbs native to Southwest Meiling.
While appearing to be nourishing tonics, he revealed their cold nature made them addictive if over-consumed, particularly for women, affecting their fertility. He further explained that when mixed with certain other ingredients, these powders could become toxic, gradually eroding one’s vitality and eventually leading to death. The Empress Dowager, clutching her prayer beads, was horrified by the revelation, realizing the malicious depths of Noble Consort Xiao, who had shared the Emperor’s bed for so long.
She understood that a woman capable of harming imperial consorts and imperial offspring would not hesitate to endanger the Emperor and herself. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Yunxi was deeply distressed to witness Mingxiang spitting blood in her room. Mingxiang, in her pain, reminded Yunxi that only Beauty Blood could heal Feiye's gu poison.
Yunxi, seeing Mingxiang endure such suffering for Feiye and thinking that Mingxiang might even love Feiye more than she herself did, resolved to cure her, believing it was essential to truly deserve Feiye's love. Yunxi spent the night in the kitchen, meticulously decocting medicine for Mingxiang. Late into the night, Consort Dowager Yi, feeling hungry, wandered into the kitchen and found Yunxi.
After a brief discussion, Consort Dowager Yi softened her stance, promising to formally allow Yunxi to return to the mansion if she successfully healed Mingxiang. Overjoyed, Yunxi, ever the physician, also offered Consort Dowager Yi a restorative pill, explaining it would quell her hunger without negatively impacting her health, as eating late was ill-advised.
One day, in what appeared to be the Imperial Garden, the Empress Dowager conversed with the Emperor about Consort Qing's impending promotion to Noble Consort, for which the Ministry of Rites was already preparing the ceremony. Although Empress Dowager harbored reservations, recalling Noble Consort Xiao's past malevolence, she ultimately acquiesced. Meanwhile, in Solitude Pavilion, Yunxi had exhausted all her methods, yet the Poison Master remained in a seemingly unresponsive state.
Returning to Prince Qin's Mansion that evening, Yunxi conveyed her suspicion to Feiye: the Poison Master might be feigning madness. She hastily presented Feiye with a sachet she had personally embroidered and filled with protective herbs, intended for his birthday, then resumed her tireless research into a cure for Feiye's gu poison. Feiye, deeply moved by her gesture, cherished the gift.
Concurrently, in another location, Gu Beiyue's small bird confirmed that the Poison Master was indeed awake, prompting Gu Beiyue to prepare for his next move. In the imperial palace, the Emperor had uncovered the full extent of Noble Consort Xiao's heinous crimes. Upon learning she was currently visiting Consort Qing, he immediately ordered his retinue to Qinghui Palace. Confronted by the Emperor, Noble Consort Xiao vehemently denied all accusations.
However, a maid’s inadvertent remark about Consort Qing's fondness for Noble Consort Xiao's pastries, coupled with an Imperial Doctor’s pulse diagnosis of Consort Qing, exposed Noble Consort Xiao’s deception. She fell to her knees, pleading for mercy, but the Emperor remained unmoved by her pleas. The following day, Feiye and Yunxi went to Solitude Pavilion to test the Poison Master, whom Yunxi previously believed was feigning madness after exhausting all her treatment methods.
Feiye, suggesting that if he couldn't be healed, he should be killed, but Yunxi, having developed some affection after treating him for so long, intervened, preferring to handle it herself rather than see him executed. She offered the Poison Master some candy, which he readily accepted and ate.
Episode 27 Recap
In Qinzheng Hall, Second Prince Long Tianqing knelt before his Royal Father, pleading for Noble Consort Xiao's life, his forehead nearly breaking from kowtowing. He confessed his mother's grave mistakes but begged for clemency, citing her overwhelming love and fear of losing the Emperor. Though initially stern, the Emperor softened, declaring Noble Consort Xiao's death sentence would be commuted, though she would not escape punishment. Long Tianqing, relieved, rose and reported on the situation concerning the Poison Master.
He internally resolved that his mother would eventually be released once he secured more achievements for the Emperor. At the Solitude Pavilion, multiple factions converged to seize the Poison Master. Tianning's Second Prince, Long Tianqing, had dispatched forces, while Beili's Crown Prince Jun Yixie had sent his elite warriors. Meanwhile, Long Feiye had tasked Han Yunxi with treating the Poison Master, and Gu Beiyue, the Poison Master's subordinate, had been lying in wait to rescue his master.
As the various forces engaged, Han Yunxi discovered the Poison Master was feigning madness when she saw a familiar bracelet on his wrist and questioned his connection to Lady Tianxin. Suddenly, Gu Beiyue seized his chance, incapacitating the guards and Han Yunxi with a potent drug before escaping with the Poison Master. Long Tianqing arrived to find his efforts futile.
Gu Qishao, who had also been trying to secure the Poison Master, tragically lost his loyal warrior Bai Su, who succumbed to two arrow wounds. He vowed vengeance against Long Tianqing for her death. Long Feiye found Han Yunxi unconscious from the drug, his concern overwhelming. In Yujing Pavilion, Consort Dowager Yi fretted over Long Feiye's intense concern for Han Yunxi, feeling a pang of jealousy that her son had seemingly forgotten her for his wife.
Her attendant gently reminded her that Long Feiye had always cherished her. Consort Dowager Yi conceded that Long Feiye's affection for Han Yunxi was undeniable. Recognizing the rarity of mutual love and the difficulty of a lifelong bond, she decided to no longer meddle in the couple's relationship. Meanwhile, at Hongfu Restaurant, Long Tianqing and his advisor strategized. They chose to suppress the news of the Poison Master's escape from the Emperor to avoid losing recently gained trust.
Instead, they decided to closely monitor the movements of Herb-Ghost Valley, planning to tail them to apprehend the Poison Master. Long Tianqing declared his intention to flatten Herb-Ghost Valley, but his advisor suggested using them instead, augmenting their own forces by secretly following them. Long Tianqing agreed, prioritizing regaining his father's trust and crushing all who looked down on him.
At the Sinkhole, the Poison Master, recovered and lucid, revealed to Gu Beiyue that he suspected Han Yunxi might be his daughter, having recognized the bracelet as a token of love between himself and Lady Tianxin. Gu Beiyue confirmed Han Yunxi was indeed Lady Tianxin's daughter but also Han Cong'an's. The Poison Master instructed Gu Beiyue to bring Han Yunxi to the Sinkhole to be tested by a poison beast, which would confirm if she was of his lineage.
Gu Beiyue expressed concern about Prince Qin's Mansion's tight defenses and Han Yunxi's constant proximity to Long Feiye. The Poison Master, having waited for over a decade, insisted on the test, dismissing Gu Beiyue's suggestion to find a new hideout as the Sinkhole was his decade-long effort and currently impenetrable.
In the Imperial Garden, the Emperor confided in the Empress Dowager about his worries regarding his two sons: the Crown Prince was indecisive and incompetent, while the Second Prince, Long Tianqing, was overly selfish and even dared to hide significant events, like the recent fight at Solitude Pavilion, from him. The Empress Dowager, however, cut to the chase, pointing out that the Emperor's true anxiety stemmed from Long Feiye's unconfirmed lineage.
The Emperor acknowledged this, musing that Consort Dowager Yi would know the truth about Long Feiye's identity. In Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao received news that Chu Qingge had begun to move against Noble Consort Xiao. He immediately ordered his subordinate to tell Chu Qingge to find a way to eliminate Long Tianqing, vowing to avenge Bai Su's death. Soon after, Beili's Crown Prince Jun Yixie arrived, confronting Gu Qishao and demanding the Poison Master.
Gu Qishao defiantly stated that all of Jun Yixie's elite warriors had perished. Enraged, Jun Yixie threatened Gu Qishao, vowing to return in a month, and if the Poison Master was not delivered, he would capture Gu Qishao and bury him with his mother, thus preventing him from clearing his mother's name. Gu Qishao’s subordinate was furious, but Gu Qishao remained calm, enduring the humiliation for his mother's sake.
Following his heated exchange with Gu Qishao, Jun Yixie was intercepted by Long Tianqing’s men and captured. Identifying himself as Jun Yizheng, the Crown Prince of Beili, he appealed to Long Tianqing's ambition. He argued that turning him in would only provide temporary credit, but if freed, he, as a future emperor of Beili, could help Long Tianqing ascend the Tianning throne, particularly by eliminating Crown Prince Long Tianmo.
Convinced by the strategic advantage, Long Tianqing agreed to an alliance: Jun Yizheng would help him become Emperor in exchange for two ceded cities and a non-aggression pact with Beili, with Jun Yizheng remaining in Tianning until Long Tianmo's demise. Meanwhile, in Renshou Palace, the Empress Dowager summoned Consort Dowager Yi and Han Yunxi under the pretense of watching a show. She feigned dizziness and requested Han Yunxi to check her pulse, intending to separate her from Consort Dowager Yi.
Consort Dowager Yi protested, asserting Han Yunxi's status as Prince Qin's consort, but Han Yunxi humbly accepted. As Consort Dowager Yi left for the show, the Emperor met her, lamenting the pervasive rumors that Prince Qin was not of Tianning royal blood. The Emperor urged Consort Dowager Yi to help uncover Long Feiye's true identity for the sake of Tianning's stability, leaving her in doubt.
Back in Renshou Palace, the Empress Dowager confronted Han Yunxi, demanding to know why she had not sent messages. Han Yunxi retorted that Prince Qin's Mansion had been besieged, preventing communication. The Empress Dowager accused her of lying and threatened her with her mother's fate. Han Yunxi, knowing the truth, boldly challenged the Empress Dowager, asking if she could raise the dead. As Han Yunxi attempted to leave, the enraged Empress Dowager threw a teacup at her.
Han Yunxi deftly dodged it, causing the cup to shatter a priceless antique vase. Han Yunxi then dared the Empress Dowager to kill her, stating that Long Feiye knew everything and would expose her if she died in the palace. At that moment, Consort Dowager Yi returned, fiercely defending Han Yunxi and reminding the Empress Dowager that the Emperor had just praised her, making any punishment an embarrassment for him.
Cornered, the Empress Dowager could only glare as Consort Dowager Yi led Han Yunxi away. On their carriage ride back to Prince Qin's Mansion, Han Yunxi playfully called the Empress Dowager "that old witch," to which Consort Dowager Yi, though feigning disapproval, secretly found amusing. Upon their return, a delighted Han Yunxi eagerly told Long Feiye that Consort Dowager Yi was finally beginning to accept her as her daughter-in-law.
Later, in Prince Qin's Mansion, Han Yunxi brought Long Feiye some yam and jujube pastry she had made. Their eyes met, filled with affection. After tasting the pastry, Long Feiye shared that it was his parents' memorial day and asked Han Yunxi to accompany him to pay respects. Han Yunxi playfully agreed, insisting they go to the market together to personally select the offerings, believing it would show more sincerity. They left hand in hand.
Episode 28 Recap
Consort Dowager Yi expressed her happiness about Han Yunxi and Long Feiye going to the market, ostensibly to buy things for her. She was deeply touched, feeling blessed by Han Yunxi's filial devotion, and quietly instructed Mammy Gui to follow them to see what they might want so she could surprise them with gifts. Meanwhile, Long Feiye and Han Yunxi were on their way to a temple to honor his late parents.
Long Feiye confessed to Han Yunxi his deep guilt over using Consort Dowager Yi, especially since she treated him so well. He admitted he couldn't bear to tell her the truth: that the real Long Feiye had tragically died. He vowed to continue living as Long Feiye, ensuring to fulfill his filial duties to Consort Dowager Yi as long as he lived.
Han Yunxi assured him that the bond between them was real, regardless of blood, and that the true Long Feiye would surely be grateful for his devotion. They decided to buy something to cheer her up. Elsewhere, Baili Mingxiang was surprised to learn that Long Feiye and Han Yunxi had already gone to the temple without her, as she traditionally joined Long Feiye and Tang Li for the ancestral worship.
Tang Li, who had just returned from paying his respects, admitted that while he initially disliked Han Yunxi, he now thought "she's not that bad" after witnessing her risk her life to save Long Feiye. This admission further angered Baili Mingxiang, who retorted that she too had risked her life for him.
Tang Li then tried to explain that affection couldn't be forced, much like Ning Jing's unrequited pursuit of him, but Baili Mingxiang insisted her situation was different from Ning Jing's and her relationship with Long Feiye was unlike Tang Li's. At the temple, Long Feiye solemnly introduced Han Yunxi, his consort and their daughter-in-law, to his late parents. He vowed to eventually pacify all conflicts and bring peace to the common people.
Han Yunxi also pledged to cure Long Feiye's gu poison, care for him, and be a devoted wife. Baili Mingxiang then forcefully attempted to enter the temple, insisting on her right to be there as she had always accompanied Long Feiye for the worship. Despite the guard's protests, Xifeng allowed her entry. Baili Mingxiang tearfully expressed her feelings of worthlessness now that Long Feiye had found the Poison Tribe, making her Beauty Blood seemingly unnecessary.
Long Feiye and Han Yunxi reassured her they would still find a cure for her Beauty Blood poison, explaining that Long Feiye understood the pain of gu poison and wouldn't wish it upon her. Baili Mingxiang, however, claimed that without Beauty Blood, she would be useless to him and suffer even more. Long Feiye gently reminded her that he would always see her as a sister, regardless of the Beauty Blood.
Heartbroken by being called "sister," Baili Mingxiang left in tears. Han Yunxi, understanding Long Feiye's guilt and Baili Mingxiang's pain, resolved to find an antidote for her. Shortly after, Consort Dowager Yi arrived at the temple, her suspicions aroused after hearing Long Feiye and Han Yunxi had bought candles and gone there. She was startled to see the name "Xuanyuan" written on an unburnt paper. Back at the palace, the wife of the Xiqiu envoy met with Chu Qingge.
Chu Qingge was initially unfamiliar with her, but the envoy's wife quickly revealed herself to be an agent of Beili's Crown Prince, Jun Yizheng. She reminded Chu Qingge of Xiqiu's precarious situation and her true mission in Tianning, emphasizing that Chu Qingge should not forget her family's vengeance. The envoy's wife explained that Emperor Tianhui's progress in creating gu-abetted men necessitated further weakening of Tianning's influence and continued disruption of its court, as current efforts were proving insufficient.
Jun Yizheng had ordered Chu Qingge to find a way to poison Long Tianmo, making him a catalyst to unleash chaos in Tianning. Chu Qingge agreed, stating she needed two specific drugs that were harmless when separated but fatal when combined. She knew that Herb-Ghost Valley possessed such compounds and instructed the envoy's wife to convey her request there. Gu Qishao was later informed of Chu Qingge's request for these two fatal poisons, anticipating further turmoil within the palace.
Han Yunxi presented Consort Dowager Yi with a new swan neck face washing brush, a gift she and Long Feiye had prepared, noting its jade body and beneficial properties. Consort Dowager Yi graciously accepted the thoughtful present, though harboring doubts inwardly. She then asked Han Yunxi to supervise the tidying of her room before excusing herself to visit Baili Mingxiang, bringing her some cakes.
In Baili Mingxiang's room, Consort Dowager Yi acknowledged Baili Mingxiang's feelings for Long Feiye, admitting she once hoped they would marry. However, she now advised Baili Mingxiang to relinquish that hope, explaining that Long Feiye and Han Yunxi were deeply in love, and any attempt to join them would be profoundly unfair to Baili Mingxiang and cause immense suffering, drawing on her own past marital sorrows.
She suggested Baili Mingxiang seek a man who would truly cherish her and even offered to help her find a suitable match upon her return from Buddhist study. Baili Mingxiang, appearing weary, asked to rest. After Consort Dowager Yi departed, Baili Mingxiang expressed her frustration that even her aunt no longer supported her relationship with Long Feiye, questioning why Han Yunxi commanded such universal approval.
She then reaffirmed her resolve to fully develop her Beauty Blood and cure Long Feiye's gu poison, believing that by doing so, she would prove who truly loved him. The following day, as Consort Dowager Yi prepared to leave the Prince Qin's manor for a period of Buddhist study, she urged Long Feiye and Han Yunxi to work on having children, expressing her hope for good news upon her return.
Han Yunxi, flustered by the suggestion, quickly excused herself to make some herbs. Consort Dowager Yi then proceeded to the Imperial Palace to meet Emperor Tianhui. She definitively confirmed Prince Qin's identity to him, dismissing any lingering rumors and asserting that Long Feiye was undeniably her and the late emperor's son, a blessing from heaven.
She then made a special request to Emperor Tianhui, asking him, as Long Feiye's "blood brother," to look after him, citing Long Feiye's stubborn and socially inept nature. Emperor Tianhui readily agreed. After Consort Dowager Yi departed, Emperor Tianhui discussed with the Empress Dowager how Consort Dowager Yi still seemed oblivious to the questions surrounding Long Feiye's true identity.
The Empress Dowager remarked on Han Yunxi's cunning, noting that while Han Yunxi's usefulness diminished with the death of Lady Tianxin, she had unexpectedly won Long Feiye's heart. They concluded that Han Yunxi's earlier report about Long Feiye's Wind Tribe birthmark must have been fabricated, as they had no legitimate grounds to verify it without alarming Prince Qin. They agreed they needed to find another approach.
Meanwhile, Long Feiye was informed by his subordinate that the Poison Tribe had been located at the Sinkhole, and that the attackers who assaulted Solitude Pavilion were from Beili. Long Feiye ordered an investigation into the identity of these black-clad men and their true intentions in Tianning. Later, Zhuyu arrived at Prince Qin's manor to invite Han Yunxi to Herb-Ghost Valley, stating that Gu Qishao had developed a new love flower poison he believed she would find interesting.
Han Yunxi agreed to go, asserting her right to meet friends as a married woman, not a prisoner. Tang Li, observing this, questioned Long Feiye about his apparent calm, calling him "generous" and a "cold stone" for allowing his "rival" to "fight for his wife." Long Feiye simply responded that he trusted Han Yunxi.
At Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao showed Han Yunxi the love flower poison, noting its unusual color and toxicity, and requested her assistance in researching it as a form of reciprocation for the herbs she had taken from his valley. Han Yunxi observed Gu Qishao's unwell appearance, prompting him to admit he had caught a cold and neglected himself due to his busy schedule.
She chided him for overlooking his own health despite being surrounded by a vast array of medicinal herbs. Gu Qishao then invited Han Yunxi to share some new plum wine brewed by Zhuyu. As they drank, Han Yunxi noticed his sadness and inquired about it. Gu Qishao confessed to being troubled by a "love problem."
He revealed he loved a girl who possessed a poison he desperately desired, but he couldn't acquire it through conventional means and didn't want to exploit her by having her "secretly bring it out." Han Yunxi offered to help if she had the poison but he refused to disclose the girl's identity or the specific poison. Han Yunxi encouraged him to boldly pursue the girl, noting his charm and talent. Gu Qishao then feigned intoxication, prompting Han Yunxi to leave.
Once she was gone, Gu Qishao, completely sober, noted that Han Yunxi had not taken the medicine he had given her for "madness," concluding that her madness, a symptom of the Poison Tribe, had been cured. Zhuyu asked Gu Qishao if he believed Long Feiye would find the Poison Tribe.
Gu Qishao speculated that "Poison Girl" (Han Yunxi) would not allow Long Feiye to face the Poison Tribe alone, and that if she were absent from Prince Qin's manor for several days, it would likely be because she was helping Long Feiye search for them. Zhuyu agreed it was a plausible strategy. Baili Mingxiang secretly entered Long Feiye's study and, while he was away, discovered where he kept the Poison Scripture and took it.
Using candlelight, she uncovered a hidden map within its pages. The following day, Baili Mingxiang presented her father's token to Bai Xiaochuan, requesting his secret assistance in capturing someone. Bai Xiaochuan, loyal to her father, pledged his full cooperation without questioning the target. They then led a contingent of men to the Sinkhole. As Bai Xiaochuan prepared to deal with potential ambushes, Baili Mingxiang covertly slipped into the Sinkhole with the map. However, she was immediately knocked unconscious, and Gu Beiyue appeared, taking the map from her.
Episode 29 Recap
Tang Li informed Long Feiye that Baili Mingxiang had returned to her family's mansion, prompting Long Feiye to instruct Xifeng to ensure her safety without forcing her return. Meanwhile, Consort Qing visited the confined Long Tianmo at Zhaoyang Palace. She presented him with a bottle of sweet grape wine, a specialty from her younger brother, urging him to consume it quickly as it wouldn't keep. Long Tianmo praised the wine after drinking it.
Consort Qing then subtly sought his favor, asking him to speak well of her to Emperor Tianhui and expressing her hope that he would treat Xiqiu kindly upon ascending the throne. Long Tianmo agreed. Later, in Qinghui Palace, Consort Qing lit agilawood incense for Emperor Tianhui, claiming it was a gift meant to aid his sleep. She skillfully guided their conversation towards Long Tianmo, subtly defending him and suggesting Emperor Tianhui visit him on his late mother's upcoming death anniversary.
At Prince Qin Mansion, Long Tianmo had dispatched men to the Sinkhole, but all of them had vanished. Long Feiye confirmed the mysterious Poison Master's fortified presence there, a place reputedly fraught with dangers including a unique poison beast and numerous traps. Han Yunxi offered to venture into the Sinkhole, citing the Poison Master's connection to her mother and her intent to identify the toxins to develop an antidote for Long Feiye's condition.
