Love & Crown Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Love & Crown Synopsis
Ling Cangcang, a chivalrous heroine known for her fierce sense of justice and extraordinary martial arts, founds the Fenglai Pavilion, a sect dedicated to helping the oppressed. Xiao Huan, the young emperor of the Nanqi Dynasty, is deeply committed to the welfare of his people.
However, the Grand Chancellor, in collusion with powerful factions from the martial world, has seized control of the court and is wreaking havoc upon the nation. In order to save his people, Xiao Huan assumes the alias "Bai Chifan" and sets out to investigate the situation firsthand.
During his journey, he encounters Ling Cangcang, and the two become close allies. Yet, unbeknownst to him, she is the daughter of the Grand Chancellor and his future empress. As turmoil sweeps across the land and the people suffer, Xiao Huan and Ling Cangcang join forces to quell the chaos, relieve disasters, and punish the corrupt.
In their efforts to bring peace and justice to the world, they also rediscover their true calling—to shoulder the burdens of righteousness, serve the people with passion, and ensure peace across the land so that all may live in harmony.
Love & Crown Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Xiao Huan arrived to meet Ling Cangcang, acknowledging her summons was regarding her master's death. She confronted him, demanding an explanation, but he stated he had his reasons, which he could not disclose. Ling Cangcang, holding a sword, moved to strike him, but Xiao Huan stood firm, dismissed his guards, and remarked that she lacked the ruthlessness needed for such an act.
He then announced his intention to marry her and make her his empress in two months, telling her to prepare for their wedding. He attempted to touch her, but she recoiled, expressing her disbelief that she could marry a murderer. Xiao Huan simply told her she had no choice. Returning to Ling Manor, Ling Cangcang firmly told her father, Ling Xuefeng, that she would never marry Xiao Huan.
Ling Xuefeng sternly reminded her that an imperial decree was not to be defied, warning her of the dire consequences for their entire clan. He emphasized that despite his past assistance in Xiao Huan's ascension, the Emperor's current status made his will absolute. Ling Cangcang knelt, declaring she would rather die than marry him, unaware that her late master, Li Lu, had been using her, which was why Xiao Huan had him killed.
Overwhelmed with grief, she sought out her adoptive brother, Luo Xianxue, intending to escape and seek revenge. However, Xiao Huan intercepted them. Ling Xuefeng arrived shortly after, prostrating himself and pleading with Xiao Huan for his daughter's life. Xiao Huan observed Ling Cangcang's vehement refusal to marry him, seeing it as naive. He asserted that his decisions were unchangeable. Luo Xianxue, holding Ling Cangcang's hand, prepared to fight, unaware of the Emperor's intense gaze fixed on their clasped hands.
Xiao Huan openly warned Luo Xianxue, reminding him of a past warning in Southern Chu against futile escape attempts. Luo Xianxue apologized to Ling Xuefeng before attempting to attack Xiao Huan, but he was no match. When Ling Cangcang threatened to take her own life, Xiao Huan countered by threatening the extermination of the entire Ling clan. Seeing her father's visibly aged and distressed state, still pleading for her, Ling Cangcang relented.
She tearfully declared her willingness to marry Xiao Huan if he would spare her family and Luo Xianxue. Xiao Huan questioned her sincerity but ultimately accepted her "willing" pledge. He then instructed Hongqing to take Luo Xianxue to the palace as a witness to Ling Cangcang's vow. Xiao Huan then confronted Ling Xuefeng, revealing his awareness of the Grand Tutor's manipulation.
He accused Ling Xuefeng of orchestrating the events to make Ling Cangcang appear to marry him willingly, thereby preserving Ling Xuefeng's image as a benevolent father while casting Xiao Huan as a ruthless villain. Ling Xuefeng simply responded by asking if the Emperor was not satisfied with having achieved his desires. Meanwhile, the Imperial Preceptor Du Tingxin, engaged in the critical stage of pill refinement, dismissed the upcoming wedding as a "worldly affair" and declined to attend.
Ling Cangcang was forced to proceed with the grand wedding. During the ceremony, she refused to hold Xiao Huan's hand, but he subtly threatened her by mentioning Luo Xianxue's situation, compelling her to maintain a facade of compliance. Later, in their chambers, she resisted drinking the nuptial wine. Xiao Huan, consumed by jealousy, questioned her love for Luo Xianxue and again threatened his life.
Ling Cangcang defiantly admitted her love for Luo Xianxue, stating she would have fled with him if she had the choice and would not live without him. Xiao Huan dismissed her death threat, claiming it would only work if he cared, and reminded her of his threat to her clan. Alone, Ling Cangcang looked into a mirror, murmuring the name "Bai Chifan" and lamenting that he "does not exist" and had lied to her.
The next morning, Xiao Huan visited, informing her that Luo Xianxue had been returned to the Ling Manor, which brought her a moment of relief. However, he then presented her with a small box containing Luo Xianxue's severed finger, warning her that there were rules she must obey and a price to pay for defiance.
He then forcibly adorned her hair with the pear blossom hairpin he had given her, reminding her that she wore it when she attempted to escape with Luo Xianxue, emphasizing her duties as his Empress. One year prior, during a court session, Emperor Xiao Huan expressed concern over the disappearance of over a hundred young boys in Southern Chu.