However, Long Feiye, wary of the danger and the watchful eyes of spies from the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and Emperor Tianhui around his mansion, hesitated. Concurrently, within the Sinkhole, Gu Beiyue brought Baili Mingxiang inside after she survived exposure to the formidable Sha Poison from her attempt to breach the area. The Poison Master later expressed astonishment that Baili Mingxiang had survived exposure to his formidable Sha Poison.
Eager to assist Long Feiye, Han Yunxi and Ningjing persistently pressed Tang Li to let them go to the Sinkhole. Despite Tang Li's initial reluctance due to concern for Long Feiye, Ningjing emphasized the immense pressure Long Feiye was under. Han Yunxi proposed they disguise their journey as a casual outing, leading Tang Li to reluctantly agree and arrange for secret guards to follow them.
Upon learning of Han Yunxi's departure from Prince Qin Mansion for the Sinkhole, Gu Qishao also decided to follow her. During his prayer for his deceased mother, Long Tianmo was visited by Emperor Tianhui. Their interaction appeared to mend their strained relationship, with Emperor Tianhui inviting Long Tianmo to join him at the Imperial Ancestal Temple after finishing a vegetarian meal. While eating, Long Tianmo suddenly dropped his chopsticks, vomited blood, and collapsed, believing his father wished him dead.
Consort Qing, observing from a distance with her accomplice, expressed satisfaction, confirming her scheme had succeeded. She detailed the poison's unique properties: an initial dose from the wine, activated by a substance transferred from Emperor Tianhui's agilawood-exposed clothes. She noted that this new poison had no known antidote and was designed to be fatal within ten days. Emperor Tianhui summoned Han Cong'an, who admitted his unfamiliarity with the poison and could only estimate the time of poisoning.
Enraged, Emperor Tianhui ordered Han Cong'an to save Long Tianmo or face execution. Subsequently, Emperor Tianhui interrogated the Zhaoyang Palace servants, who claimed only he had entered Long Tianmo's palace that day. Furious, Emperor Tianhui perceived this as an accusation against himself and ordered the servants to be beaten until they revealed the true plotter.
Long Tianqing congratulated Jun Yizheng, implying their shared objective regarding Long Tianmo would soon be achieved, and promised that Long Tianmo would be eliminated within ten days. Long Feiye, analyzing the palace poisoning, deduced that Han Cong'an would inevitably be implicated, and Emperor Tianhui would use this incident to control him. Meanwhile, at Han Cong'an's residence, he and Gu Beiyue tirelessly worked to find an antidote. Mrs. Xu urged them to rest, but Han Cong'an felt their situation was hopeless.
He expressed deep gratitude to Gu Beiyue for his loyalty, contrasting it with others who would "hit me more after seeing that I'm down." Gu Beiyue humbly responded that he was simply fulfilling his duty and learning from Han Cong'an, before excusing himself to rest. Mrs. Xu then suggested Han Cong'an seek help from Han Yunxi, highlighting her noble status and Long Feiye's support.
However, Han Cong'an dismissed the idea, believing Han Yunxi's animosity towards him was too great for her to intervene, and that her high position made it difficult for her to openly take sides in the volatile court. Mrs. Xu lamented her past mistreatment of Han Yunxi, but Han Cong'an saw no use in dwelling on it now. Han Yunxi and Ningjing cautiously entered the Sinkhole.
Upon encountering Sha Poison, Han Yunxi swiftly pushed Ningjing away, asserting her ability to handle the toxins as a poison doctor. She then skillfully used silver needles to seal her vital acupoints before succumbing to the poison and collapsing. Gu Beiyue appeared, administered a Reductant Elixir to her, and placed her outside the cave. Soon after, Ningjing and Gu Qishao arrived.
Ningjing anxiously urged Gu Qishao to hasten, fearing for Han Yunxi's life, but Gu Qishao confidently assured her that Han Yunxi would survive, and they quickly transported her to Herb-Ghost Valley. The Poison Master, upon learning that Han Yunxi, Princess Consort Qin, had been afflicted by Sha Poison, dispatched his subordinate to Herb-Ghost Valley to gather information and ensure her well-being, acknowledging that despite her self-sealed acupoints and the Reductant Elixir, some poison might still linger.
Simultaneously, the Poison Master found himself baffled by Baili Mingxiang's unusual condition, realizing she possessed "Beauty Blood" and had previously sealed her acupoints and pubic qi region with special medicine, which had prevented a more severe outcome. Emperor Tianhui was informed that Long Tianmo's condition was critical, facing death within ten days if an antidote wasn't found, prompting the Emperor to offer a substantial reward for anyone who could cure him.
At Prince Qin Mansion, an agitated Tang Li finally confessed to Long Feiye that Han Yunxi and Ningjing had ventured into the Sinkhole, much to Long Feiye's anger over the delayed information. Tang Li reassured him they had disguised their trip as a leisure outing and were being secretly protected.
Simultaneously, Gu Beiyue arrived, informing Long Feiye that Long Tianmo's poison was a complex mixture, requiring an antidote within eight days to prevent his demise, and warning that Han Cong'an, as chief imperial physician, faced severe repercussions. Gu Beiyue requested Han Yunxi's assistance in developing the antidote. Long Feiye attempted to deflect, claiming Han Yunxi was away on a leisure trip.
However, Gu Beiyue revealed that his apprentice had witnessed Gu Qishao and Ningjing assisting a weakened Han Yunxi into Herb-Ghost Valley, implying she had been poisoned. Alarmed, Long Feiye immediately departed for Herb-Ghost Valley with Gu Beiyue. Upon their arrival at Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao confirmed that Han Yunxi was recovering but not fully, and that his treatment had suppressed the poison.
When Long Feiye entered, Gu Qishao playfully chastised Han Yunxi for her recklessness in the Sinkhole, implying he had saved her, and subtly criticized Long Feiye's absence. Gu Beiyue explained that residual toxins in Han Yunxi's body required internal energy to expel. Long Feiye then took over, using his internal energy to remove the needles and expel the remaining toxins from Han Yunxi. Meanwhile, Long Tianmo briefly regained consciousness, accusing Emperor Tianhui of cruelty before succumbing to a severe relapse.
Enraged, Emperor Tianhui branded Han Cong'an a "quack" and ordered him imprisoned, demanding that new healers be found to treat Long Tianmo. At the Han Mansion, family members urged Han Ruoxue to appeal to Han Yunxi for their father's sake, but Han Ruoxue's pride made her refuse. Her stepmother and sister insisted, trying to persuade her that Han Yunxi would not hold grudges. Han Yunxi, having largely recovered, prepared to leave Herb-Ghost Valley.
Gu Qishao expressed his reluctance to see her go, hinting at his deeper feelings by contrasting his extended efforts in saving her with a "lover's" shorter, more impactful treatment. Han Yunxi, however, reaffirmed him as her benefactor and closest friend.
Episode 30 Recap
Han Yunxi was preparing to leave after Gu Qishao had spent a night detoxifying her. Gu Qishao, teasingly, remarked that an "outsider" who worked all night could not compare to her "lover" who spent only half an hour healing her. Han Yunxi assured him he was her benefactor and best friend, asking him for the prescription for the detoxifying medicine, which he agreed to provide.
As Han Yunxi returned to Prince Qin's Mansion, she was met by Mrs. Xu, Han Ruoxue, and Third Aunt, who urgently begged her to save Han Cong'an. They explained that Han Cong'an had been imprisoned by His Majesty for his alleged failure to properly treat the Crown Prince, Long Tianmo, and his life was now in grave danger.
Mrs. Xu emphasized that the Han family would be ruined without him, while Han Ruoxue tearfully apologized for her past behavior and pleaded for Han Yunxi to save their father, adding that Yunyi, the only male child, could not be left without a father. Despite their pleas and reminders of his familial role, Han Yunxi harbored deep resentment towards Han Cong'an, remembering how he had neglected her when she was bullied, abused, and homeless.
She questioned why his life and death mattered to her, stating she had no such father. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Long Tianmo's condition remained critical, causing deep anxiety for the Empress Dowager. Consort Qing seized the opportunity to recommend Han Yunxi, recalling how Han Yunxi had previously detoxified her. In a private conversation, the Empress Dowager and Emperor Tianhui discussed using Han Yunxi to undermine Long Feiye.
They planned to leverage Han Yunxi's efforts to save the Crown Prince as a pretext to suppress Prince Qin's Mansion and even demote Long Feiye, believing that Han Cong'an's life alone was not enough to achieve their goal; they sought to implicate his entire family. Long Feiye, unbeknownst to them, overheard their treacherous conversation, feeling a chilling sense of betrayal that his own father was still using him even as he faced his own imminent demise.
Gu Beiyue arrived at Prince Qin's Mansion to assist Han Yunxi in developing an antidote for Crown Prince Long Tianmo. He noted the unusual nature of the poison, affecting both the brain and internal organs, and suggested a high-risk but potentially effective solution: locating a Poison Beast in the Sinkhole whose blood could detoxify all poisons.
Han Yunxi, acknowledging the extreme danger of the powerful Sha Poison prevalent in the Sinkhole and the countless traps within, resolved that this was their only chance and prepared to journey there. Gu Qishao also provided rare and precious herbs for their research, explaining to his subordinate that his generosity was a calculated move.
He knew Han Yunxi would tirelessly research the Sha Poison antidote, and by helping her, they would go to the Sinkhole, allowing him to "reap the harvest" – specifically, to find the Poison Master located there. Long Feiye visited Han Cong'an in prison, who expressed acceptance of his impending death, stating that as the chief doctor of the Imperial Academy of Medicine, he had long prepared for such a fate due to the perils of serving the emperor.
He urged Long Feiye to prevent Han Yunxi from becoming involved in this dangerous political entanglement, believing the Crown Prince was beyond saving. Long Feiye, observing Han Cong'an's demeanor, sensed an unspoken truth behind his past harsh treatment of Han Yunxi. Han Cong'an confessed that his late wife, Lady Tianxin, was the love of his life and he could never mistreat her daughter.
He revealed that Lady Tianxin had wished for Han Yunxi to marry an ordinary man and live a simple life, free from the entanglements of powerful families and political struggles.
Fearing that Emperor Tianhui might arrange a high-status marriage for Han Yunxi, Han Cong'an resorted to a desperate measure: he intentionally poisoned her face to cause a carbuncle, hoping to make her undesirable to noble families, such as Prince Qin's Mansion, and secure her a peaceful life after he secretly cured her. He admitted this was his only option to protect her from the political turmoil he foresaw.
He then requested Long Feiye to bring Han Yunxi to the prison, stating he had a plan to make her give up on saving him. Meanwhile, Bai Xiaochuan, the military inspector of Tianning and a student of General Baili, reported Baili Mingxiang's disappearance in the Sinkhole to Long Feiye. He explained that they were attacked at the entrance of the Sinkhole while searching for someone, and Mingxiang had vanished.
Bai Xiaochuan also handed Long Feiye a map of the Sinkhole that Mingxiang had drawn, along with another item given to him by a masked man who had saved him during the attack. He noted Mingxiang had found the map hidden within the "Poison Scripture" and ventured into the Sinkhole alone. This information, coupled with the critical need for the Poison Beast to save Crown Prince Long Tianmo, solidified Long Feiye's decision that he must personally go to the Sinkhole.
Han Yunxi resolved to accompany him once she had developed a resistance to the Sha Poison. Following Han Cong'an's request, Han Yunxi went to the prison. She approached him with the intention of saving him, but he immediately launched into a harsh tirade, declaring she was not a member of the Han family and had no blood relation to them. He shockingly claimed she was a "bastard," stating that Lady Tianxin had already been pregnant before their marriage.
Han Cong'an confessed he had only tolerated Han Yunxi while Lady Tianxin was alive, but after her death, Han Yunxi became a constant reminder of his "shame," prompting him to inflict the poison on her face and allow Mrs. Xu and Han Ruoxue to bully her. He vehemently told her he wanted nothing from her and demanded she leave. Stunned and heartbroken by his words, Han Yunxi left the cell, questioning her true parentage.
After she departed, Han Cong'an was seen in tears, silently apologizing to Han Yunxi, showing his actions were a painful pretense. Long Feiye reassured Han Yunxi that his mission to the Sinkhole was not primarily to save Han Cong'an, or even Crown Prince Long Tianmo, but served his own strategic purposes.
He explained that Emperor Tianhui's secret surveillance of Prince Qin's Mansion inadvertently provided him a legitimate reason to go to the Sinkhole and pursue his own long-standing intent to investigate it thoroughly. Han Yunxi, concerned for his safety, expressed her worries, but Long Feiye reassured her, affirming his trust in her. The Crown Prince's condition worsened, with only four days left before the poison would claim his life.
Emperor Tianhui, rather than focusing on his son's treatment, seemed preoccupied with Long Feiye's lack of action regarding Han Cong'an. The following day, during court, the Imperial Academy of Medicine jointly submitted a memorial, accusing Han Cong'an of corruption and abuse of power, citing "solid evidence." Emperor Tianhui, seizing this opportunity to strike at Long Feiye, ordered the confiscation of the Han family's assets and the arrest of all its members, condemning Han Cong'an for blatantly disregarding national law.
Imperial soldiers stormed the Han Mansion, arresting Third Aunt and Yunyi. Mrs. Xu, however, managed to escape and immediately sought refuge at Prince Qin's Mansion, desperately pleading with Han Yunxi to save Han Cong'an, whose execution was set for two days later. Han Yunxi was overwhelmed, knowing that while the charges against her father were exaggerated, the evidence made it difficult to dispute.
Long Feiye confirmed that while he could negotiate for the safety of other Han family members, Han Cong'an's alleged crimes were too severe for him to escape the death penalty. Mrs. Xu tearfully interrupted, revealing the full truth: Han Cong'an had allowed her to bully Han Yunxi because he feared her maternal family's influence.
He also worried that any overt favoritism towards Han Yunxi would only fuel Mrs. Xu's jealousy, and his duties in the palace prevented him from constantly protecting Han Yunxi, leaving her vulnerable. Mrs. Xu tearfully disclosed that Han Cong'an had told her he poisoned Han Yunxi's face to prevent her from being forced into a political marriage, hoping she could live a simple, peaceful life free from court intrigues. He even intended to secretly cure her face later.
Han Yunxi struggled to believe this, given Han Cong'an's past harshness. However, Long Feiye confirmed Mrs. Xu's account, revealing that Han Cong'an had confessed all this to him during his prison visit. Memories of her father's subtle kindnesses and protection flooded Han Yunxi's mind, making her realize she had profoundly misunderstood him.
With this newfound understanding, Han Yunxi resolved that the only way to save her father was to save Crown Prince Long Tianmo, believing that this act of merit would atone for Han Cong'an's alleged crimes and secure his release.
Episode 31 Recap
Princess Consort Qin, Han Yunxi, and Prince Qin, Long Feiye, arrived at the palace, seeking an audience with Emperor Tianhui. Han Yunxi pleaded with the Emperor to spare her father, Han Cong'an, but the Emperor dismissed her plea, citing Han Cong'an's undeniable corruption. He did, however, reassure Han Yunxi that she would not be implicated. Han Yunxi then offered to cure Crown Prince Long Tianmo in exchange for her father's pardon.
Skeptical of her abilities, Emperor Tianhui reminded her that her own father had worsened the Crown Prince's condition. When Han Yunxi vowed to bear all consequences for failure, Long Feiye interceded, offering to be punished in her stead by accepting a post as an envoy in the remote territory of Ningnan. Presenting a pre-written military vow, Long Feiye finalized the deal. The Emperor agreed: if Han Yunxi succeeded, the Han family would be absolved.
If she failed, Han Cong'an would be executed, and Long Feiye would be exiled to Ningnan. Han Yunxi explained that the cure required the blood of a Poison Beast, and they would leave for the Sinkhole immediately. In her quarters, Chu Qingge learned of the military vow from her servant, Momo. Chu Qingge revealed her complex strategy: Beili was using her younger brother, Tianyin, as leverage, and her own state of Xiqiu was internally unstable due to her uncle's ambitions.
By allowing Tianning's court to fall into chaos, she hoped to incite conflict between Tianning and Beili, distracting them from Xiqiu. This would buy time for Tianyin to mature and for her to eventually use Tianning's power against Beili. Believing Han Yunxi would succeed, she anticipated the ensuing turmoil and instructed Momo to alert Gu Qishao. Upon learning of Long Feiye's quest, the Second Prince, Long Tianqing, devised a plan.
He deduced that Emperor Tianhui would send assassins to kill Long Feiye after he secured the Poison Beast's blood. Long Tianqing instructed his men to follow from a distance, intending to let the two factions weaken each other before swooping in to steal the Poison Beast, thereby ensuring Crown Prince Long Tianmo's death and acquiring a priceless treasure for himself. Back at the Qin Mansion, Han Yunxi expressed her guilt to Long Feiye for entangling him in her family's troubles.
Long Feiye reassured her, revealing a strategic advantage to the situation: his main forces were stationed in the southern region, and an assignment to Ningnan would free him from the Emperor's surveillance, benefiting his long-term military plans. Meanwhile, Emperor Tianhui, furious over his guards' previous failures, ordered them to ambush and assassinate Long Feiye at the Sinkhole, retrieve the Poison Beast, and return to save the Crown Prince.
Long Tianmo, overhearing the order, was devastated, confronting his father for prioritizing the elimination of Prince Qin over his own son's life. Before her departure, Gu Qishao visited Han Yunxi, providing her with various antidotes and remedies. He offered to accompany her, but she refused, not wanting to put him in danger.
At the same time, Long Feiye outlined his own plan: he and Han Yunxi would take a secret shortcut, while Tang Li and Ning Jing would act as decoys, impersonating them on the main road to mislead their enemies. Tang Li and Ning Jing then comically bickered as they prepared for their roles. Disguised as the royal couple, Tang Li and Ning Jing rode along the main path. Long Tianqing's forces lay in ambush and attacked.
When a group of the Emperor's guards, led by Lei and Feng, stumbled upon the scene, Long Tianqing ordered his men to eliminate them as witnesses. The guard Yu was killed in the clash, but Lei and Feng managed to escape with the decoys. Long Tianqing pursued them to the Tianquan Inn.
There, he cornered the three surviving imperial guards and coerced them into an alliance, ordering them to lure out Long Feiye's elite guards from the inn so his own forces could attack. Meanwhile, Long Feiye and Han Yunxi reached the shortcut to the Sinkhole, where they found Gu Qishao waiting for them. Despite Han Yunxi's earlier refusal, he insisted on joining them for her protection.
The trio, along with Bai Xiaochuan’s men, entered the treacherous Sinkhole, where several men immediately fell into traps. From a hidden location, Gu Beiyue watched them and activated a mechanism, plunging the group into quicksand. At the Tianquan Inn, Long Tianqing had his archers in position, boasting to his aide about his plan to use the Emperor's men as bait to eliminate both them and Long Feiye's guards.
Inside, Ning Jing and Tang Li continued their impersonation, bickering over how to convincingly portray an intimate couple. Deep within the Sinkhole, Gu Beiyue approached a seemingly unconscious Long Feiye and removed the Poison Scripture from his robes. However, Long Feiye was only feigning and launched a surprise attack. Gu Beiyue retreated and triggered another mechanism, trapping Long Feiye. Elsewhere in the confusion, Gu Qishao realized Han Yunxi was missing and began searching for her.
In another location, the Poison Master discussed Baili Mingxiang's condition; her unique "Beauty Blood" had combined with Sha Poison to create a new mind-altering toxin. Having put her into a deep sleep to study it, he learned that Han Yunxi had been successfully lured near the Poison Beast and ordered his plans to proceed. Alone and lost, Han Yunxi was suddenly confronted by the colossal Poison Beast, which began to hunt her down.
Episode 32 Recap
Han Yunxi's scream drew Long Feiye's attention. Upon their arrival, they found the Poison Beast had shrunk in size and was licking blood from Han Yunxi's wound. Han Yunxi noted the beast seemed harmless to her. When the beast tried to flee, Han Yunxi pursued it, while Long Feiye and Gu Qishao were left to guard the outside.
Catching up, Han Yunxi pleaded with the Poison Beast for its blood, explaining that Long Tianmo, the Crown Prince, was poisoned and many lives depended on its blood for a cure. She offered her own blood in exchange, which the beast had previously shown a liking for. The Poison Beast then feigned a faint, only to escape again, leaving Han Yunxi surprised by its "cowardice."
Meanwhile, Xifeng, acting on Long Feiye's orders, had set up an ambush at the inn where three of Emperor Tianhui's men had just arrived, dispatched to retrieve the Poison Beast. Xifeng revealed that their mission aligned differently with Long Tianqing, the Second Prince's true intentions, warning them that Long Tianqing would likely silence them once they were no longer useful.
One of the men scoffed at the warning, attempting to leave the inn, only to be immediately shot dead by Xifeng's hidden archers. Witnessing this, the remaining two, realizing Long Feiye's true power, agreed to Xifeng's terms. Xifeng assured them of their safety if they stayed in the room until morning, instructing them to then report the full truth to Emperor Tianhui, thereby shifting the blame onto Long Tianqing.
The Poison Beast led Han Yunxi directly to the hideout of the Poison Master, whom she pressed for a cure for the gu-abetted men, revealing that Long Feiye was one of them. The Poison Master initially claimed there was no cure, provoking Long Feiye to burst in, intending to kill him in revenge for his many family members and relatives who had perished due to the Poison Master's creations.
However, Gu Beiyue intervened, shocking everyone by declaring that Han Yunxi was the Poison Master's biological daughter. This revelation explained why the Poison Beast had not harmed Han Yunxi earlier, as only blood from the Poison Master's lineage could control it. Han Yunxi, reeling from the discovery that her own father was the source of Long Feiye's torment, begged Long Feiye for time.
She handed him the Poison Beast's blood, urging him and Gu Beiyue to rush back to the palace to save Long Tianmo. She then asked Gu Qishao to take her and the Poison Master to Herb-Ghost Valley to work on a cure, telling the Poison Master that if he wanted to live, he should come with her.
Meanwhile, Long Tianqing, oblivious to Long Feiye's success, remained puzzled as to why Long Feiye had not yet gone to the Sinkhole, believing his scheme to prevent Long Feiye from obtaining the Poison Beast's blood was working perfectly. He confidently assumed Long Feiye would fail to save Long Tianmo and would face severe consequences, causing trouble for Prince Qin.
Separately, Baili Mingxiang was rescued from her comatose state within the Sinkhole by an attendant after Long Feiye and Han Yunxi broke its mechanisms. Upon waking, she immediately inquired about Long Feiye, only to learn from her attendant that he had already departed to save the Crown Prince. A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she realized, once again, that she was the least important person in his heart, easily left behind for more pressing matters.
On the journey back to Herb-Ghost Valley, Han Yunxi, in tears, vehemently refused to acknowledge the Poison Master as her father. She accused him of cruelty for abandoning her mother and using the Qinxi royals for his gu-abetted men experiments. The Poison Master, whose real name was Bai Yanqing, explained that he was coerced. He recounted the history: the Qinxi Dynasty unified the realm using secret armies of gu-abetted men, created from prisoners whose lifespan was sacrificed for superhuman strength.
After General Long Zhenfei overthrew Qinxi to establish Tianning, Emperor Tianhui, then Long Aotian, tasked Bai Yanqing with creating more gu-abetted men to advance his poison skills. Bai Yanqing claimed he was compelled and initially only agreed on the condition of provided materials and a facility. However, his wife, Lady Tianxin, could not bear to watch him turn "human beings into killing machines."
Despite his pleas to continue his research, she pleaded with him to stop for their future child's sake. When he refused, she left him, telling him she couldn't be with the man he had become. Long Aotian, enraged by Bai Yanqing's attempt to abandon the project, imprisoned him in the dungeon. Consequently, the leaderless Poison Tribe and the Shadow Clan to which Lady Tianxin belonged were nearly annihilated by rival forces.
Bai Yanqing revealed that Gu Beiyue was the sole survivor of the Shadow Clan, the son of Gu Chengze, whom Bai Yanqing had sent to find Lady Tianxin after her departure. Gu Chengze, unable to locate her due to her hidden identity, returned to aid the sect but perished in the ensuing conflict. For years, Gu Beiyue had been searching for his parents.
Four years later, Lady Tianxin, renowned for her mastery of poison, was captured by the Empress and forced to develop gu-abetted men, witnessing the torment of subjects like Long Tianmo, who was used as a test subject. Distraught, she revealed to the Poison Master, who was also imprisoned, that they had a daughter. Overjoyed by this news, he dreamt of a future where their family of three could live in seclusion.
Lady Tianxin then devised an escape plan for all the prisoners, agreeing to split paths with the Poison Master before meeting outside. However, during the escape, Lady Tianxin was discovered by soldiers while trying to save Long Feiye. After her death, which led to the Poison Master's insanity, Emperor Tianhui kept him imprisoned for many years.
Now, filled with profound regret for his past actions that led to the deaths of his wife, clan, and many innocent people, the Poison Master expressed his deep sorrow to Han Yunxi. Han Yunxi, still unforgiving, sternly told him to stop with empty words and instead focus on creating an antidote for the gu-abetted men, urging him to use his poison skills for healing, not harm, especially to save Long Feiye.
Emperor Tianhui, upon learning that Long Tianqing's men had actively obstructed Long Feiye from reaching the Sinkhole, erupted in a fit of rage. Meanwhile, Tang Li and Ning Jing finally reunited with Long Feiye, only to be stunned by the revelation that Han Yunxi was the Poison Master's daughter, making her tied to Long Feiye's family's torment. Long Feiye privately confided in Xifeng that there was no known cure for his gu poison, and his time was running out.
Despite Xifeng's attempts to reassure him that Han Yunxi would find a way, Long Feiye insisted they must accelerate their plans, driven by the vivid memory of the Qinxi massacre and his burning desire for revenge against those responsible. He then left to catch up with Gu Beiyue. Tang Li and Ning Jing continued their petty arguments, much to Xifeng's frustration.
Xifeng, burdened by the secret of Long Feiye's incurable gu poison, chastised them for their immaturity, urging them to act more responsibly and not cause Long Feiye further worry, especially given his critical state. Xifeng specifically warned them to keep the truth about Long Feiye's condition a secret. Long Tianqing, oblivious to Long Feiye's true plan, returned to the palace, eager to revel in Long Tianmo's suffering. He visited his mother, Noble Consort Xiao, who was confined to Jingxin Pavilion.
Overjoyed to see him, Noble Consort Xiao, who had long suffered in the cold palace and had previously conspired to eliminate the Empress, listened as Long Tianqing gleefully informed her that Long Tianmo, the Crown Prince, was poisoned and would likely die by morning, assuring her that Long Feiye's attempts to acquire the antidote had been successfully thwarted.
Mother and son, blinded by their impending perceived triumph, fantasized about a future where Long Tianqing would secure the throne and free his mother. However, their triumphant imaginings were shattered when Long Feiye and Gu Beiyue dramatically arrived at the palace. Long Feiye explained Han Yunxi's absence, stating she was recovering at Herb-Ghost Valley from injuries sustained while securing the Poison Beast.
He then presented the crucial Poison Beast's blood to the Emperor and instructed Gu Beiyue to administer it to Long Tianmo. Emperor Tianhui, while publicly praising Long Feiye's timeliness and resourcefulness, could not hide his underlying displeasure that Long Feiye had managed to return with the "antidote," thwarting Long Tianqing's plot.
Episode 33 Recap
Jun Yizheng, threatened by Long Tianqing, reveals that Consort Qing has colluded with Beili to plot Prince Qin's assassination in exchange for his life. Long Tianqing, having obtained this crucial intelligence, later discusses it with Noble Consort Xiao. They plan to leverage this evidence to eliminate Consort Qing using Prince Qin's influence. Unbeknownst to them, a granny, who serves as Noble Consort Xiao's Momo, overhears parts of their conversation.
Following Long Tianmo's recovery, he questions Long Feiye about an ambush he faced while pursuing the Poison Beast, hinting that someone deliberately stalled him. Emperor Tianhui, learning that Prince Qin possessed the Poison Beast's blood, interrogates his remaining guards. They confess that Long Tianqing coerced them and that the real Prince Qin and Han Yunxi were trapped at Tianquan Inn by Long Tianqing, never reaching the Sinkhole as the emperor believed.
Enraged by this deception and Long Tianqing's betrayal, Emperor Tianhui declares he will eliminate Long Feiye at all costs. Long Tianqing is then shocked to learn of Long Tianmo’s recovery. In court, Emperor Tianhui harshly reprimands Long Tianqing for his vicious ambition, accumulated crimes, and for attempting to prevent Prince Qin from acquiring the Poison Beast. He strips Long Tianqing of his positions and has him imprisoned.
Noble Consort Xiao's Momo, revealed to be an informant arranged by the Grand Marshal, informs Consort Qing that Noble Consort Xiao was responsible for poisoning the late empress. Consort Qing, recognizing the gravity of this long-held secret, chooses not to expose it immediately. Instead, she cunningly decides to let Long Tianmo and Long Tianqing battle each other, believing their mutual destruction will create an opportune moment for her.
She then instructs her Momo to prepare tonics for a visit to Long Tianmo with Princess Changbing. In Herb-Ghost Valley, the Poison Tribe Leader prepares a meal for Han Yunxi, but she remains completely engrossed in her tireless research for the gu poison antidote, urging him to focus on the cure for Long Feiye.
The Poison Tribe Leader reflects on his own decades of failed attempts, explaining the profound and often contradictory interactions between poisons and their antidotes, noting that some antidotes can paradoxically amplify a poison's effects. Despite the daunting challenge, Han Yunxi expresses unwavering determination to find the cure, driven by Long Feiye's prolonged suffering and her unwavering commitment as a poison doctor. Consort Qing and Princess Changbing visit the recovering Long Tianmo.
After their departure, Long Tianmo discovers vital information: Noble Consort Xiao was responsible for poisoning his birth mother, the late empress, and Long Tianqing had orchestrated an ambush to prevent Prince Qin from acquiring the Poison Beast. Overwhelmed by this revelation, Long Tianmo is consumed by a fierce desire for vengeance against both Noble Consort Xiao and Long Tianqing. Emperor Tianhui dismisses Han Cong'an from his post and allows the Han family to relocate back to their hometown.
Upon learning this, Long Feiye dispatches a subordinate to inform Han Yunxi, choosing not to appear himself. Han Yunxi bids farewell to her family at the city gates. Both Mrs. Xu and Han Ruoxue express their apologies to her, and a thawing of the relationship between Han Cong'an and Han Yunxi is evident as he reassures her that she always has a home with them.
After her family departs, a despondent Han Yunxi is approached by Gu Qishao, who takes her for a comforting meal of noodles, offering her much-needed solace and a temporary escape from her sadness. Following his imprisonment, Long Tianqing succumbs to despair, spending his days drinking and loudly cursing Long Tianmo from his quarters. Long Tianmo enters his prison chamber, unnoticed by a drunken Long Tianqing, and offers him wine.
Long Tianqing, only realizing the wine is poisoned after consuming it, struggles in agony. Long Tianmo then reveals his presence and meticulously lists Long Tianqing's transgressions, including his clandestine collaboration with Prince Qin to investigate border accounts, which resulted in the death of the Grand Marshal. He also reminds Long Tianqing of Noble Consort Xiao's poisoning of his own birth mother. With a grim satisfaction, Long Tianmo watches Long Tianqing die at his feet.
Upon hearing of Long Tianqing's alleged suicide, Noble Consort Xiao descends into madness, vehemently denying the news and fixating on Consort Qing as the culprit. Both Emperor Tianhui and the Imperial Mother harbor doubts about the official cause of death, finding it uncharacteristic of Long Tianqing. However, they can find no evidence of foul play, as the coroner confirmed no toxins or injuries, only a ligature mark on the neck, making the death appear self-inflicted.
Emperor Tianhui expresses deep regret over his past favoritism toward Long Tianqing and his neglect of Long Tianmo, acknowledging his own culpability in the tragic outcome. The Imperial Mother has the distraught Noble Consort Xiao brought in for treatment by Gu Beiyue. In her frenzied state, Noble Consort Xiao hysterically warns them that Consort Qing is plotting to harm Prince Qin and that Beili and Xiqiu have formed an alliance.
Han Yunxi diligently searches the Poison Scripture within the bracelet's illusion for a gu poison antidote but finds no relevant information. The Poison Tribe Leader, observing the bracelet, reflects on his past, expressing profound regret for misusing his poison skills for nefarious purposes instead of healing, and for not heeding Han Yunxi's mother's advice. He commits himself to atoning for his past sins by actively saving lives and developing the elusive antidote.
Meanwhile, Long Feiye receives a report from Sun Muchu, confirming that his old troops at the southern border are ready to proceed with their long-awaited plan for restoration. The Poison Tribe Leader receives a critical message, likely from Gu Beiyue, regarding the court's affairs. He attempts to keep its contents hidden from Han Yunxi, believing it would be too distressing for her.
However, Han Yunxi secretly follows him, seizes the note, and is shocked to read that Xiqiu and Beili have formed an alliance, and that Consort Qing's true objective in the palace is to assassinate Prince Qin.
Episode 34 Recap
Baili Mingxiang tirelessly searched through various medical and poison scriptures, but found them lacking in depth, especially when compared to the extensive collection at Prince Qin’s Mansion. Her servant reported that Prince Qin, Long Feiye, had been poisoned in the Sinkhole and had not yet recovered, also noting his absence from the mansion. Upon hearing this, Baili Mingxiang immediately prepared to return to Prince Qin’s Mansion.
At the mansion, Tang Li and Ning Jing were caught in a heated debate about whether Long Feiye should allow Han Yunxi to return. Tang Li argued that Han Yunxi should not be blamed for being the Poison Tribe Leader’s daughter, suggesting Long Feiye was unfairly holding it against her. Ning Jing, however, cautioned Tang Li against interfering, highlighting Long Feiye’s heavy burdens and volatile temper. Unbeknownst to them, Baili Mingxiang intently overheard their entire conversation from a hidden spot.
Han Yunxi met with Long Feiye, handing him a letter she had received. She acknowledged the Poison Tribe Leader’s unforgivable actions but pleaded with Long Feiye to spare her father’s life, appealing to his gratitude for her mother, Lady Tianxin, who had saved him and ultimately died in connection with the tribe’s conflict. Long Feiye confirmed he would not kill the Poison Tribe Leader, as he was Han Yunxi's father, but admitted he could not bring himself to forgive him.
The two then quietly parted ways, their unspoken words hanging heavy between them. An unseen faction discussed a failed attempt to ambush Long Feiye and Han Yunxi, concluding that despite them being alone, the presence of numerous hidden guards made an attack too risky and unworthy of sacrificing their lives. They decided to await a more opportune moment, aware that His Majesty’s patience was wearing thin. Meanwhile, Baili Mingxiang confronted Long Feiye, questioning Han Yunxi's loyalty.
Long Feiye dismissed her concerns, stating that his relationship with Han Yunxi was their private matter, and urged Baili Mingxiang to prioritize her health by ceasing her cultivation of beauty blood. He promised to find others to develop an antidote for her. Despite this, Baili Mingxiang adamantly vowed to continue cultivating beauty blood, asserting that Long Feiye’s well-being was paramount to her.
Separately, Zhuyu pressed Gu Qishao to inform the Crown Prince of Beili about the Poison Tribe Leader’s location in Herb-Ghost Valley. Gu Qishao, however, revealed his strategic intention to first earn the Poison Tribe Leader’s trust and master "gu poison" techniques, believing this would provide a significant advantage in future negotiations with Beili. Zhuyu reluctantly conceded to his plan. Gu Qishao observed Han Yunxi and the Poison Tribe Leader toiling through the night in their research.
Concerned for Han Yunxi's health, he insisted they take a break for breakfast. When Han Yunxi resisted, prioritizing her efforts to save Long Feiye, Gu Qishao invoked one of the conditions she owed him, compelling her to eat. He even offered to use another condition if it meant she would rest and eat well, convinced it would expedite her research.
The Poison Tribe Leader, too, urged Han Yunxi to prioritize her health and rest, while Gu Qishao promised to oversee her unfinished experiments. A crucial message arrived, revealing that the alliance between Xiqiu and Beili, combined with Chu Qingge's true motive to assassinate Prince Qin and destabilize Tianning, posed a significant threat to Long Feiye's plans. Long Feiye expressed his desire to keep Han Yunxi out of these dangerous affairs.
Shortly after, Vice General Chu Xifeng, a subordinate of Noble Consort Xiao, presented Long Feiye’s aide with incriminating letters between Chu Qingge and Crown Prince Jun Yizheng of Beili, confirming their conspiracy. Chu Xifeng explained that Noble Consort Xiao sought an alliance with Long Feiye, as Chu Qingge was responsible for the death of her son, the Second Prince.
Long Feiye’s aide, citing the lack of prior connection between Noble Consort Xiao and Prince Qin and the sensitive nature of harem disputes, initially declined direct involvement, though he promised to relay the message. Ultimately, Long Feiye, demonstrating his cautious nature, declined the alliance, leaving Noble Consort Xiao to find other solutions. Han Yunxi awoke from a vivid dream, excitedly telling Gu Qishao that she had discovered the cure for "gu poison" in her dream, even listing specific herbal ingredients.
Gu Qishao, observing her intense dedication, remarked that she seemed to have gone mad with obsession in her relentless work. Meanwhile, the Poison Tribe Leader, still searching for a "Poison Beast" that had escaped, tracked it to a secret chamber. Inside, he discovered a severely wounded and unconscious woman named Yu Ze. Surprised by her survival given her injuries, he was moved by compassion and decided to attempt creating an antidote for her.
Gu Qishao took Han Yunxi to a lake, encouraging her to smile and suggesting that her father would be less worried if she appeared happy. Though Han Yunxi was hesitant about embracing her biological father, Gu Qishao reminded her of their unbreakable blood connection and her father’s evident care for her, noting the love in his eyes. He expressed envy for Han Yunxi having such a caring father and advised her to cherish the bond she possessed.
Han Yunxi thanked him for his guidance and for sheltering her father, confessing that while she understood his words, her heart still ached from remembering the harm her father had inflicted upon others. Unbeknownst to Han Yunxi, Gu Qishao silently questioned whether she would still consider him a friend if she knew he intended to hand her father over to Beili. Later, during dinner, the Poison Tribe Leader prepared a variety of fish dishes for Han Yunxi.
He explained that her mother, Lady Tianxin, had loved fish above all else, and despite his other culinary shortcomings, he could prepare dozens of fish dishes. He offered to cook a different fish dish for Han Yunxi every day if she enjoyed them. Having overheard the truth about Han Yunxi's lineage, Baili Mingxiang’s hatred deepened. She vehemently questioned Han Yunxi’s right to be at Prince Qin’s Mansion, blaming the Poison Tribe Leader for Long Feiye’s suffering and his ruined family.
Ning Jing attempted to defend Han Yunxi, emphasizing her tireless efforts in Herb-Ghost Valley to develop an antidote for Long Feiye. However, Baili Mingxiang, consumed by jealousy, bitterly compared Han Yunxi’s seemingly effortless acceptance by Long Feiye to her own years of agonizing sacrifice, consuming various poisons to cultivate beauty blood, which she felt had only earned her Long Feiye’s guilt, not his affection.
Believing she had become a "nightmare" and a "burden" to them, Baili Mingxiang tearfully pleaded with Ning Jing to ensure Han Yunxi stayed away from Long Feiye. Ning Jing simply reassured her that Han Yunxi had no intention of returning. Under the beautiful full moon in Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao confided in Han Yunxi about his tragic past.
He recounted how his mother, a humble maid, lived in the most dilapidated room of a grand mansion and was denied proper medical care. Despite his desperate attempts to find medicine, his mother knew her time was short. She urged him to escape the confines of their life and seek a free existence, emphasizing that tears were for the weak. He shared the heartbreaking moment he returned with irises, his mother's favorite flower, only to find her dead.
His father, the Emperor, callously ordered him to the Remorse Palace for merely being in the area. Gu Qishao lamented that his mother, being a maid, was not even afforded a proper burial. He revealed his lifelong vow to strive for position, fame, and dignity to honor her. Han Yunxi, however, offered a new perspective, explaining that irises symbolize "freedom and hope," suggesting his mother may have yearned for liberation from the mansion.
This profound insight helped Gu Qishao find closure, realizing that his efforts to gain status might have been contrary to his mother's true desires, bringing him great emotional relief. Noble Consort Xiao, disguised as a maid, infiltrated Consort Qing’s palace, intending to assassinate her with a knife. She accused Consort Qing of orchestrating the death of her son, the Second Prince.
As guards intervened, Noble Consort Xiao, in a fit of rage, confessed to murdering the Empress, expressing regret for not eliminating Consort Qing in the same brutal manner. Emperor Tianhui arrived just in time to rescue Consort Qing and, furious at Noble Consort Xiao’s confession, immediately ordered her execution by hanging. Noble Consort Xiao, defiant to the end, warned Consort Qing that her own fate would be far worse before she was forcibly removed.
The Emperor then commanded his eunuch, Li Quan, to ensure Noble Consort Xiao took her last breath. Following Noble Consort Xiao's execution, Han Yunxi diligently worked on the antidote and discussed a promising herb with Long Feiye. Their conversation was interrupted by Baili Mingxiang, who, despite Long Feiye's previous admonitions, again attempted to inquire about critical political developments. Long Feiye dismissed her, reassuring her that he would send her the books she desired.
Following this, Long Feiye's aide reported that Noble Consort Xiao had assassinated Consort Qing and was subsequently executed by the Emperor. The aide emphasized Noble Consort Xiao's death as proof of her sincerity, and reiterated that the alliance between Xiqiu and Beili, along with Consort Qing's secret efforts against Long Feiye, were well underway. Separately, Long Tianmo visited the Empress Dowager. He expressed condolences for the recent losses and hinted at reconciling with his father, the Emperor.
The Empress Dowager confirmed that Noble Consort Xiao had poisoned the Empress and acknowledged Long Tianqing's malicious nature, noting their ultimately grim ends. She consoled Long Tianmo, assuring him the Emperor was grieving but would eventually summon him. She then reminded Long Tianmo of his role as Crown Prince, urging him to remain righteous and avoid missteps to inherit the throne. Long Tianmo thanked her and vowed to remember her teachings. Han Yunxi continued her relentless research day and night.
Long Feiye, observing her exhaustion and pale complexion, urged her to rest, emphasizing the importance of her health. Despite his pleas and her own growing fatigue, Han Yunxi insisted on pushing through, even asking Gu Qishao for more herbs. Gu Qishao, noticing she looked unwell, touched her and discovered she was burning with a fever. He tried to make her stop, but she adamantly continued her work, determined to succeed in her efforts to find a cure. Both Gu Qishao and Long Feiye expressed deep concern for her deteriorating condition.
Episode 35 Recap
Upon learning of Han Yunxi's illness, Long Feiye outwardly remained composed, though internally he was filled with anxiety. He believed there was no future for him and Han Yunxi, and thus felt it best to end their relationship. He expressed to Xifeng that the gu poison was incurable and that he could not guarantee her happiness for the rest of her life, concluding that letting her go was perhaps the best choice.
Meanwhile, Baili Mingxiang, discovering the Poison Master was in Herb-Ghost Valley, decided she must find him before Han Yunxi to develop an antidote and save Long Feiye. She immediately ordered her forces to gather and proceed to Herb-Ghost Valley to capture the Poison Master. Concurrently, Long Feiye's subordinate, Xifeng, met with former troops of Long Tianqing.
These troops, seeking revenge after being placed under Crown Prince Long Tianmo by the Emperor following Long Tianqing's death, pledged their allegiance to Prince Qin. They revealed that Jun Yizheng, the Crown Prince of Beili, was being held captive in the capital. Long Tianqing's other subordinates also informed Long Tianmo of Jun Yizheng's captivity.
Long Feiye, understanding that Beili and Xiqiu were secretly allied despite their mutual distrust, determined that in anticipation of internal conflict in Tianning, he must first appease Beili and then contain Xiqiu to prevent them from exploiting the situation. He tasked Tang Li with rescuing Jun Yizheng, hoping this mission would foster Tang Li's growth and independence. As Jun Yizheng attempted to escape during a temporary retreat of guards, he was intercepted by Long Tianmo.
Jun Yizheng proposed an alliance, offering a "big secret" in exchange for his freedom. Impatient, Long Tianmo immediately killed some of Jun Yizheng's subordinates and threatened to bury the secret with him. Jun Yizheng then revealed that Chu Qingge, Emperor Tianhui's favored consort, was the true culprit behind Long Tianmo's poisoning. Enraged by what he perceived as an attempt to sow discord and firmly believing Chu Qingge had saved his life, Long Tianmo ordered Jun Yizheng's immediate execution.
Just in time, Tang Li, identifying himself as a subordinate of Prince Qin, intervened, saving Jun Yizheng and escorting him to a safe, secluded courtyard. Jun Yizheng expressed his gratitude to Prince Qin's forces but, claiming urgent business, declined further escort back to Beili. Tang Li, ever thoughtful, arranged for a false trail to be laid, suggesting Jun Yizheng stay in the courtyard for a night while it appeared he had returned to Beili.
Once Tang Li left, Jun Yizheng instructed his subordinate to report to Prince Qin that the mission was complete, while he secretly remained behind to continue investigating something. From the rooftop of Jun Yizheng's temporary dwelling, Tang Li overheard Jun Yizheng railing against Gu Qishao, calling him a "son of a servant" and denying his right to bury his mother in the imperial tomb.
This outburst revealed to Tang Li that Gu Qishao was indeed Jun Yizheng's younger brother, the Second Prince of Beili, Jun Yixie. Tang Li later informed Long Feiye that Gu Qishao was a spy sent to Tianning, and his approach to Han Yunxi was merely to gather intelligence about Prince Qin's domain, not out of genuine affection. Meanwhile, Long Tianmo raged over Jun Yizheng's escape.
His subordinate advised against pursuing him to avoid a war with Beili, which could destabilize his improving relationship with Emperor Tianhui. Long Tianmo, still unwilling to let the matter rest, was further advised to be wary of Chu Qingge, especially after Jun Yizheng's accusation.
However, Long Tianmo staunchly defended Chu Qingge, believing her to be "so good to me," particularly after she presented him with rare millennium ginseng for his recovery and promised to speak to Emperor Tianhui on his behalf. Despite his trust, his subordinate warned him that Emperor Tianhui was still in his prime, and the birth of another prince from a favored consort could jeopardize Long Tianmo's position as Crown Prince.
The subordinate also suggested using this opportunity to suppress Prince Qin's influence. Remembering Emperor Tianhui's past attempts to bring down Prince Qin using his own life, Long Tianmo decided he could not afford to wait any longer. In the Herb-Ghost Valley, Han Yunxi awoke to the Poison Master's devoted care, which softened her heart.
The Poison Master, regretting his failure to protect her mother and watch Han Yunxi grow up, offered her a sliver of hope, claiming he had a solution for the gu poison, though not entirely confident. He promised to reveal it once she recovered. Overjoyed, Han Yunxi affectionately called him "Dad," deeply moving the Poison Master, who then vowed to cure Long Feiye for her happiness. He also pondered the secrets hidden within the Poison Scripture.
Later, the Poison Master summoned Gu Beiyue, asking him to promise to care for Han Yunxi after his death. He revealed that while medicines couldn't cure the gu poison, the "heart blood of the descendants of the Poison Sect" was the only true antidote, which required taking his own heart. He asked Gu Beiyue to deliver a message to Long Feiye, inviting him to a meeting at Xuanyuan Temple the following day to discuss the cure.
At the same time, Gu Beiyue informed Long Feiye about the Poison Master's meeting invitation. Concerned for Han Yunxi's safety but needing to meet the Poison Master, Long Feiye decided to go to Xuanyuan Temple alone, instructing Gu Beiyue, Xifeng, Tang Li, and Ning Jing to proceed to Herb-Ghost Valley. Unbeknownst to them, Baili Mingxiang, who had ambushed near the valley, was secretly listening.
Learning that Han Yunxi, as the Poison Master's daughter, shared the unique bloodline, Baili Mingxiang concluded that if the Poison Master were dead, Han Yunxi would be left without access to the specific antidote and would thus die, eliminating her rival. Back at Herb-Ghost Valley, Han Yunxi prepared to gather the Poisonous Zhenboye, as instructed by the Poison Master.
However, Gu Qishao informed her that no such herb grew there, confirming her suspicion that her father had lied and was hiding something. They rushed back to find only a farewell letter from the Poison Master. In the letter, he explained his departure to meet Long Feiye, admitting he lied to distract her and asking for her forgiveness, hoping his actions would atone for his sins. Devastated and believing her father had abandoned her, Han Yunxi collapsed in despair.
Gu Qishao embraced her, comforting her and promising to help find her father. At that moment, Zhuyu arrived with Jun Yizheng and his men, attempting to pull Gu Qishao away from Han Yunxi, reminding him of his mission and the futility of his feelings for her. Jun Yizheng, seizing the opportunity, revealed Han Yunxi's identity as the Poison Master's daughter and Prince Qin's consort.
He then exposed Gu Qishao as a spy sent by Beili, claiming he only approached Han Yunxi to extract information about Prince Qin, not out of genuine affection. Han Yunxi, deeply shocked, demanded the truth from Gu Qishao, who, though pained, confirmed the deception. Jun Yizheng declared his intention to use Han Yunxi to control Prince Qin and further threatened Gu Qishao by mentioning his mother's ashes, which were still held in Beili.
Despite Gu Qishao's desperate attempts to protect Han Yunxi, both were ultimately captured. Meanwhile, Baili Mingxiang arrived at Xuanyuan Temple, having followed the Poison Master. The Poison Master recognized her from when he had cured her of Sha poison in the Sinkhole. Baili Mingxiang identified herself as Long Feiye's younger sister and expressed her concern for him, seeking answers about the "beauty blood" she had cultivated for him.
The Poison Master confirmed her efforts were for Long Feiye but delivered the crushing news that "beauty blood" could not detoxify the gu poison. Heartbroken, Baili Mingxiang questioned if all her suffering had been in vain. Later, Tang Li and Gu Beiyue, en route to Herb-Ghost Valley, encountered Jun Yizheng, who was leaving. Noticing suspicious large chests in his carriage, Tang Li's men forced one open, revealing Han Yunxi and Gu Qishao trapped inside.
Distraught and worried about her father, Han Yunxi immediately asked Gu Beiyue to take her to him, which he agreed to do. Tang Li, angered by Jun Yizheng's deceit and the capture of Han Yunxi, declared a complete break in relations between Beili and Prince Qin's mansion, condemning Jun Yizheng's despicable actions.
Episode 36 Recap
Baili Mingxiang, consumed by a twisted devotion, believed her years of suffering to cultivate "Beauty Blood" for Long Feiye were in vain after the Poison Tribe leader implied it was useless or would take an extremely long time. The Poison Tribe leader revealed that the only true antidote for Long Feiye's gu poison was the heart blood of the Poison Tribe lineage, and worried Han Yunxi might sacrifice herself.
Misunderstanding, Baili Mingxiang concluded that if the Poison Tribe leader died, only Han Yunxi's blood could save Long Feiye, forcing a difficult choice upon her. In a desperate act, Baili Mingxiang stabbed the Poison Tribe leader, claiming to eliminate Han Yunxi's dilemma and to avenge Long Feiye's clan, as she believed the Poison Tribe leader was responsible for their suffering. Long Feiye arrived moments later, witnessing the aftermath.
He confronted Baili Mingxiang, stating that his revenge was his own affair and ordering her to leave. Baili Mingxiang protested, insisting her actions were for him, but Long Feiye dismissed her, emphasizing that his guilt did not justify her extreme behavior. Just then, Han Yunxi rushed in, seeing Long Feiye standing over her deceased father, the Poison Tribe leader. Overwhelmed with grief and misinterpreting the scene, she collapsed, accusing Long Feiye of betraying his promise and killing her father.
Meanwhile, Jun Yizheng held Gu Qishao captive. When Zhuyu attempted to offer Gu Qishao water, Jun Yizheng brutally kicked her, shocking Zhuyu into realizing her master's true cruelty. Gu Qishao, however, told Zhuyu not to blame herself and urged her to return to Beili for her safety. Later, Han Yunxi and Gu Beiyue solemnly buried the Poison Tribe leader. Han Yunxi knelt by his grave, weeping, lamenting their brief reunion and expressing her deep sorrow over his loss.
Gu Beiyue promised to remain by her side and protect her. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Baili Mingxiang was overcome with guilt, drinking heavily as nightmares of the murder plagued her. Ning Jing and Tang Li found her distraught, and she confessed to killing the Poison Tribe leader. Tang Li, initially incredulous, soon grasped the horrifying truth.
He grabbed her arm in a panic, crying out that with the Poison Tribe leader's death, the antidote for Long Feiye's gu poison was lost, putting his life at risk. Baili Mingxiang, in turn, lashed out, accusing them of only caring about Han Yunxi's suffering and neglecting her own pain and fear. She declared herself "conscienceless" and, feeling unwanted, stormed out of the mansion. Tang Li and Ning Jing were left reeling, grappling with the profound implications of her confession.
Yuze, now recovered from her poisoning thanks to the Poison Tribe leader, awoke and with Gu Qishao's instruction, helped Zhuyu escape while he remained behind. Gu Qishao explained he needed to return to Beili to retrieve his mother's ashes before he could truly leave the royal palace. Yuze expressed concern, but he assured her he would be fine. Long Feiye returned to the Prince Qin's Mansion, where Tang Li immediately questioned him about the Poison Tribe leader's death.
Long Feiye admitted to it, even after Tang Li revealed Baili Mingxiang's confession. Long Feiye stated his decision to take the blame was to prevent Baili Mingxiang from being further entangled, acknowledging her misguided devotion and his own indirect responsibility for her actions. He strictly ordered Tang Li and Ning Jing to keep Baili Mingxiang's involvement a secret, regardless of the personal cost to him or the fate of the gu poison antidote.
Concurrently, a furious Jun Yizheng, enraged by Zhuyu's escape, punished the captive Gu Qishao by setting fire to Herb-Ghost Valley, Gu Qishao's home and life's work. Later, Chu Qingge openly mocked Gu Qishao, highlighting his low status. News of Herb-Ghost Valley's destruction reached Long Feiye. He recognized Jun Yizheng's move as an attempt to cut off Gu Qishao's retreat.
Understanding Gu Qishao's strained relationship with the Beili Emperor and Crown Prince, stemming from his lowborn mother and difficult upbringing, Long Feiye dispatched Xifeng to Beili to secretly investigate Gu Qishao. He believed Gu Qishao held the key to disrupting any potential alliance between Xiqiu and Beili. Baili Mingxiang, having escaped from General Baili during their journey home, found herself alone on the road. She was ambushed by bandits intent on robbery and assault.
She fiercely resisted, invoking the names of her father, General Baili, and her cousin, Prince Qin, but the bandit leader scoffed at her threats. Fortuitously, Eunuch Li passed by and intervened, rescuing Baili Mingxiang. He offered to escort her to safety and, learning she had nowhere to go, offered his old house as a temporary refuge, which she accepted. After they departed, the bandit leader emerged from hiding and retrieved an item Baili Mingxiang had dropped during the struggle.
General Baili quickly sought out Prince Qin to report Baili Mingxiang's disappearance and to apologize for her reckless actions, blaming himself for not curbing her dangerous obsession with Long Feiye sooner. Long Feiye, while concerned for her health and agreeing she should not remain in the capital, saw her act of killing the Poison Tribe leader as an understandable, albeit misguided, act of revenge on his behalf.
General Baili expressed fear that Baili Mingxiang might harm herself and implored Long Feiye to help find her, which Long Feiye promised to do. General Baili also indicated his urgent need to return to the border to avoid Emperor Tianhui's suspicions. Meanwhile, Eunuch Li reported to Emperor Tianhui that he had rescued Baili Mingxiang from bandits. He mentioned her apparent escape and confirmed she was now safely housed in his private residence.
Emperor Tianhui, recognizing her status as General Baili's daughter, deemed her potentially "useful" and instructed Eunuch Li to ensure her well-being while keeping her presence a strict secret. Soon after, urgent news reached Emperor Tianhui: a sudden and devastating plague had erupted in the sixteen provinces of the south, claiming hundreds of lives. He immediately convened his ministers for an emergency meeting.
At the same time, Jun Yizheng was observed in a desolate, corpse-strewn area of the southern provinces, calmly drinking water, completely indifferent to the widespread death surrounding him. During the imperial court meeting, Long Feiye was chosen by Emperor Tianhui to lead the disaster relief efforts in the plague-stricken south, praised for his royal status, extensive experience, and proven leadership.
Long Feiye accepted the assignment, vowing to fulfill his duty, and Emperor Tianhui appointed Mu Qingwu and imperial doctors to accompany him. At Prince Qin's Mansion, Long Feiye discussed the plague's strategic impact on his main rebel forces in the south, fearing it might eventually affect healthier individuals. His aide suspected Emperor Tianhui was using the disaster to test Long Feiye's connections with the southern region.
Tang Li vehemently opposed Long Feiye's departure, fearing that any harm to him would jeopardize their years of rebellion planning. Long Feiye, however, explained that their fight against Emperor Tianhui's tyrannical rule was not solely for revenge but to liberate the suffering common people. He emphasized the critical nature of the plague, stating they could not ignore the crisis that threatened countless lives. Tang Li, still distressed, confessed his inability to take Long Feiye's place if something were to happen.
Desperate, Tang Li visited Han Yunxi, urging her to accompany Long Feiye to the south, believing her detoxification expertise would be invaluable. Han Yunxi, recalling her experience with infectious diseases, readily agreed. However, Gu Beiyue quickly intervened, cautioning her. He pointed out that despite her skill with poisons, her general medical knowledge was less developed, and a plague was an infectious disease, not a poison.
He argued that her assistance would be minimal given the many imperial doctors already dispatched, and she risked infection. Furthermore, he subtly suggested that her complicated relationship with Long Feiye made her presence inappropriate.
Episode 37 Recap
Jun Yizheng returned to Beili, escorting Gu Qishao, whom he intended to imprison in the death prison. Gu Qishao demanded to see his royal father, but Jun Yizheng scoffed, questioning his worthiness. Meanwhile, Yu Ze and Zhuyu observed from a distance, realizing they could not rescue Gu Qishao due to the heavy guard presence and decided to wait for another opportunity.
Despite promising Gu Beiyue she would not go to the southern border, Han Yunxi soon found herself concerned for its suffering civilians. Gu Beiyue reiterated his duty to protect her, but Han Yunxi argued that thousands of lives were at stake. Their journey was interrupted when they encountered a man exhibiting symptoms of a serious illness.
He claimed to have become sick after smelling a bottle he found near the border between the southern border and the capital, despite not having actually entered the southern border itself. Han Yunxi immediately recognized it as a highly contagious poison, not a natural plague. She deduced it was a man-made disaster and, fearing for Long Feiye's and the southern border's inhabitants' safety, decided to head there, convinced her poison expertise would be invaluable where imperial doctors lacked.
Gu Beiyue, true to his word, accompanied her. In the imperial palace, Emperor Tianhui, surprisingly unconcerned about the southern border, commented that Long Feiye would soon face his own troubles. Chu Qingge arrived to bring him medicine, urging him to take care of his health. Concurrently, in the southern border, Long Feiye meticulously organized the disaster relief efforts.
He established quarantine areas for the infected, isolation zones for the suspected, ordered widespread disinfection, and ensured timely distribution of relief grains, emphasizing the need for orderly actions to maintain public confidence. Long Feiye met with Minister Sun, noting Emperor Tianhui's subtle attempts to monitor his relationship with the southern border.
Minister Sun expressed his suspicion about the plague, as it lacked the usual accompanying natural disasters and, more importantly, proved resistant to all conventional medical treatments, suggesting it was a completely new type of epidemic. Long Feiye urged him to have imperial doctors research it quickly. Back in Beili, Jun Yizheng reported to the Empress, blaming Gu Qishao for his recent troubles and demanding severe punishment for his supposed betrayal and collusion.
The Empress, however, dismissed his concerns, revealing that the Emperor was gravely ill and close to death, giving Jun Yizheng free rein over such matters. She reassured him that the throne was already secured for him. In a separate chamber, the ailing Emperor lay neglected, his calls for water ignored by servants who were clearly under the Empress's threat. Jun Yizheng questioned his mother's harsh treatment of the Emperor, only for the Empress to reveal her long-held resentment.
She confessed that the Emperor had deliberately mistreated Gu Qishao and his mother to deceive her, and she now regretted allowing Gu Qishao to live, fearing he would usurp the throne. She became furious that the Emperor still refused to issue a last decree, suspecting his desire to pass the throne to Gu Qishao. Long Feiye reviewed reports detailing the escalating number of poison plague infections across various states in the southern border.
He learned that the newly developed antidote was completely ineffective and ordered continued research while requesting more medical personnel from the imperial court. Han Yunxi and Gu Beiyue then arrived. Long Feiye, enraged, immediately demanded Han Yunxi leave, scolding Gu Beiyue for failing to protect her. Gu Beiyue explained Han Yunxi's critical findings about the poison plague.
Han Yunxi insisted on staying, pointing out that she was the only one with the specialized knowledge to identify and research the antidote for this unprecedented contagion. Long Feiye, unable to deny her unique skills or ignore the escalating crisis, reluctantly allowed her to remain. Han Yunxi later noted that while her initial treatments had alleviated symptoms, they hadn't eradicated the poison, emphasizing that finding a permanent cure would be a gradual process.
The Empress visited Jun Yizheng, who had fallen ill, attributing it to his recent efforts in Tianning. She brought tonics, reminding him that he was their sole hope after the Emperor's demise. Jun Yizheng informed her that the Emperor, though unconscious, was deliriously murmuring Gu Qishao's and his mother's names.
The Empress confirmed her long-held suspicion that the Emperor's cruel treatment of Gu Qishao and his mother was merely a facade to mask his true intentions and appease her powerful family. She expressed deep regret for not eliminating Gu Qishao when she had the chance, fearing his claim to the throne. Meanwhile, Yu Ze and Zhuyu found Gu Qishao in prison and informed him of the Emperor's critical condition and the Empress's plan to execute him after the Emperor's death.
Initially hesitant to become a fugitive, Gu Qishao agreed to escape to retrieve his mother's ashes and resolve his relationship with Beili. Outside, Yu Ze and Zhuyu created a diversion to draw away the guards, allowing Gu Qishao to slip back into the palace. During the chaos, Xifeng intervened, saving Zhuyu as they split up to evade the pursuing guards. Jun Yizheng arrived, furious to learn of Gu Qishao's escape.
Long Feiye brought food to Han Yunxi, who was working tirelessly on the antidote. She explained the poison's unique and potent nature, which defied conventional remedies, only offering temporary relief. She urged Long Feiye to focus on containment and prevention while she and the imperial doctors continued their research. The next morning, Han Yunxi, exhausted from her relentless efforts, collapsed and was diagnosed with the poison plague.
Gu Beiyue urged Long Feiye to remain strong as the chief commander, but Long Feiye refused to leave Han Yunxi's side. Gu Qishao entered the Emperor's chamber. He confronted his dying father, identifying himself as the son of the "most hated petty maid" and stating he was saving him out of sympathy, not forgiveness, for the years of suffering endured by him and his mother. He then administered a medicine to ensure a swift, painless death.
The Emperor, in his final moments, offered Gu Qishao a will, confessing that his past cruelty was a result of his weakness and fear of the Empress's powerful family, a necessary evil for securing his throne. Gu Qishao dismissed his excuses, asserting that the throne held no value for him, unlike his father who chose power over family.
Gu Qishao was then confronted by Jun Yizheng, who taunted him and forced him to kneel and kowtow, asserting his dominance as the perceived future emperor. However, Jun Yizheng suddenly succumbed to the plague, collapsing and desperately begging Gu Qishao for a cure. Concurrently, the Empress frantically searched the palace for the missing imperial will. Yu Ze questioned Gu Qishao's decision to save the despicable Jun Yizheng.
Gu Qishao explained that if Beili were to be left without a monarch, the country would face collapse, and his true concern lay with the welfare of its people. He also stated that he had no interest in the throne himself, especially given the Empress's deeply entrenched power, and wished to avoid unnecessary conflict. Gu Qishao, confident in his ability to control Jun Yizheng, dismissed Yu Ze's concerns that Jun Yizheng would be ungrateful.
Jun Yizheng, recovering, offered to name conditions for his debt, but Gu Qishao scoffed at his selfish nature and unreliability. Gu Qishao then unequivocally declared his complete disinterest in the throne, reassuring Jun Yizheng he had nothing to fear. Jun Yizheng, disbelieving, continued to press him, suspecting Gu Qishao possessed the imperial will. Gu Qishao confirmed he held the will, which he considered his "amulet."
He warned Jun Yizheng that if he were to die, the will would be made public, revealing Jun Yizheng's unworthiness to rule. He advised Jun Yizheng to pray for his longevity and urged him to rule justly, considering the spreading poison plague in Beili, and to avoid allying with Chu Qingge.
Jun Yizheng, revealing his true nature, immediately attempted to have Gu Qishao captured, but Gu Qishao reminded him that his plague was only temporarily suppressed, making him indispensable for a full cure. After scattering his mother's ashes, Gu Qishao informed Yu Ze and Zhuyu that a new medicinal formula was needed to fully cure the plague and that he would personally seek the necessary ingredients. He instructed them to remain in Beili to manage the ongoing epidemic.
Meanwhile, Han Yunxi's condition showed no improvement. Long Feiye watched over her, praying for her swift recovery. Later, Long Feiye's general, Young General Mu, expressed bewilderment that the plague continued to spread to previously unaffected areas despite their efforts, particularly mentioning Haidong Village as the earliest and most severely impacted, now reduced to corpses. In Haidong Village, Gu Qishao and Gu Beiyue encountered each other, both noting the strange nature of the village.
Gu Beiyue initially expressed reluctance to work with anyone from Beili, but Gu Qishao insisted on their cooperation due to their shared goal of investigating the plague's source and his own unparalleled poison skills. Gu Qishao then urgently inquired about Han Yunxi, confirming with Gu Beiyue that she had also been infected, expressing anger and shock at her compromised safety.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, they agreed to prioritize finding the source of the poison plague to save Han Yunxi. As they observed the village, Gu Qishao noted that the water might be problematic.
Episode 38 Recap
Gu Beiyue and Gu Qishao examined an old well, confirming their suspicion that its water was poisoned. Gu Beiyue noted that over half the villagers were infected with a poison plague, suspecting the well as its source, and planned to take water samples back for antidote research. Suddenly, a hunter attacked them, accusing them of causing the plague.
Gu Qishao denied it, but the hunter insisted, claiming he had seen a similar black-clad figure sprinkle something into the well a month prior, after which the plague broke out. The hunter, who had been injured by the black-clad man himself, recounted how he stumbled upon the scene while returning from a hunt and how, upon recovering and returning to his village, he found many sick or dead.
Convinced Gu Qishao and Gu Beiyue were working with the black-clad man, he lunged again. Gu Beiyue intervened, instructing Gu Qishao to be gentle as the hunter was still injured, before Gu Qishao rendered the hunter unconscious. Deciding to bring the hunter back with them, they prepared to depart. Han Yunxi finally regained consciousness, finding Long Feiye, Gu Beiyue, and Gu Qishao by her side. Long Feiye informed her she had been infected with the poison plague.
Despite her apologies for causing trouble, Long Feiye reassured her, crediting her actions with helping control the epidemic. However, Han Yunxi was deeply upset with Gu Qishao, unable to forgive him for his repeated deception and manipulation, including her father's circumstances.
Long Feiye confronted Gu Qishao about being a spy, to which Gu Qishao defended himself, claiming he had "ineffable reasons" and pointing out he had kept Long Feiye's identity as a gu-abetted man a secret, and accusing Long Feiye of hurting Han Yunxi and her father. Han Yunxi, hurt by what she perceived as Gu Qishao's betrayal of their friendship and trust, asked him to leave.
Gu Beiyue intervened, advising Gu Qishao to withdraw temporarily for everyone's sake, which Gu Qishao did. Gu Beiyue then urged Long Feiye to rely on Gu Qishao, emphasizing that he was their only hope for an antidote, especially since the plague had spread to Beili and the Poison Master was deceased. Long Feiye agreed to keep an eye on Gu Qishao.
Following this, the hunter, who had been brought back, presented Long Feiye with a torn piece of fabric, explaining he ripped it from the black-clad man who had poisoned the well, and cautioned him to keep their conversation confidential. After Long Feiye left, Gu Qishao approached Han Yunxi, who appeared to be asleep.
He spoke softly, reminding her of his condition about not risking her life and expressed his newfound freedom from his grievances with Beili, thanking her for helping his mother find peace. He vowed to keep Han Yunxi safe, unaware that she was actually awake and listening. Gu Beiyue and the imperial doctors worked tirelessly with the well water to develop an antidote. Although they successfully formulated a prescription, a critical herb called Ziai grass was in short supply.
They learned that this herb, essential for the antidote, grew in a treacherous place surrounded by a poison barrier and was difficult to preserve. The Imperial Academy of Medicine's existing stock had been depleted during testing, and the Herb-Ghost Valley's supply had been destroyed by fire. They also learned that Imperial Doctor Han Cong'an, who originally collected the herb, was the only one who knew its precise location, and it could only be safely gathered in snowy weather.
Despite the current season, Gu Qishao, determined to save Han Yunxi, volunteered to retrieve it, stating his familiarity with poison barriers. He quickly departed for Han Cong'an's residence. Upon arrival, Gu Qishao, exhausted from his two-day journey, collapsed outside Han Cong'an's home. Once recovered and having identified himself as Han Yunxi's friend, he explained the plague at the southern border and the urgent need for Ziai grass.
Han Cong'an expressed grave concerns about collecting the herb outside of winter due to the extreme danger. However, upon learning that Han Yunxi herself was infected and had only days to live without the Ziai grass, he immediately agreed to accompany Gu Qishao to gather it. His daughter, Han Ruoxue, and son, Yunyi, insisted on helping.
While Han Ruoxue prepared supplies and urged Gu Qishao to protect her father, Yunyi, despite Han Cong'an's initial refusal due to the danger, convinced him to let him join, emphasizing his closeness with Han Yunxi and the need for mutual support on such a perilous journey. Meanwhile, Han Yunxi's condition worsened, with doctors estimating she might not survive past three days without the Ziai grass.
Long Feiye, desperate to prolong her life, transfused his own vitality into her, ignoring warnings that it could exacerbate his gu-poison. He declared her life more important than his own. As Gu Qishao, Han Cong'an, and Yunyi continued their journey, Gu Qishao urged them onward, prioritizing Han Yunxi's critical state. They arrived at the perilous Ziai grass location, surrounded by a potent poison barrier.
Han Cong'an explained that the barrier's toxicity only weakened in winter when it melted into snow water. Despite the danger, Gu Qishao, accustomed to such environments, attempted to enter the barrier with a rope, but he was overwhelmed by the intense toxins and nearly lost consciousness. Han Cong'an quickly pulled him out to safety.
After recovering, Gu Qishao, still reeling from the near-death experience, confessed his deep affection for Han Yunxi to Han Cong'an and boldly asked for his permission to marry her if she were to divorce Long Feiye. Yunyi immediately interjected that his sister would not divorce Prince Qin. Han Cong'an, aware of Long Feiye and Han Yunxi's strong bond, gently deflected, offering his daughter Han Ruoxue's hand in marriage instead if Gu Qishao was eager to settle down.
Gu Qishao, dismissing the suggestion, promptly took the collected Ziai grass and set off immediately, rushing day and night back to the southern border to save Han Yunxi and the plague-stricken villagers. Upon receiving the Ziai grass, Han Yunxi finally woke up after six days in a coma. Gu Beiyue informed her of Gu Qishao's success in finding the herb and how Long Feiye's constant infusion of true energy had kept her alive.
Han Yunxi wanted to examine the antidote prescription, but Gu Beiyue advised her to rest, promising to provide the detailed records once she fully recovered. Long Feiye, though relieved she was awake, chose to observe from a distance, stating he wouldn't disturb her rest and prioritizing the continued treatment of other infected civilians. Gu Qishao approached Gu Beiyue to inquire about Han Yunxi's condition, learning she was awake but still upset with him.
While Gu Beiyue credited Gu Qishao for his efforts in combating the plague, Gu Qishao revealed that the current antidote only temporarily suppressed the poison plague; it would resurface within a year, proving fatal for weaker individuals unless Traceless grass, a rare herb, could be found.
Gu Beiyue offered to join him in the search, but Gu Qishao insisted that Gu Beiyue remain behind to protect and care for Han Yunxi, emphasizing the dangers and unknown duration of the quest for Traceless grass, and the need to keep this critical information secret from the public. Gu Beiyue silently contemplated Gu Qishao's genuine concern, concluding he didn't seem like someone who would harm Han Yunxi.
Meanwhile, Han Yunxi lay in her bed, tears silently flowing, overwhelmed by her complex emotions. With the immediate threat of the poison plague managed, Gu Qishao declared his and Zhuyu's freedom from their past ties to Beili. Recognizing the budding affection between Zhuyu and Chu Xifeng, Gu Qishao urged Zhuyu to pursue her own happiness, no longer needing to serve him.
Despite Zhuyu's protests of lifelong loyalty, Gu Qishao entrusted her care to Chu Xifeng, reminding him to treat her well. Chu Xifeng readily accepted the responsibility. Before departing, Gu Qishao met with Long Feiye. Gu Qishao provocatively noted that the plague was man-made and shared a secret he'd learned from the Crown Prince of Beili: those who can recover from the gu poison are the best candidates for becoming gu-abetted men.
He told Long Feiye he hoped Long Feiye would soon leave Han Yunxi. He also mentioned that Jun Yizheng had been infected with the poison plague and had not yet recovered, offering it as a "big gift" to Long Feiye. Long Feiye remained indifferent, stating it was Gu Qishao's concern, not his own.
Gu Qishao mused privately that if not for Zhuyu, he might have believed Long Feiye's detachment, revealing he knew Long Feiye had sent Chu Xifeng to infiltrate Beili. Long Feiye then discussed Zhuyu's knowledge with Xifeng, instructing him to take Zhuyu back to Tianning and have her draw a map of Herb-Ghost Valley. Xifeng expressed skepticism about Gu Qishao's intentions, but Long Feiye dismissed it, revealing a piece of Moxue satin to Xifeng.
Recognizing it as a royal tribute exclusively found in the palace, Xifeng understood the fabric pointed to someone with access to the imperial court. Long Feiye confirmed his suspicion and ordered Xifeng to instruct trusted generals to falsify the number of infected soldiers before reporting them to Mu Qingwu, to prevent suspicion.
Long Feiye also revealed that he had dispatched their most trusted Imperial Doctor to detoxify Jun Yizheng, reasoning that once Jun Yizheng recovered, Beili would be indebted and less likely to act rashly, regardless of any potential alliance. Before fully recovering, Han Yunxi sought out the antidote prescription records. While searching through Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue's belongings, she inadvertently discovered a divorce agreement, bearing her and Long Feiye's names.
At that moment, Long Feiye entered, checking on her recovery and informing her of impending travel. Han Yunxi affirmed her full recovery and dismissed his thanks, stating her duty as a Tianning citizen. She then inquired about the plotter behind the Haidong Village poisoning, noting that the infected man she and Gu Beiyue encountered in the suburbs might have contracted the poison from the culprit, suggesting the plotter could still be in the capital.
Long Feiye reassured her he would not let the culprit escape. Following this conversation, Long Feiye sadly stated that he supposed this would be their last meeting, declaring that from now on, they would be unrelated and owe each other nothing. Han Yunxi, in immense sorrow, picked up the divorce agreement and departed.
Episode 39 Recap
Yu Ze expressed her desire to remain by Lord Qishao's side, insisting that following him was her life, even after he declared they were no longer bound by mission and she was free. Despite Lord Qishao's warnings of the perilous path ahead and his inability to guarantee her protection, Yu Ze remained steadfast, asserting she had nowhere else to go and feared no danger or death. She ultimately persuaded him to let her stay, promising not to be a burden.
Meanwhile, Long Feiye returned from the Southern Border, having successfully contained the poison plague. The grateful common folk knelt and cheered for Prince Qin, thanking him for saving their lives. Back in the palace, Emperor Tianhui was furious that Long Feiye had not only avoided infection but also gained immense public adoration and official praise. He questioned Eunuch Li about any suspicious traces left in the Southern Border, fearing Long Feiye might discover his involvement.
General Mu Qingwu then sought an audience, praising Long Feiye's efforts while exposing the local officials' cowardice; most had fled or feigned obedience to avoid contagion, which had greatly angered Prince Qin. He also reported that over half the infected Southern Border soldiers had recovered due to their strong physiques, which was noted as good material for poison puppets.
Crucially, General Mu noted that Long Feiye had treated soldiers and and civilians equally, often prioritizing the dying commoners, and had not developed close ties with the Southern Border generals. Emperor Tianhui, trusting the loyal Mu family, felt relieved that Long Feiye's influence wasn't deeply entrenched, but declared that Long Feiye was forcing his hand. Long Feiye, speaking with Tang Li, vowed to make Emperor Tianhui pay a heavy price for testing him at the expense of his people.
Tang Li, however, worried about a prolonged battle in the capital that would harm civilians. Elsewhere, Long Tianmo celebrated the growing allegiance of powerful ministers, including the Cavalry General, Southern Subduing General, and the ministers of the Ministries of Personnel and Revenue, feeling the time was ripe for his move. A neutral party also noted the escalating tension between Prince Qin and Emperor Tianhui, predicting an imminent war but choosing to observe their mutual destruction.
Long Feiye dispatched General Chu to instruct Gu Beiyue to take Han Yunxi to safety, removing any potential weakness. Gu Beiyue, already aware of Long Feiye's divorce letter and Han Yunxi's discovery of it, agreed to escort her. He proposed they leave the capital, given the recent distressing events. Han Yunxi, still burdened by the plague's casualties despite her efforts and regretting her previous arrogance in toxicology, found solace in the idea of traveling.
She accepted his offer, asking him to call her "Yunxi" instead of "My Lady" and in return, she would call him "Brother Gu." Separately, Long Feiye visited Consort Dowager Yi at Zhichan Pavilion, suggesting she relocate to a newly built house in Meihai to escape the summer heat. Consort Dowager Yi refused, revealing she knew Long Feiye was preparing to act and, more profoundly, that she was aware he was not her biological son.
She tearfully recounted how he had given her a reason to live after her own son's death, cherishing him as a blessing. She expressed her unwavering faith in his ability to rule Tianning better and declared her intention to stay at the pavilion, praying for him and atoning for her sins, regardless of the danger. Long Feiye, moved by her resolve, reluctantly agreed but ordered his guards to protect her at all costs.
Unbeknownst to them, Empress Dowager and Emperor Tianhui, having learned of Consort Dowager Yi's secluded stay at the temple for months, decided she was a vital leverage point. They dispatched masked palace guards to abduct her and bring her to the palace. As Han Yunxi and Gu Beiyue were preparing to leave for Mt. Tianyu, Consort Dowager Yi's Nanny Gui rushed to them, frantic, reporting that Consort Dowager Yi had been kidnapped by palace guards.
Han Yunxi immediately expressed her deep concern. In the palace, Consort Dowager Yi bravely faced Empress Dowager, asserting her continued value as their "last chip." Gu Beiyue, disguised as an Imperial Doctor, entered the palace with Han Yunxi posing as a small palace maid. Simultaneously, Long Feiye's forces secured Long Tianmo's gunpowder warehouse in the black market. After evacuating all civilians from the black market east, they detonated the arsenal.
Upon hearing the explosion, Emperor Tianhui raged, ordering an investigation and tightening surveillance on Prince Qin's mansion, immediately suspecting Long Feiye of hoarding gunpowder. When Long Tianmo learned of his gunpowder warehouse's destruction, he panicked, fearing his father would expose his secret operations and possibly remove him from his position as Crown Prince. Concluding that a preemptive strike was his only option, he impulsively decided to launch a palace coup.
Gu Beiyue and Han Yunxi located Consort Dowager Yi in the Cold Palace, which was heavily guarded. They devised a plan: Gu Beiyue created a distraction by leading guards away, allowing Han Yunxi, disguised as a food-carrying palace maid after knocking out the original one, to enter. Inside, Han Yunxi urged Consort Dowager Yi to escape, but Consort Dowager Yi adamantly refused, concerned that her escape would only provide Emperor Tianhui and Empress Dowager with more leverage against Long Feiye.
Meanwhile, news reached Emperor Tianhui that Long Tianmo was leading approximately five thousand soldiers, including the Cavalry General and Southern Subduing General, in a direct assault on the palace, having reached the Xuanwu Gate. Emperor Tianhui was left stunned and enraged by his son's rebellion. Consort Dowager Yi, in a heartfelt conversation with Han Yunxi, confessed her initial prejudice, having expected a more traditionally refined consort for Long Feiye, finding Han Yunxi too lively and skilled in poisons.
However, she tearfully expressed her joy and surprise at how Han Yunxi’s lively spirit and skilled expertise had transformed Long Feiye, melting his icy exterior and allowing him to experience joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure. She recounted his traumatic experiences before the age of ten that caused him to close himself off emotionally, and how Han Yunxi’s presence had been like sunshine, slowly warming him.
With a mother's final entrustment, she implored Han Yunxi to continue loving and protecting Long Feiye, assuring her that he truly loved and needed her, despite his tendency to bear burdens alone. Following the initial shock, Emperor Tianhui and Empress Dowager discussed Long Tianmo's unexpected rebellion, suspecting external manipulation, specifically by Long Feiye, given Long Tianmo's indecisive nature. They noted that the gunpowder explosion had caused no casualties, a style characteristic of Long Feiye.
Emperor Tianhui then pieced together Long Feiye’s intricate scheme: Long Feiye had secretly detonated Long Tianmo’s gunpowder to mislead him into believing a major attack was imminent, thus diverting all imperial forces to confront Long Feiye. This left the palace defenses weakened, providing Long Tianmo with an opportune moment to launch a desperate, premature attack.
Emperor Tianhui further deduced that the Cavalry General and Southern Subduing General, who were leading Long Tianmo's forces, must be Long Feiye's double agents, meaning Long Feiye was controlling the entire situation. Recognizing the immediate danger, Empress Dowager ordered Consort Dowager Yi to be taken. Consort Dowager Yi, with swift presence of mind, urged Han Yunxi to hide, ensuring her safety before being led away by the palace guards.
Soon after, Long Feiye received news that Consort Dowager Yi had been kidnapped and his shadow guards killed. At the city gate, Emperor Tianhui held Consort Dowager Yi hostage, publicly addressing Long Feiye's men (who were mixed in Long Tianmo's camp). Long Tianmo, unaware of the broader strategy and frustrated by his father’s actions, ordered his archers to fire.
However, the archers hesitated, betraying their true allegiance, revealing they were indeed Long Feiye's people and that Long Tianmo had fallen into a trap. At that critical moment, Long Feiye arrived on horseback at the city gate.
Episode 40 Recap
Emperor Tianhui held Consort Dowager Yi hostage, demanding Long Feiye retreat his troops. For his mother's safety, Long Feiye ordered his forces to pull back. However, Consort Dowager Yi pushed Emperor Tianhui away and leaped from the city gate, urging Long Feiye to do as he wished and not be hindered by her. Long Feiye frantically rushed to her side, but she died in his arms, content to have spent her last days with him.
Witnessing her death, Long Feiye's true nature as a gu-abetted man was revealed. Simultaneously, Long Feiye's forces launched a fierce attack, forcing Emperor Tianhui and his General Mu Qingwu to retreat hastily. Meanwhile, Gu Beiyue rushed into the Cold Palace to retrieve Han Yunxi, but she insisted on waiting for Consort Dowager Yi's return, unaware that she had already perished.
Gu Beiyue informed her of Consort Dowager Yi's death and urged her to leave quickly, as Prince Qin was clashing with the imperial guards, plunging the palace into chaos. News soon arrived that Prince Qin had already breached Shenwu Gate, revealing that Long Feiye had used the crown prince as a decoy. Elsewhere, Emperor Tianhui planned to escape with the Empress Dowager and other imperial consorts.
However, the Empress Dowager refused to leave and chose to drink poisoned wine, ending her life. In her final note, she confessed to setting the secondary imperial palace on fire years ago, which had killed the real Long Feiye, considering the current chaos to be her karma. Emperor Tianhui wept beside her body. Chu Qingge appeared to counsel Emperor Tianhui, urging him to prioritize survival.
As Emperor Tianhui and his remaining loyalists fled towards Xijing, his troops controlled the capital's exits. However, when Long Feiye's forces pursued them, Emperor Tianhui used women and children as human shields, forcing the pursuing general to allow them passage. Long Feiye commended his general's decision, emphasizing that their restoration's true purpose was to establish peace for the people. With the general situation settled, Long Feiye was urged to rest by Tang Li, who feared another gu poison outbreak.
Long Feiye, however, insisted on holding a memorial ceremony for Qinxi's ancestors and his birth mother. He honored Consort Dowager Yi's loyalty to Tianning by burying her decently in Tianning's imperial mausoleum with the late emperor, instructing her tombstone to read, "My deceased mother, Consort Dowager Yi. Buried by an unfilial son, Long Feiye."
In the "All Four Oceans Are Peaceful" hall, Long Feiye publicly announced the restoration of Qinxi, declaring that Qinxi's descendants had banished the traitors and restored their reign, aligning with Heaven's will and the people's wishes. His ministers urged him to ascend the throne, citing widespread public support due to news of Emperor Tianhui forcing civilians to become gu-abetted men.
However, Long Feiye declined, stating it was too early as Qinxi was not yet unified and Emperor Tianhui had established a new capital in Xijing. Soon after, Long Feiye collapsed, his gu poison deepening into his marrow. Tang Li, unable to find Han Yunxi, who was reportedly collecting herbs, reluctantly brought Gu Beiyue to the palace. Gu Beiyue could only help Long Feiye regain consciousness, admitting the severity of his condition.
Tang Li, blaming himself, was relieved when Long Feiye awoke. Long Feiye questioned Gu Beiyue about Han Yunxi's whereabouts. Gu Beiyue explained that they had returned to the capital to try and save Consort Dowager Yi, and decided to stay as the city was now safer under Long Feiye's rule. He also informed Long Feiye that Han Yunxi was actively seeking a cure for his gu poison.
Long Feiye thanked Gu Beiyue and requested him to take charge of the Imperial Academy of Medicine to treat the wounded soldiers, citing a lack of reliable personnel. He then instructed Tang Li to begin learning state affairs, reminding him of their responsibilities as descendants of the Xuanyuan Clan. Back at his residence, Gu Beiyue told Han Yunxi that Long Feiye's gu poison had flared up, leaving him in a coma before Gu Beiyue's intervention.
He urged her to visit Long Feiye, advising her not to regret things later and to look beyond surface appearances. Earlier, Han Yunxi, disguised as a medicine boy, had accompanied Gu Beiyue into the palace and placed a medicine pouch on the unconscious Long Feiye before quietly leaving. Long Feiye, now awake in Wende Hall, repeatedly called out Han Yunxi's name, asking Xifeng if she had visited.
Xifeng offered to summon her, but Long Feiye refused, stating Han Yunxi had declared they would have no further relations. Xifeng then reported that Baili Mingxiang had been kidnapped by Eunuch Li and taken to Xijing by Emperor Tianhui. Bai Xiaochuan had been dispatched for a rescue. Long Feiye expressed deep regret for Baili Mingxiang's suffering on his behalf and his inability to find a cure for her Beauty Blood. Meanwhile, Gu Qishao and Yu Ze arrived at Mt.
Beiming, a misty and unusual place, as Gu Qishao's last hope for finding Traceless Grass. They came across the body of a deceased bandit, which Gu Qishao gently bid to rest in peace. Yu Ze observed that Gu Qishao had become more compassionate, attributing the change to Han Yunxi's influence.
They also noted the unusual properties of Traceless Grass; its roots released unique nutrients that fostered growth of other valuable medicinal plants, and it absorbed other herbs' medicinal properties before sunrise. They decided to wait overnight to find it. Gu Qishao admitted Han Yunxi was the person he cared for most, but lamented meeting her too late.
Yu Ze subtly hinted at her own feelings, but Gu Qishao explained that while they were like family, he would never hinder her own path to happiness, just as he wouldn't for Zhuyu. He then stated he would risk his life to detoxify Yu Ze or Zhuyu if they were hurt, just as he was doing for Han Yunxi. In Xijing, Baili Mingxiang was settled in Ruowei Pavilion, a residence chosen by Eunuch Li.
Alone, she mused about having identified all supporting medicines for gu poison except Han Yunxi's heart blood, wondering what Han Yunxi would do if she knew everything. Eunuch Li then arrived, presenting Baili Mingxiang with the Poison Scripture, claiming he found it among her belongings after the move.
Later, in Xiongfeng Hall, Eunuch Li presented a copied version of the Poison Scripture to Emperor Tianhui, explaining he had transcribed it because Baili Mingxiang had been studying it day and night, suspecting it contained crucial secrets. Emperor Tianhui was delighted, realizing the last volume of the Poison Scripture was finally in his possession.
He ordered Eunuch Li to gather all available wonder doctors and poison doctors to thoroughly study the Poison Scripture, aiming to discover methods for creating gu-abetted men, even if only partially like the "vile spawn of Qinxi," to turn the tide of war. Emperor Tianhui also inquired about the crown prince. Soon after, General Mu Qingwu located Long Tianmo and forcibly brought him before Emperor Tianhui despite his pleas and fears.
Emperor Tianhui confronted Long Tianmo for his treacherous act of colluding with outsiders. Long Tianmo bitterly retaliated, accusing his father of using his dying life against Long Feiye, even knowing Han Yunxi could save him. He asserted that their family was cursed with patricidal and regicidal bloodlines, just like their grandfather who usurped the throne. Emperor Tianhui berated him for being foolish and misled.
Long Tianmo declared this a "karma" for Qinxi's downfall and shockingly revealed he had killed Long Tianqing, who had murdered his mother and uncle, and later tried to kill him. Emperor Tianhui was distraught, lamenting how they had fallen so far and recalling his deep love for Long Tianmo's mother, the reason he never named another empress, as he had held such high expectations for his son.
Meanwhile, Chu Qingge, who was outside, overheard Emperor Tianhui confessing his undying love for the deceased empress and left in anger. Long Tianmo dismissed the past as meaningless. Before Emperor Tianhui's eyes, Long Tianmo drank poison, hoping they would not be born into the imperial family in their next life, and asking for forgiveness before dying. Emperor Tianhui desperately called for imperial doctors.
Mu Qingwu confided in his father, expressing doubts about supporting Emperor Tianhui, given rumors of the southern border plague being caused by the Emperor and the incident where he used civilians as hostages. His father, a loyal general, rebuked him, reminding him of their family's generations of loyalty to the Long clan and Emperor Tianhui's kindness towards them. He also reminded Mu Qingwu of his upcoming marriage to Princess Changbing, urging him to remain steadfast.
In Wende Hall, Tang Li expressed concern over Long Feiye's health, as he spent his days reviewing memorials or staring at the medicine pouch. Tang Li attributed Long Feiye's ill health to Han Yunxi and wanted to bring her back to clarify the truth about Poison Master's death, arguing that Long Feiye did not kill him.
Long Feiye, however, stopped him, explaining that since Poison Master had poisoned his entire family, he preferred Han Yunxi to believe he was the killer, thinking it would make them "even." He stated that he had to let her go, even if it was difficult, rather than ruin her life. Tang Li argued that Han Yunxi was not worthy of him, but Long Feiye cut him off. At that moment, Xifeng reported that Bai Xiaochuan had successfully entered Xijing to rescue Baili Mingxiang, and delivered the shocking news that the Crown Prince had committed suicide.
Episode 41 Recap
Emperor Tianhui was greatly distressed, having lost his appetite and feeling cornered by Long Feiye, who had seized control of half of Tianning. Consort Qing, Chu Qingge, encouraged him to persevere and suggested exploiting Long Feiye's vulnerability through Baili Mingxiang, who was in Xijing.
Chu Qingge acknowledged that previous attempts by others, like Li Quan, to turn Baili Mingxiang against Long Feiye had failed due to her deep affection, but she was confident in her ability to persuade Baili Mingxiang, stating that women understand each other better. With Emperor Tianhui's trust, she set off to meet Baili Mingxiang. After spending a night on Mt. Beiming, Gu Qishao and Yu Ze observed two strangers attempting to gather herbs.
They deemed these individuals foolish for not realizing the mountain's poisonous morning air. More significantly, when these strangers approached the Traceless Grass and touched it, they were immediately poisoned and corroded, highlighting the herb's extreme potency. Their objective was to collect Traceless grass, a potent herb known for its ability to absorb the efficacy of other plants, making a single leaf sufficient to combat the poison plague.
Gu Qishao warned Yu Ze that only the main stalk possessed detoxifying properties, while the attached leaves were highly poisonous, and that the grass would bury itself once the sun shone on it. Yu Ze, prioritizing the mission, decided to take the risk of collecting the Traceless grass first, instructing Gu Qishao to deliver the other stalk to Gu Beiyue should she fail. Despite Gu Qishao's protest against her rashness, she went ahead, knowing their time was limited.
As soon as she touched the plant, she was poisoned. Gu Qishao immediately intervened, sucking the poison out of her to save her life. Upon regaining consciousness, Yu Ze promptly gave Gu Qishao a piece of the Traceless grass, which she had managed to collect, to neutralize the poison he had absorbed. Both of them eventually recovered safely.
Chu Qingge visited Baili Mingxiang, feigning empathy for her devotion to Long Feiye, only to cruelly assert that Long Feiye’s true affection lay solely with Han Yunxi. She fabricated a tale, claiming Long Feiye had exposed his identity as a gu-abetted man to rescue Han Yunxi at the city wall, and had since proclaimed Han Yunxi as his Empress, vowing to take no other consorts. Chu Qingge further asserted that the Empress conferment ceremony was scheduled for that very day.
When Baili Mingxiang expressed disbelief, Chu Qingge led her to a city wall overlooking the capital, pointing to the bustling streets and magnificent fireworks as supposed evidence of the grand ceremony. She pressed Baili Mingxiang to relinquish her feelings for Long Feiye, warning of inevitable heartbreak. Overwhelmed by the emotional assault and apparent proof, Baili Mingxiang collapsed. Coincidentally, Bai Xiaochuan spotted Baili Mingxiang and intended to rescue her, but Eunuch Li intervened first and took Baili Mingxiang away.
Upon regaining consciousness, Baili Mingxiang's eyes turned bloodshot, signaling her fury. Meanwhile, Chu Qingge, recalling Emperor Tianhui's past declarations of eternal love for his late Empress, tightly clenched her fist, revealing her own complex emotions and perhaps a budding resentment. With Long Feiye’s deteriorating health, the weight of state affairs fell heavily upon Tang Li, leaving him exhausted.
Ning Jing, concerned by his constant busyness, found him asleep, and, rather than disturbing him, gently removed his shoes and covered him with a blanket. The following day, Ning Jing, wanting company, took Xifeng to the prestigious Hongfu Restaurant. Xifeng, wary of potential repercussions from Tang Li, initially tried to leave, but Ning Jing insisted he stay. Moments later, Tang Li entered the restaurant with Minister Beigong, Beigong Heze, and his daughter, assisting the daughter up the stairs.
Inside their private room, Beigong Heze and his daughter showered Tang Li with flattery, to which he responded vaguely. Overwhelmed by jealousy, Ning Jing stormed into the room, declaring herself Tang Li's fiancée. Beigong Heze's daughter dismissed Ning Jing's claim, provoking Ning Jing to impulsively splash wine on her. Tang Li, angered by the scene, chastised Ning Jing and had Xifeng escort her out.
As Beigong Heze’s daughter cried for solace, Xifeng attempted to soothe a furious Ning Jing, suggesting Tang Li’s actions were merely for appearance, given Beigong Heze's influential status. Tang Li soon followed, clarifying that he was diligently working to uncover the true intentions of Tianning's seemingly loyal but covertly scheming elder officials, specifically mentioning Beigong Heze’s past animosity towards the Prince Qin’s mansion.
Understanding his strategic motives, Ning Jing’s anger subsided, and the two reconciled, heading off hand-in-hand for their meal. Gu Qishao and Yu Ze discovered that preparing Traceless grass for medicinal use was a time-consuming process; it required months of baking to dry completely. Recognizing they could not afford to wait, Gu Qishao decided they must split up.
Yu Ze would remain behind to continue baking the remaining grass, while Gu Qishao would take one stalk directly to Gu Beiyue, emphasizing the urgency and their responsibility to help others. Despite Yu Ze's concern for his lingering ill health and the arduous journey, Gu Qishao insisted he could manage, highlighting that his success was crucial for Tianning to receive the essential herb. Yu Ze reluctantly agreed, urging him to prioritize his well-being.
Concurrently, Han Yunxi, driven by a profound sense of indebtedness to Baili Mingxiang, dedicated herself tirelessly for days to developing an antidote for Beauty Blood. She entrusted this newly formulated antidote to Gu Beiyue for delivery to Long Feiye. While doing so, she inquired about other potential cures for gu poison, recalling her father, the Poison Master, mentioning such methods.
Gu Beiyue, however, denied any knowledge, subtly hinting that Long Feiye’s own "heart's blood" was the only true cure, perhaps to spare Han Yunxi or keep certain details concealed. At the palace, Gu Beiyue delivered a new medicine he had personally developed to Long Feiye, advising him on its daily dosage. He also presented Long Feiye with the Beauty Blood antidote that Han Yunxi had painstakingly created, silently acknowledging the complex emotions between Long Feiye and Han Yunxi.
Elsewhere, Chu Qingge continued her manipulative charade, feigning care for Baili Mingxiang. Upon learning of Baili Mingxiang's fierce desire to return to the capital and kill Han Yunxi, Chu Qingge pressed her for valuable information, which could be used as leverage to persuade Emperor Tianhui to permit her return. Baili Mingxiang revealed that Han Yunxi was the daughter of Bai Yanqing, the Poison Master, and importantly, that Baili Mingxiang herself had killed the Poison Master.
Emperor Tianhui was ecstatic upon hearing this, believing that without the Poison Master, Long Feiye's poison could not be cured, ensuring his imminent demise. Subsequently, Eunuch Li, acting on the Emperor’s commands, arranged the ambush and murder of Bai Xiaochuan’s group, seizing Bai Xiaochuan’s waist token. He then dispatched Meng Kuo and others to stage a fake rescue for Baili Mingxiang, ensuring her return to the capital, with Eunuch Li himself accompanying them to oversee the entire operation.
Upon her arrival back at the palace, Baili Mingxiang spoke with Gu Beiyue and learned, to her shock, that no grand wedding or conferment ceremony had taken place between Long Feiye and Han Yunxi, realizing she had been cruelly misled by Chu Qingge. Despite the deceit, her resolve to save Long Feiye remained strong.
She entreated Gu Beiyue to assist her in formulating an antidote using her own Beauty Blood, emphasizing that Long Feiye must not be told, out of fear he would refuse to take the medicine if he knew her involvement. Gu Qishao arrived back in the capital and immediately went to Han Yunxi's residence. Han Yunxi, still harboring resentment over his past deceptions, urged him to leave, stating that trust, once shattered, was difficult to rebuild in a friendship.
Gu Qishao admitted his past mistakes and declared that he had severed all ties with Beili, asserting his newfound freedom. He refused to depart, insisting he had never merely considered her a friend, and wanted to stay by her side. To prove his sincerity and commitment, he offered to assist her in developing the antidote for Long Feiye’s gu poison, even cooking a meal for her.
Despite her continued attempts to dismiss him and her reluctance to accept his help, Gu Qishao remained resolute. He vowed to be her servant if needed and emphasized that even though he disliked Long Feiye, he was willing to do anything to ensure her happiness. Han Yunxi, however, told him not to waste his time on her, acknowledging their differing paths and choices, but Gu Qishao remained steadfast, believing that time would ultimately reveal the true nature of their connection.
Long Feiye consumed the medicine provided by Gu Beiyue, immediately remarking that its taste felt oddly familiar, as though he had encountered it before. Gu Beiyue, maintaining a neutral expression, simply stated that it was his latest developed antidote, crafted from numerous rare and valuable herbs, and observed that Long Feiye’s complexion suggested it was proving effective.
Unbeknownst to Long Feiye, this specific medicine was the Beauty Blood antidote from Baili Mingxiang, which Gu Beiyue had subtly mixed with other strong-smelling herbs to mask its true origin, honoring Baili Mingxiang’s plea to keep her involvement a secret.
Episode 42 Recap
While dining, Tang Li and Ning Jing were being monitored by Eunuch Li. Ning Jing expressed concern that Tang Li's brother, Long Feiye, was suffering from lovesickness for Han Yunxi. She wondered why Long Feiye hadn't explained to Han Yunxi that he wasn't responsible for the Poison Master's death and worried that Han Yunxi might fall for someone else if her heart was truly broken.
Tang Li, however, reassured her, stating that he had men secretly monitoring Han Yunxi, who was currently preoccupied with developing a cure for Long Feiye's gu poison. Suddenly, a servant reported that Gu Qishao had gone to Imperial Doctor Gu's house to see Han Yunxi. Fearing Gu Qishao would take advantage of the situation, Tang Li immediately left his meal unfinished and rushed there, determined not to let Gu Qishao get what he wanted.
At Imperial Doctor Gu's house, Han Yunxi was diligently preparing medicinal herbs, stating her urgency to find an antidote as Long Feiye didn't have much time left. Gu Qishao offered to assist her. Just then, Tang Li burst in, angrily accusing Han Yunxi of openly flirting with another man while Long Feiye was suffering because of her. He called her promiscuous.
Han Yunxi retorted, declaring that she and Long Feiye were no longer a couple and told him to stop insulting her. Tang Li persisted, revealing that Long Feiye had taken the blame for the Poison Master's death to spare Han Yunxi pain, and that her father was not killed by his brother. Han Yunxi, shocked, demanded to know the true killer, and Tang Li revealed it was Baili Mingxiang.
Unbeknownst to them, Eunuch Li, who had followed Tang Li, had learned Han Yunxi's location. He immediately dispatched men, ordering them to capture Han Yunxi alive, knowing she was Long Feiye's most beloved, and using her would allow them to control him. Upon learning the truth, Han Yunxi was distraught. She realized she had wrongly blamed and hated Long Feiye, believing he had killed her father. Overwhelmed by guilt, she decided she must go to him to seek an explanation.
As she and Gu Qishao attempted to leave, Eunuch Li's men attacked with hidden weapons. Gu Qishao bravely shielded Han Yunxi, taking a hit himself. His blood trail attracted more pursuers as he quickly led Han Yunxi away, while Tang Li handled the remaining attackers. In her haste, Han Yunxi dropped a small bottle. Han Yunxi expressed her gratitude for Gu Qishao's constant efforts to save her, to which he playfully suggested she marry him if she was truly touched.
Meanwhile, Long Feiye learned that Han Yunxi was in danger and ordered his subordinates to search every house in the area where she was last seen, as the attackers had been found and were being pursued by imperial guards. Later, as Han Yunxi tended to Gu Qishao's wound, he leaned against her, expressing his relief that she was safe but fearing he might not survive this time. Seeing Han Yunxi was also injured, Gu Qishao bandaged her wound.
Just then, Long Feiye appeared, witnessing their proximity. Han Yunxi tried to explain, but Long Feiye coldly stated there was nothing to explain, reiterating that since they were divorced, her actions had nothing to do with him, and he pushed her away. He then ordered Xifeng to escort Han Yunxi back to the palace.
However, Han Yunxi refused, insisting on returning to Imperial Doctor Gu's residence, arguing it was safer there because imperial guards were searching the city and her own shadow guards were following them. Xifeng, caught between his loyalty to Long Feiye and Han Yunxi's insistence, eventually conceded, as Han Yunxi asserted her independence, stating she was no longer Princess Consort Qin and her business was no longer Long Feiye's concern.
When Long Feiye later questioned Xifeng about Han Yunxi's whereabouts, Xifeng confirmed she had gone to Imperial Doctor Gu's house as she insisted, and he handed Long Feiye her medical bag. Back at his own residence, Long Feiye gazed at Han Yunxi's medical bag, a conflict of emotions visible on his face. Meanwhile, Han Yunxi, thinking about Long Feiye's ruthlessness that day, involuntarily shed tears. Gu Beiyue thanked Gu Qishao for risking his life to protect Han Yunxi.
Gu Qishao, ever the jester, once again suggested Han Yunxi marry him as a token of gratitude, but then turned serious, stating he fought for the one he loved until the very end and would have no regrets, even if he lost. He then handed Gu Beiyue the Traceless Grass he had retrieved.
Gu Beiyue explained that while the poison plague in the southern border was temporarily suppressed, it would recur within a year if a permanent cure wasn't found, potentially leaving only a fraction of the population alive. He stressed that only the Traceless Grass could thoroughly suppress the poison. Long Feiye realized that Emperor Tianhui's inaction was a calculated wait for the opportune moment.
Gu Beiyue further elaborated on the potent medicinal properties of the Traceless Grass, explaining its specific and time-consuming drying process. Long Feiye emphasized the urgency, deeming it vital to their victory, and entrusted Gu Beiyue with the task, acknowledging Gu Qishao's dangerous feat in acquiring the herb. In the palace, Baili Mingxiang realized that her return to Tianning and her supposed rescue were all part of Emperor Tianhui and Chu Qingge's scheme to use her.
When Eunuch Li came to find her, Baili Mingxiang confronted him, angrily questioning why he had sent assassins after Han Yunxi when Baili Mingxiang herself intended to deal with her. Eunuch Li feigned misunderstanding, claiming he had ordered Han Yunxi to be captured alive for Baili Mingxiang, but Long Feiye's deep affection for Han Yunxi had led him to personally intervene with heavy troops, forcing Eunuch Li's men to create chaos to escape.
Eunuch Li continued to provoke Baili Mingxiang, suggesting only she could lure Han Yunxi out, but Baili Mingxiang confidently declared she had her own plans. Meanwhile, Long Feiye instructed Xifeng to dispatch guards to secure Imperial Doctor Gu's mansion and provide daily updates on Han Yunxi's well-being. He also ordered Xifeng to bring Nanny Zhao from the Prince Mansion to care for Han Yunxi.
Upon Nanny Zhao's arrival at Gu's mansion, Han Yunxi initially declined her services, stating she no longer needed care as she was no longer Princess Consort Qin. Nanny Zhao, however, insisted, citing her unwavering loyalty and Long Feiye's current volatile temper, and presented Han Yunxi with her favorite face washes and clean clothes. Gu Qishao, observing the scene, immediately suspected Nanny Zhao was sent to monitor them.
Nanny Zhao defended Long Feiye, denying any ulterior motives, and admonished Gu Qishao for speaking ill of him. Gu Qishao retorted that Long Feiye was Nanny Zhao's master, not his, and he was free to criticize him. Han Yunxi intervened, asking Nanny Zhao to prepare some light food and scolding Gu Qishao for his rudeness, reminding him of Nanny Zhao's kindness to her in the past.
Gu Qishao then asked Han Yunxi if she had forgiven Long Feiye, to which she replied they were separate matters. Han Yunxi thanked Gu Qishao for saving her, but he brushed it off, stating he desired no thanks and expected no returns. He revealed that since his mother's death, Han Yunxi was the first person to treat him with genuine respect, allowing him to discover his capacity for love.
He assured her not to feel pressured by his actions, adding that if he ever found someone he truly loved and who loved him in return, he would leave her. Han Yunxi, however, gently rejected his romantic advances, explaining that her heart was small and could only hold one person, and it would be unfair to him to turn to him merely because she couldn't be with Long Feiye.
Gu Qishao sadly conceded that his efforts were meaningless if they did not lead to her. Later, during a meal, Ning Jing arrived, expressing her concern for Han Yunxi. She then subtly praised Long Feiye's continued care for Han Yunxi, mentioning his sending of Nanny Zhao, and advised Han Yunxi not to disappoint him, which seemed aimed at Gu Qishao as well. Gu Qishao's injury quickly healed, an effect he attributed to the Traceless Grass.
He cunningly feigned lingering internal pain, hoping to prolong his stay with Han Yunxi. Meanwhile, Xifeng found himself in a dilemma, unsure whether to report Han Yunxi's constant closeness with Gu Qishao to Long Feiye. He feared upsetting Long Feiye but also the consequences if he kept silent and they were to leave together. Nanny Zhao advised him to not only report but to exaggerate the details.
Her reasoning was that Long Feiye, upon hearing exaggerated reports, would become jealous, confront Han Yunxi, and their ensuing argument would clear the air, leading to a reconciliation. Ning Jing, overhearing, concurred, suggesting that if Xifeng couldn't speak the words, he should write or even draw them to ensure Long Feiye quickly brought Han Yunxi back.
Inspired by their advice, Xifeng presented Long Feiye with a drawing titled "Princess Consort's Recent Status," which graphically exaggerated Han Yunxi's daily activities with Gu Qishao. As expected, Long Feiye's jealousy flared. He found Han Yunxi and Gu Qishao walking together, and Gu Qishao, sensing the tension, discreetly excused himself, warning Han Yunxi to tell him if Long Feiye mistreated her. Long Feiye coolly asked Han Yunxi if she was living well at Imperial Doctor Gu's mansion.
Han Yunxi, however, directly confronted him, demanding to know why he had lied about her father's death and why he had taken the blame for Baili Mingxiang. Long Feiye remained silent, stating he had nothing to explain. Heartbroken, Han Yunxi questioned if he truly didn't care if they became strangers. She then tearfully challenged his presence, asking why he had come if her affairs were irrelevant to him, and urged him to leave, after which she tearfully departed.
Later, Tang Li, observing Long Feiye's silent longing for Han Yunxi, suggested he prepare a surprise for her as an apology. Ning Jing, overhearing their conversation, excitedly rushed to Han Yunxi to relay the "good news," believing Long Feiye intended to reconcile. Han Yunxi remained skeptical, questioning if Long Feiye truly needed her, given his silence about her father's death and her father's supposed role in his family's past.
Ning Jing passionately argued that Long Feiye's anger at seeing her with Gu Qishao was proof of his deep affection and that Han Yunxi should seize this opportunity to support him. However, when Tang Li later proposed the surprise idea to Long Feiye, he rejected it, stating that perhaps being with him would only cause her greater harm.
Unaware of this rejection, Han Yunxi, after Ning Jing's encouragement, found herself secretly hoping for reconciliation, vowing to be with him forever if he was willing. Shortly after, Nanny Zhao delivered a letter to Han Yunxi, whose handwriting strikingly resembled Long Feiye's, inviting her to meet at Xuanyuan Temple at dusk. Believing it to be a secret rendezvous, Ning Jing enthusiastically took charge, suggesting they employ their "old way" of evading shadow guards to ensure privacy, especially from Gu Qishao.
She switched places with Han Yunxi, distracting the guards while Han Yunxi slipped away. Han Yunxi successfully eluded her followers and arrived at Xuanyuan Temple, only to find Baili Mingxiang waiting for her, not Long Feiye.
Episode 43 Recap
At Xuanyuan Temple, Han Yunxi was surprised to discover that Baili Mingxiang, not Long Feiye, had written the letter luring her there, having masterfully mimicked his handwriting. Meanwhile, Ning Jing, dressed in Han Yunxi's clothes, was in the palace, where she encountered Long Feiye, who was surprised to see her in Han Yunxi's attire.
Baili Mingxiang revealed her true intentions to Han Yunxi, confessing to killing the Poison Master and explaining that the antidote for the gu poison required the heart's blood of a Poison Tribe member, a sacrifice only Han Yunxi could make, costing her life. As Baili Mingxiang prepared to take Han Yunxi's heart's blood, Eunuch Li arrived, intending to kill Han Yunxi to ensure Long Feiye's demise.
Unexpectedly, Baili Mingxiang, driven by her love for Long Feiye, shielded Han Yunxi from Eunuch Li's fatal blow, taking the knife herself. In her dying moments, she implored Han Yunxi to save Long Feiye. Just then, Long Feiye burst in, protecting Han Yunxi from poisoned darts, and Eunuch Li and his followers fled. Baili Mingxiang died in Long Feiye's arms.
General Baili arrived, heartbroken to find his daughter's lifeless body, and Long Feiye expressed regret for his failure to handle the situation better. Han Yunxi comforted him. Tang Li confronted Ning Jing, blaming her for the chaotic events. Feeling hated by Tang Li, Ning Jing decided to leave for Yunkong College. Later, Han Yunxi, knowing the antidote secret Baili Mingxiang had revealed, asked Long Feiye if he truly no longer wanted her.
Long Feiye embraced her tightly, vowing that he would sooner abandon the empire than abandon her. To further solidify their bond, Long Feiye recreated Herb-Ghost Valley at Meihai for Han Yunxi, with Zhu Yu's help. Han Yunxi was overjoyed. Later, Gu Beiyue visited Han Yunxi at Meihai. Shortly after, Gu Qishao was also brought to this new Herb-Ghost Valley by Zhu Yu, gazing at the replicated scenery with nostalgia.
Meanwhile, a servant informed Tang Li that Ning Jing had left for Yunkong College. He then received a wedding invitation from Ning Jing, announcing her marriage to Xie Lilu. Tang Li confided in Gu Beiyue, who advised him to cherish the present.
On the wedding day, at Zuiyun Restaurant, as Ning Jing and Xie Lilu were about to complete their vows, Tang Li burst in, declaring that Ning Jing loved him and that he loved her too, insisting she could not marry anyone else. Ning Jing's father rebuked Tang Li, and as Tang Li was being forcibly removed, Ning Jing spoke up, acknowledging that Tang Li's interruption had scared away her groom. Seizing the opportunity, Tang Li offered to marry her himself.
The ceremony proceeded with Tang Li as the groom, and they completed their vows. Later, Tang Li, expressed his bewilderment and the feeling that he had been subtly manipulated into marriage and Ning Jing confirmed his suspicions with a smile. In Ningshuang Hall, Long Feiye teased Han Yunxi about her past desire to "increase her status by way of a child," prompting her to playfully flee.
Later, at Meihai, Gu Beiyue visited Han Yunxi, who expressed her contentment and thanked him for his help. Han Yunxi then posed a question to Gu Beiyue. Subsequently, Gu Qishao was brought to this recreated Herb-Ghost Valley by Zhu Yu.
Episode 44 Recap
Gu Beiyue conceded that only Han Yunxi’s heart’s blood could detoxify the gu poison afflicting Long Feiye. Unbeknownst to them, Gu Qishao had overheard their entire conversation. Upon hearing the truth, Han Yunxi became overwhelmed with sadness. When Long Feiye entered, noticing her tears, he asked what was wrong. She dismissed it, claiming she was simply happy to be with him. They shared a tender moment, speaking of their fears about love and the future.
Long Feiye reassured her that they would face any challenges together. After Han Yunxi left, Long Feiye asked Gu Beiyue if what he told "Poison Girl" (Han Yunxi) was true. Gu Beiyue regretfully admitted it, explaining that given Han Yunxi's character, she would sacrifice herself to save Long Feiye even if he had lied. Gu Qishao, distressed, questioned what they should do. At Xiongfeng Palace, Emperor Tianhui was enraged to learn that the assassination attempt on Han Yunxi had failed.
His eunuch, Li Quan, admitted he had not anticipated Baili Mingxiang saving Han Yunxi, explaining that she knew only Han Yunxi’s heart’s blood could save Long Feiye and had betrayed them for her beloved. Emperor Tianhui condemned Baili Mingxiang's "petty kindness" as foolish and worried that Long Feiye, due to his deep affection for Han Yunxi, would not sacrifice her life.
He resolved to accelerate the plan to develop gu-abetted men, seeing it as crucial to eliminate Long Feiye and secure his throne. Consort Qing, Chu Qingge, arrived, offering the Emperor millet congee. She found him troubled, confirming his worries about Han Yunxi's heart’s blood being Long Feiye's only antidote. In her mind, Chu Qingge fumed, determined that Long Feiye must not survive, as her father's revenge was within reach.
She suggested killing Han Yunxi outright, but Emperor Tianhui deemed it too difficult after their recent failure. Chu Qingge then advised that, as a woman in love might sacrifice everything, they should relentlessly track Han Yunxi, believing she would eventually be caught alone. Emperor Tianhui concurred, resolving to devise a foolproof plan.
Meanwhile, Gu Beiyue and Gu Qishao realized that the Seven-poisons grass, a necessary component for the antidote, would be ripe in half a month and needed to be used immediately, giving Long Feiye only a month at most. Han Yunxi, aware of this, privately asked Gu Beiyue to help her make the antidote for Long Feiye after she took out her heart’s blood, and to keep the truth from him for as long as possible.
Gu Beiyue and Gu Qishao then decided to travel to Qingshan Town. Gu Beiyue explained that Emperor Tianhui was using the poison plague at the southern border to conduct trials for his gu-abetted men. He believed that if they could acquire the formula for creating gu-abetted men, they might find a way to save Long Feiye.
Eunuch Li later informed Emperor Tianhui that the gu poison reagent was complete, but their spies reported that Long Feiye had successfully eradicated the poison plague in the southern border, frustrating the Emperor's plans. Despite this setback, Emperor Tianhui commanded them to proceed with the gu-abetted army plan and to gather materials from Qingshan Town, a town on the border of the capital and Xijing.
Upon arriving in Qingshan Town, Gu Beiyue and Gu Qishao witnessed imperial soldiers rounding up villagers. They quickly found Yu Ze, who had hidden herself. Yu Ze explained that the plague had suddenly broken out again, leading to mass arrests and forced isolation. Gu Beiyue concluded that Emperor Tianhui was indeed conducting his human trials. In the secret base, Eunuch Li ordered the weakest villagers to be killed and cremated, as their materials were insufficient for the experiments.
Yu Ze informed Gu Qishao about the stubborn Traceless grass, a vital ingredient, which required slice-by-slice drying over half a month. This news left them concerned about the lack of time and the weakened efficacy of their current supply. Gu Beiyue then proposed that their only way to obtain the gu poison formulation was to disguise themselves as infected villagers and infiltrate the facility.
At another location, Long Feiye shared his dream with Han Yunxi of leaving behind his royal duties after conquering Xijing, passing the throne to Tang Li, and living a simple, secluded life with her, filled with wisteria, hydrangeas, peonies, and lotuses. Han Yunxi happily agreed, imagining picking wintersweet in the snow and listening to insects in the summer.
Long Feiye confirmed that Tang Li was now handling state affairs capably, even mentioning Tang Li's recent hasty marriage to Ningjing, which Long Feiye promised to re-celebrate grandly later. As they embraced, Han Yunxi's hidden paper revealed her list of things to do before sacrificing her heart’s blood: experience living in seclusion with Long Feiye, proactively kiss him, and consummate their marriage, believing that if they didn't, he might forget her faster.
The last item on her list was to make him think no more of her. Later that night, as Long Feiye sent his secret guards away to give them privacy, Han Yunxi kissed him, then quickly turned away, tears streaming down her face. She knew that in just a few days, she would have to start finding fault with him and make him despise her, ensuring she could never be his consort, so he would fully give up on her.
Meanwhile, inside Emperor Tianhui's secret base, the scientists confirmed that the poison plague had indeed improved the physical build of the test subjects, making their internal gu poison more stable. Eunuch Li boasted that once fully refined, these gu-abetted men, with acupuncture stimulation to their brain's acupoints, would lose their consciousness and only obey Emperor Tianhui, draining their lives to conquer territories. He promised immense rewards. Just then, Eunuch Li recognized Gu Beiyue among the disguised villagers.
Gu Beiyue and Gu Qishao quickly made their escape after acquiring the gu poison. On their path, they encountered Old General Mu. Gu Beiyue implored the old general to stop Emperor Tianhui from creating gu-abetted men for the sake of all people. Old General Mu, however, stated that his clan could not betray the Long family but allowed Gu Beiyue and Gu Qishao to leave unharmed, instructing them to be careful and pretending the encounter never happened.
Later, facing a shortage of materials for his gu-abetted men, Eunuch Li ruthlessly began using his own personal guards as test subjects, telling them this was their best opportunity to atone for their faults. At Chu Qingge's palace, an envoy from Beili arrived, reminding her of the enduring alliance between Beili and Xiqiu. The envoy urged Chu Qingge to act swiftly, revealing that Emperor Tianhui had obtained the complete Poison Scripture and that the gu-abetted men were nearing completion.
The envoy proposed that Chu Qingge administer a slow poison to Emperor Tianhui, then seize his power or kill him once the gu-abetted men were ready, allowing Beili and Xiqiu to benefit. Chu Qingge hesitated, denying any affection for Emperor Tianhui but arguing that Xiqiu's political situation was stable and that Emperor Tianhui, who loved her, would not attack Xiqiu even with gu-abetted men.
The envoy dismissed her concerns as naive and revealed that her younger brother had long been under Beili's control, presenting his handwriting as proof. Enraged by their treachery, Chu Qingge reluctantly accepted the poison. Remembering a past conversation with her brother about her forced political marriage and his pleas for her to protect herself, she realized she was in a doomed situation.
She resolved that if Emperor Tianhui successfully created the gu-abetted men, she would seize control of them herself to save her brother and Xiqiu, never allowing Beili to have them. She immediately ordered her nanny to prepare Emperor Tianhui's favorite lotus-nuts sweet soup. When her nanny suggested she tell Emperor Tianhui the truth, believing he truly loved her and might forgive her, Chu Qingge cynically asked, "Will you tolerate your beloved wife cheating on you all this time?"
Meanwhile, Tang Li received urgent news that the poison plague in Qingshan Town had spread widely into their own territory. He discussed with Ningjing that ministers suspected Emperor Tianhui was behind it again, using it as a desperate measure. Tang Li decided to go to Qingshan Town alone with imperial doctors, explaining that he hadn't told Long Feiye yet because he and Han Yunxi had just reconciled.
Ningjing insisted on accompanying him, reminding him that she, as his wife, must follow him. Tang Li relented, urging her to be careful. Back at the secret base, Gu Beiyue and Gu Qishao struggled to identify the components of the gu poison they had obtained, realizing the herbal essence had transformed through extraction and mixing.
They decided to try directly formulating an antidote, with Gu Qishao trying to recall Poison Master's research, worried that Han Yunxi would not wait for them. At Xiongfeng Palace, Chu Qingge personally presented the lotus-nuts sweet soup to Emperor Tianhui. He praised her culinary skills, and she watched as he consumed the poisoned soup.
Episode 45 Recap
Gu Qishao, driven to exhaustion, worked tirelessly to find an antidote for the gu poison, even spitting blood despite Gu Beiyue's pleas for him to rest and eat. Meanwhile, Emperor Tianhui's research into gu-abetted individuals proved highly successful. His subordinates reported that they could control these individuals using silver needles and that healthy people infected with the blood of the first generation gu-abetted individuals would transform into a second, albeit less powerful, generation.
Pleased with the eight completed first-generation subjects, Emperor Tianhui ordered the widespread dissemination of the poison plague, justifying it as a necessary sacrifice for the people's future peace and to strengthen his army. He then specifically instructed Eunuch Li to send two gu-abetted individuals to the capital to assassinate Han Yunxi, believing her death would eradicate the Poison Master lineage and the gu poison's cure, ultimately leading to Long Feiye's demise.
The Emperor even attempted to personally create a gu-abetted individual, receiving a warning that touching any other poison would cause his hand to turn gray. Chu Qingge’s nanny confirmed that after three more doses, the slow-acting poison administered to Emperor Tianhui would take full effect, causing him to fall gravely ill. However, Chu Qingge confessed a surprising sadness about their plan's impending success, hinting at her growing affection for the Emperor.
Later, Emperor Tianhui, feeling weary, visited Chu Qingge and requested a bowl of lotus-nuts soup. Chu Qingge hesitated to serve it, clearly reluctant to continue poisoning him. When he insistently took the bowl, his finger briefly touched the soup and immediately turned gray, and he realized the lotus-nuts soup contained medicine.
Pretending a sudden recall of urgent state affairs, he abruptly departed, but secretly ordered Eunuch Li to take the lotus-nuts soup to the Imperial Academy of Medicine for a discreet examination. Days later, Chu Qingge was seen studying a map of Xiqiu, hoping to find a quicker way to rescue her brother. Emperor Tianhui unexpectedly arrived, and she feigned homesickness.
He expressed his deep affection for her and revealed his grand plan to use his powerful gu-abetted army to reclaim his lost empire and conquer Beili. He proposed that Xiqiu could become a dependent state under Tianning, with him and Chu Qingge ruling together, and instructed her to prepare to accompany him on the expedition.
Concluding that the gu poison was indeed incurable, Gu Qishao, after a period of intense and fruitless research, decided to return to the capital to be with Han Yunxi, wanting to accompany her for whatever time they had left. While traveling with Gu Beiyue and Yuze, they stumbled upon a horrific scene: soldiers forcing common people to ingest a mysterious medicine, confirming Emperor Tianhui's sinister method of rapidly spreading the gu poison.
Gu Beiyue, noticing Gu Qishao's weakened state, bravely distracted the soldiers to allow Gu Qishao to escape. Meanwhile, in Qingshan Town, Tang Li discovered an alarming absence of strong men, concluding that Emperor Tianhui had abducted them to create more gu-abetted individuals. He vowed to dismember the tyrannical Emperor. Tang Li then encountered Gu Beiyue, who informed him that Emperor Tianhui had successfully developed gu-abetted individuals.
Gu Qishao, having departed from Gu Beiyue, instructed Yuze to take the vital Traceless grass into the town, where Long Feiye's troops, led by Tang Li, had arrived to help combat the spreading plague. Tang Li was alarmed to learn that a single gu-abetted individual could be used to create many more. He quickly took charge, instructing a Cavalry General to secure the city gates and ordering Gu Beiyue to stay and guide other doctors in containment efforts.
Tang Li declared his intent to immediately report the dire situation to his brother, Long Feiye. At this crucial moment, Yuze arrived, bringing the Traceless grass. Gu Beiyue vouched for Yuze’s dedication in collecting and preparing the herb, assuring Tang Li of its efficacy in treating the plague. Tang Li, trusting Gu Beiyue's word, directed them to use the Traceless grass to help the infected citizens.
Concurrently, back at the palace, Eunuch Li reported to Emperor Tianhui that imperial doctors confirmed the lotus-nuts soup contained a slow-acting poison. Enraged and betrayed, Emperor Tianhui also learned that Chu Qingge was suspected of conspiring with court officials. Despite his anger, he deferred immediate action against her, choosing instead to focus on the rapid development of his gu-abetted army, reiterating the critical importance of the first-generation gu-abetted individuals for his grand ambition.
Gu Qishao, now in Meihai, desperately embraced Han Yunxi, pleading with her not to sacrifice her life for Long Feiye. He revealed his knowledge that her heart blood was the only true antidote, urging her to find other ways and reminding her that he would use all her owed conditions to make her not die. He offered to take her away from all the complexities of their lives and from Long Feiye.
Han Yunxi, however, refused, stating she must save Long Feiye because his condition stemmed from her father’s actions. Their emotional exchange was interrupted by Long Feiye’s arrival. He confronted Gu Qishao, who attempted to expose Han Yunxi’s self-sacrificing plan. Long Feiye vehemently silenced Gu Qishao with a threat and then turned his fury on Han Yunxi, enraged by her intimate conversation with Gu Qishao. He harshly accused her of lacking shame and being unfaithful.
While admitting he could not control her heart, he declared he could control her actions and restricted her to Meihai, claiming that love and romance no longer mattered to him as he pursued his grand ambition. He then cruelly threatened to kill Gu Qishao and hide his body forever. Han Yunxi, in a fit of despair, slapped him.
As Han Yunxi left in tears, Long Feiye, consumed by regret, recalled Gu Qishao's earlier revelation: that Han Yunxi’s heart blood was the crucial component for his antidote, meaning her death would be the cost of his survival. This memory confirmed his harsh words and actions were a deliberate, albeit painful, attempt to push her away and dissuade her from sacrificing herself. Upon returning to the capital, Long Feiye immediately began making preparations for an assault on Xijing.
He was observed instructing Tang Li on various state and military affairs, revealing that he was poisoned with gu and only had months to live, unable to witness the unification of the Qinxi empire. He was implicitly training Tang Li to ascend to the throne. Meanwhile, Long Feiye learned that Han Yunxi was residing at Gu Beiyue's residence. Simultaneously, Emperor Tianhui received news that Long Feiye had successfully suppressed the poison plague in Qingshan Town and the Xijing border regions.
Frustrated by the difficulty in obtaining materials for first-generation gu-abetted individuals, Emperor Tianhui resolved to drastically increase the production of second-generation gu-abetted individuals. Despite Eunuch Li’s concerns about using ordinary civilians given the plague’s suppression, Emperor Tianhui ruthlessly declared they would infect his own soldiers with the poison plague, instructing Eunuch Li to do so carefully and with higher doses, assuring him he would manage any dissent from the powerful Mu family who controlled Xijing’s military.
Undeterred by Long Feiye's harsh rejection, Han Yunxi remained determined to save him. She met with Gu Qishao, who was visibly well and not killed by Long Feiye. Despite Gu Qishao's pleas for her to abandon Long Feiye, Han Yunxi asserted her duty, stating that as his former wife, she could not watch him die, especially since his condition stemmed from her father’s actions.
Gu Qishao offered again to take her away, promising unwavering devotion, but Han Yunxi firmly declined, choosing to forge her own path. Instead, she provided Gu Qishao with a modified prescription for an antidote, originally developed by her father in the Herb-Ghost Valley. She explained that while it might not completely cure the poison, a year’s continuous dosage could potentially alleviate it.
She asked Gu Qishao to prepare a year’s supply of pills in three days, instructing him to meet her at Meihai. She claimed she would then deliver the medicine to Long Feiye and leave with Gu Qishao, justifying her trip to Meihai as a need to gather her belongings. Gu Qishao, overjoyed, readily agreed to the deal.
However, as Gu Qishao departed, Han Yunxi silently apologized to him, revealing her true intention to save Long Feiye and her acceptance of her own fate. Long Feiye was later informed by a subordinate that Han Yunxi planned to meet Gu Qishao at Meihai in three days, after which they intended to leave together, but he showed no overt reaction, having already accepted his limited time and focused on preparing Tang Li for leadership.
Episode 46 Recap
Long Feiye confided in Tang Li, revealing that he had deliberately angered Han Yunxi and driven her away because his gu poison was incurable, leaving him with only months to live. Knowing Han Yunxi was determined to die with him, he took these harsh actions to ensure her safety. Long Feiye urged Tang Li not to seek her out, entrusting him with the future of Qinxi.
Tang Li, overwhelmed with sorrow and regret over his own past idleness, shared this painful truth with Ning Jing. Expressing profound sympathy for the couple's difficult path, Ning Jing suggested they consult imperial doctors and hidden experts to find a cure. Meanwhile, Young General Mu noticed a widespread illness among the troops, initially thought to be a cold. Unbeknownst to them, Emperor Tianhui was orchestrating a sinister plan.
He was informed that half of General Mu's army had contracted the poison plague and had ordered the infected soldiers to be given "gu blood" as they slept, effectively transforming them into a "gu-abetted troop," which he intended to use to launch an immediate assault on the capital. Han Yunxi returned to Meihai to find the Seven-Poison grass, but Gu Qishao appeared and snatched it from her.
He confronted her about her unwavering devotion to Long Feiye, questioning if sacrificing herself was worth it, especially after Long Feiye had seemingly abandoned her. He admitted he was the one who told Long Feiye that only Han Yunxi's heart blood could be the cure, asserting that Long Feiye had a right to know and that he would not stand by and watch her die. As they argued, two gu-abetted men attacked in an assassination attempt on Han Yunxi.
Gu Qishao fiercely protected her in a desperate struggle. Fortunately, Long Feiye arrived with Xifeng and Zhuyu to save them. During the fight, however, Zhuyu stabbed one of the gu-abetted men, causing poisoned blood to splatter onto Gu Qishao's open wound. Gu Qishao immediately collapsed into unconsciousness, and Long Feiye instructed Xifeng to take him away for treatment.
After Chu Qingge sent another bowl of lotus-nut soup, an imperial doctor confirmed to Emperor Tianhui that it still contained poison, utterly disappointing him. Chu Qingge, distraught since her attempt, admitted to her nanny that she had unexpectedly fallen deeply in love with Emperor Tianhui for his profound kindness and affection. Her nanny reminded her of her duty to Xiqiu and its young prince, urging her not to regret her actions.
Later, Emperor Tianhui summoned her to Xiongfeng Hall, where Chu Qingge was horrified to discover he had transformed her younger brother into a gu-abetted man. She tearfully confessed her alliance with Beili and her attempt to poison him, begging for her brother's life. Emperor Tianhui revealed he had given her multiple chances and had even tried to win her over with genuine affection, but she had continuously betrayed him.
He expressed his deep heartache, questioning if she ever truly loved him. Weeping, Chu Qingge affirmed her love but stated she had no choice. She offered her own life in atonement, but Emperor Tianhui refused her an easy death, ordering her to be imprisoned until he could settle accounts after his impending victory. Concerned by Gu Qishao's coma from a minor wound, Han Yunxi took a blood sample to analyze the unknown poison.
Meanwhile, Emperor Tianhui, confident in his new gu-abetted troop, addressed his officials, hailing the poisoned soldiers as loyal comrades who would guarantee victory. When a minister urged caution against sacrificing civilians, the Emperor dismissively referred to the populace as "ants" with no choice but to die silently. He then commanded his army and the gu-abetted troop to march and eradicate Long Feiye, vowing a brutal campaign.
Long Feiye soon received intelligence about Emperor Tianhui's aggressive advance and the widespread civilian deaths. Recognizing the urgency, he marshaled his forces to prepare for the confrontation. Before departing, Long Feiye ordered all medicinal herbs to be secured and confined Han Yunxi to Meihai for her protection. Despite her pleas to join him, he promised to return after his victory, and Han Yunxi vowed to be with him, no matter what.
Once awake, Gu Qishao realized he had contracted the gu poison but wondered why he hadn't lost his sanity. Long Feiye, knowing his upcoming battle was a "nine-deaths one-life" endeavor, sought out Gu Qishao and entrusted Han Yunxi's safety to him, urging him to prevent her from acting foolishly. Gu Qishao solemnly promised to protect her, even at the cost of his own life.
Meanwhile, the brutality of Emperor Tianhui's forces became unbearable for General Mu and Young General Mu, who witnessed the gu-abetted men indiscriminately capturing villagers. General Mu confronted the Emperor, pleading for mercy for the innocent civilians. Unrepentant, Emperor Tianhui revealed his strategy: to lure Long Feiye into a trap by massacring the people in captured cities and then having his soldiers disguise themselves as common folk. He dismissed the Mu family's concerns and ordered them to simply fulfill their duties.
Worried for Long Feiye, Han Yunxi lost her appetite. Gu Qishao stayed by her side, urging her to eat. One day, his gu poison flared, causing his eyes to turn blood-red, though he quickly hid it from her. He tried to dissuade her from joining the battle by explaining the formidable strength of the gu-abetted men, but this only reinforced her determination.
Elsewhere, a doctor warned Long Feiye that his own gu poison, though suppressed, could flare up from excessive worry and that his condition was critical. Long Feiye dismissed the warning, unwilling to delay while civilians were dying, and ordered his troops to advance. Witnessing Long Feiye's deteriorating state, Xifeng decided to defy his orders and retrieve Han Yunxi, believing only she could persuade him to rest.
Han Yunxi discovered that Gu Qishao's blood contained a poison similar to the poison plague, but it was being suppressed by another unknown toxin. Gu Qishao dismissed her findings, claiming his unique constitution was due to past exposure to various poisons. Just then, Xifeng arrived to inform Han Yunxi that Long Feiye was in grave danger.
Gu Qishao tried to stop her from leaving, reminding her of his promise, but Han Yunxi asserted her authority as Princess Consort Qin and declared her resolve to save her husband. Upon her arrival at the military camp, a distressed Long Feiye ordered her to return, but she steadfastly refused, vowing to stay with him "dead or alive." She tearfully confessed her constant anxiety during their separation, pleading to remain by his side to care for him.
With the Seven-Poison grass unavailable, her heart-blood cure was useless anyway. Long Feiye's resolve softened, and he embraced her tightly, agreeing they should cherish every moment they had left together. Emperor Tianhui, anticipating the arrival of his regional armies, declared that Long Feiye's end was near. Long Feiye's forces advanced into the eerily deserted Qingshan Town and, suspecting an ambush, he ordered a strategic retreat of ten miles.
Infuriated by this evasion, Emperor Tianhui ordered his fifty-thousand-strong gu-abetted troop and General Mu's army to converge and besiege Long Feiye's new camp. However, Long Feiye anticipated this, ordering his troops to abandon their tents and retreat again with minimal gear.
He explained to Xifeng that this tactic of fighting and retreating was a deliberate effort to buy time for civilians to evacuate safely, affirming that restoring the empire would be meaningless if it came at the cost of the people's lives. Believing the final battle would be perilous, Long Feiye entrusted his ultimate combat plan to Han Yunxi, instructing her to deliver it to Xifeng on the day of the confrontation should he not survive.
Episode 47 Recap
Emperor Tianhui's forces found the enemy's camp empty and pursued them, confident of victory. Meanwhile, General Mu and Mu Qingwu confronted Emperor Tianhui, expressing outrage that fifty thousand Xijing soldiers, loyal to the throne, had been turned into gu-abetted men. General Mu declared his bitter disappointment and his inability to be loyal to a tyrant who disregards his soldiers' lives. He commanded Mu Qingwu to withdraw their troops. As they prepared to leave, Eunuch Li and guards appeared, threatening them.
Rather than betray his principles, General Mu committed suicide to apologize for his sin to Heaven and Earth. Mu Qingwu denounced Emperor Tianhui as a brutal tyrant who kills innocent people, predicting he would never gain the kingdom or civilian support. The Mu family army then burst in, rescuing Mu Qingwu. Gu Beiyue, having been pursued by a physically strong gu-abetted man for several days, was gravely injured, his viscera hurt, and his strength exhausted.
His bird led Han Yunxi, who was suspicious of Long Feiye's prolonged absence, to a secluded courtyard. There, she found Gu Beiyue with the gu-abetted man bound to a pillar. Gu Beiyue explained that he had stumbled upon Emperor Tianhui's order to kill all the villagers and had exhausted himself to capture one of the gu-abetted men.
Knowing his life was ebbing, he shared critical information: he and Gu Qishao had previously tried to develop an antidote for gu poison but failed. Believing that a poison could destroy a poison, he gave Han Yunxi the gu-abetted man's blood. Han Yunxi quickly analyzed it, discovering it was a new gu poison formed by the mixture of gu poison and poison plague, similar to the poison in Gu Qishao's body.
She recalled Gu Qishao's earlier consumption of Traceless Grass and deduced its potential. Gu Beiyue then presented some Traceless Grass he had obtained from Yuze, confirming Han Yunxi's theory that burning it would destroy the new gu poison, effectively killing gu-abetted men. With Emperor Tianhui having widely spread poison plague to create his army, this discovery offered a way to defeat his entire troop. With a sense of relief, Gu Beiyue succumbed to his injuries, leaving Han Yunxi grief-stricken.
After being saved by Long Feiye, Mu Qingwu pledged the Mu Army's loyalty to him. Long Feiye then ordered his soldiers to spread the news that he was severely ill and dying, a strategy to make Emperor Tianhui believe that his army was leaderless and defeated. While this was a deceptive tactic, Long Feiye was genuinely ill, his pulse weak and maintaining his life by sheer will.
Han Yunxi informed Long Feiye of Gu Beiyue's passing and the groundbreaking discovery about Traceless Grass. She noted that only Yuze possessed the rare herb. Sensing Han Yunxi's fatigue, Long Feiye gently helped her to rest. Yuze delivered the remaining Traceless Grass to Gu Qishao. He expressed his gratitude but urged her to leave and pursue her own happiness, wanting her to be safe from the impending war.
However, Yuze adamantly refused to depart, declaring her desire to remain by his side, believing that staying with him was the only life she desired. Recognizing the severity of Long Feiye's condition, Han Yunxi decided to take him to Meihai for healing. To further their deception, she instructed Xifeng to continue spreading the news of Long Feiye's severe illness, confident that Emperor Tianhui's suspicious nature would lead him to believe their feigned retreat.
She emphasized that the true nature of Long Feiye's illness must be kept from their own soldiers to maintain morale. Han Yunxi then tasked Xifeng with finding Gu Qishao, instructing him to tell Zhuyu that if Gu Qishao did not meet her in Meihai by the next morning, he would never see her again, knowing this would compel him to come. Upon Gu Qishao's arrival in Meihai, Han Yunxi immediately requested the Seven-Poison Grass, explaining its potency would soon wane.
Gu Qishao refused, citing a promise he had made to Long Feiye and internally vowing not to lose control of his own gu poison, which would compromise his ability to protect Han Yunxi. He then revealed to a horrified Xifeng that Han Yunxi intended to extract her heart blood to save Long Feiye, accusing Xifeng of aiding in her demise.
Han Yunxi steadfastly maintained that if Gu Qishao were released, Long Feiye could not be saved, and she would perish alongside him. Apologizing for putting him in this position, she ordered Xifeng to guard Gu Qishao, leaving Xifeng in a state of deep internal conflict. Tang Li and Ning Jing learned of Han Yunxi's perilous plan to sacrifice herself and desperately pleaded for her to find another way. Han Yunxi insisted there were no other options given the urgency.
She argued that Long Feiye was the only hope against Emperor Tianhui's rampaging gu-abetted army, and saving him was for the sake of the world. Xifeng, now aware of her intentions, expressed his admiration for her compassion but also his anguish at the thought of explaining her sacrifice to Long Feiye. Han Yunxi firmly reiterated that saving Long Feiye was paramount and instructed them all to keep her plan a secret from him.
Meanwhile, Emperor Tianhui received reports of Long Feiye's severe illness and retreat to Meihai. Fearing that Han Yunxi might use her heart blood to save Long Feiye, he ordered his troops to quickly capture the capital. In his sickbed, Long Feiye expressed his profound worries for Han Yunxi, regretting that he had never brought her true happiness and wishing they had never met, so she might have lived a safe life.
Han Yunxi, her eyes welling with tears, tenderly assured him that meeting and loving him was the happiest thing in her life. The Han family received a letter from Han Yunxi, announcing her second wedding ceremony with Long Feiye. She explained the haste of the arrangements, preventing them from attending, but asked for their blessings, painting a picture of a blissful future as a bittersweet farewell. At Meihai, surrounded by friends, Han Yunxi, once again in a wedding dress, awaited.
Long Feiye, gathering his strength, stepped from the sedan and symbolically kicked its door, then took Han Yunxi's hand. He declared her his official wife, belonging only to him, and vowed to stay with her forever, awaiting his victorious return so they could live together in Meihai eternally. Han Yunxi, in turn, made him promise not to leave her first. They shared a final drink, after which Han Yunxi sedated Long Feiye, who drifted into a deep sleep, allowing her to bid him a final, silent farewell.
Episode 48 (Ending) Recap
After settling Long Feiye, Han Yunxi left a tender kiss on his forehead, knowing he was the only person she truly cared for. She resolved that he must live, even if it meant her sacrifice. Han Yunxi then went to the imprisoned Gu Qishao, who coldly noted that Gu Beiyue had died, leaving her with nowhere else to turn. She desperately promised him anything if he would save Long Feiye.
Despite his pleas, Han Yunxi declared that if Long Feiye died, she would die with him. She then consumed the Seven-Poison grass, a potion she developed, and collapsed, instructing Gu Qishao to take her heart blood to save Long Feiye after her death. Overcome with anguish, Gu Qishao's own gu poison surged, turning him into a half-poison gu-man and allowing him to break his chains. He cradled Han Yunxi as she expressed her happiness at having met him.
He tearfully lamented that fate had her meet Long Feiye first and asked her to meet and love him first in their next life. Han Yunxi promised to be his maid in her next life to repay his kindness. Just before her last breath, she gave him her bracelet and explained that burning Traceless grass could kill gu-abetted men, urging him to help Long Feiye. With a final whisper, she stabbed herself in the heart and passed away.
In his profound grief, Gu Qishao fulfilled her last wish, extracting her heart blood. Long Feiye soon regained consciousness in the palace and immediately asked for Han Yunxi. Gu Qishao informed him that she had died to save him, recounting how she ingested poison and then stabbed herself to ensure her heart blood could be used. Distraught, Long Feiye demanded to see her body, but Gu Qishao conveyed her last wish not to be seen in death.
He urged Long Feiye to find strength, reminding him that Han Yunxi's sacrifice was for the common people as well, and that he should not let her down. News arrived that Emperor Tianhui's gu-abetted men were attacking the city gates. Long Feiye swiftly formulated a plan to lure the troops into the capital through secret tunnels, setting up a three-sided pincer attack.
Gu Qishao then appeared, providing the Traceless grass and explaining that Han Yunxi had discovered burning it would release a fatal poison for the gu-abetted men. Promising to help to the end, Gu Qishao pledged to handle the enemy's rear forces. At Xuanwu Gate, Long Feiye's forces faced Emperor Tianhui's army. Surprised to see Long Feiye alive, Tianhui proceeded cautiously, anticipating a trap and calling for his rear troops to prepare a counter-encirclement.
However, Long Feiye's strategy, using the Traceless grass, proved devastatingly effective. Tianhui's army suffered immense casualties and was swiftly encircled. Reports poured in that reinforcements had been wiped out. In the chaos, Mu Qingwu avenged his father by killing Eunuch Li, leaving Emperor Tianhui in utter shock as his remaining officials urged him to retreat. As the battle concluded, Gu Qishao collapsed from the effects of his gu poison.
A woman in pink appeared, gave him medicine, and then took the bracelet Han Yunxi had given him. Meanwhile, Long Feiye pursued Emperor Tianhui to a cliff edge, declaring their feud would end. His actions, he proclaimed, were for Han Yunxi. Unrepentant, Tianhui asserted that becoming emperor meant eternal loneliness, defending his actions as necessary for self-preservation. Long Feiye simply stated they were different. Defiant to the last, Emperor Tianhui leaped from the cliff to his death.
Long Feiye then instructed an official to bury him properly. Elsewhere, Princess Changbing helped Chu Qingge escape. They were met by Chu Qingge's brother, Tianyin, who revealed that Emperor Tianhui had detoxified him and disguised him as a gu-abetted man to facilitate their reunion. He gave Chu Qingge a letter from the late emperor. In it, Tianhui confessed his complex love and hate for her, explaining he had sent a gu-abetted troop to drive Beili's forces from Xiqiu.
He instructed her and her brother to return to Xiqiu and live a good life, entrusting Princess Changbing to her care. Reading his final words, Chu Qingge was overcome with regret. Unwilling to take the throne, Long Feiye informed Tang Li of his decision to abdicate, explaining that he had been training him for this moment. Declaring he would observe a year of mourning for Han Yunxi, Long Feiye formally passed the responsibility of governing Qinxi to Tang Li.
Subsequently, a formal proclamation announced Tang Li's ascension. Meanwhile, a grieving Gu Qishao recreated an herb land reminiscent of the one Han Yunxi loved, sprinkling the last of her heart blood there. He spoke to her spirit, assuring her he had fulfilled his promises and vowing to find her lost bracelet. A year later, Emperor Tang Li was ruling Qinxi effectively.
During a court session about a drought, his ministers urged him to expand the imperial harem, as he and Empress Ning Jing were still without an heir. Tang Li firmly rejected them, prioritizing the nation's welfare. Afterwards, he playfully consoled Ning Jing, reassuring her of his devotion and humorously blaming Long Feiye for burdening him with the throne. Later, Long Feiye was at Meihai, reflecting on his memories with Han Yunxi and her joyous plans for their future home. Suddenly, amidst the blossoms, he saw her, vibrant and alive, gathering flowers. Overwhelmed with emotion, Long Feiye rushed towards her, and they embraced tightly, finally reunited.