However, he faced opposition from ministers led by Grand Tutor Ling Xuefeng, who defended the Prince of Yuzhang and questioned the Emperor's authority, citing his youth and lack of personal governance. Xiao Huan's subordinate noted that Ling Xuefeng had promised the Emperor would gain full power after marrying Ling Cangcang, yet he continuously delayed and protected the Prince, leading them to suspect Ling Xuefeng intended to sabotage the marriage.
Feeling constrained and aware of spies in the palace, Xiao Huan realized he needed to find someone to break this deadlock. He learned Ling Cangcang was in Southern Chu. While initially puzzled by Ling Xuefeng's apparent lack of concern for his daughter's safety, he understood when he observed Luo Xianxue, known as Southern Chu's Top Swordsman, along with the skilled fighter Zhong Lin, accompanying her at the Fenglai Pavilion. Xiao Huan noted that Ling Cangcang seemed different from her father.
Xiao Huan adopted the identity of Bai Chifan and attempted to join Fenglai Pavilion, which was recruiting a new hall master. Ling Cangcang, the Pavilion Master, immediately sensed he was no ordinary fighter and suspected he was a spy sent by her father. She rejected his application, calling him "fine on the outside but rotten within," leading Bai Chifan to challenge her judgment and the reputation of her pavilion.
Meanwhile, Empress Dowager Liu learned of Xiao Huan's presence in Southern Chu, suspecting he was pursuing Ling Cangcang. She sent orders to the Ninth Prince, Xiao Qianqing, to win Ling Cangcang's favor and, covertly, to ensure Xiao Huan never returned. However, Xiao Qianqing, who preferred to avoid entanglements with the Emperor, instructed his attendants to ignore Ling Cangcang if she appeared. Ling Cangcang, needing a specific outfit for a plan, visited a tailor shop.
She learned that the Prince of Yuzhang had ordered a casual outfit but never collected it. She arranged to take it, intending for Luo Xianxue to wear it. Luo Xianxue reluctantly tried on the princely attire, with Ling Cangcang encouraging him about his role in their plan. Bai Chifan reappeared, attempting to buy the outfit, and offered it to Ling Cangcang in exchange for entry into Fenglai Pavilion. Ling Cangcang refused, stating there were other tailor shops.
She then questioned his insistence on joining her pavilion. He responded that he was "born defiant" and "never accepted defeat," a trait Ling Cangcang wryly claimed to share. Later, Xiao Huan learned from a subordinate that Zhong Lin was frequently visiting a mine in Southern Chu. Realizing her ambitions extended beyond the pavilion, he instructed his man, Shi Yan, to investigate everything about the mine, pondering Ling Cangcang's true desires.
Ling Cangcang visited her Master, who offered her pear blossom honey and questioned her prolonged absence from Sword Cottage. Ling Cangcang revealed that a mine had recently yielded rare iron ore, a unique metal for forging swords, which she believed would bring great renown to whoever acquired it. Her Master reminded her of her destiny as Empress, but Ling Cangcang reiterated her disinterest in the title, expressing her wish to "win someone's heart and roam the world with her sword."
Her Master, acknowledging the world's unpredictability, wished her lasting joy. Later, with the Prince's attire secured, Zhong Lin observed that Luo Xianxue still lacked the Prince of Yuzhang's noble bearing. Ling Cangcang agreed and coached him on his posture. The plan continued with Ling Cangcang disguising herself as a tattoo artist to meet Xiao Qianqing, who desired a magnificent peacock tattoo to deter marriage proposals.
During the session, Ling Cangcang deliberately prolonged the process, and under the guise of needing a paperweight, she sent Xiao Qianqing's attendant away, allowing Zhong Lin to discreetly acquire an impression of a seal from a golden embroidered box. When Xiao Qianqing complained about the pain, Ling Cangcang, in a moment of playful mischief, tattooed an ugly bird instead of a peacock.
After Ling Cangcang and Zhong Lin quickly departed, Xiao Qianqing examined his back and realized he had been tricked, furiously ordering his men to find them. As Ling Cangcang and Zhong Lin left, a child approached with flowers, and she recognized the sender, muttering, "Him again?" referring to Bai Chifan.
Episode 2 Recap
Prince Xiao Qianqing discovered an unexpected bird tattooed on his back. His subordinates were terrified, but Xiao Qianqing, rather than blaming them, shrewdly analyzed that the perpetrators had a clear motive beyond mere humiliation. He threatened his men with severe punishment, including broken legs and being fed to hounds, unless they could recreate the scene and uncover the true reason behind the act.
Meanwhile, Ling Cangcang meticulously examined a newly acquired jade, prompting Bai Chifan to reveal his surprising knowledge of its origins and significance—Wuxi green jade, often used for royal seals, and featuring a "four claws that subdue evil" motif. Ling Cangcang grew suspicious of his vast knowledge and found his name, Bai Chifan, an obvious alias. Bai Chifan claimed he came from an extremely wealthy family, the Bai clan of Xiling, forcing him to keep a low profile.
He described his family as a once-renowned martial arts clan that transitioned to commerce. Ling Cangcang challenged his understanding of the martial world, considering his supposedly spoiled background. Bai Chifan eloquently countered, defining the martial world by diverse aspirations but united by the shared will to wield a sword. Intrigued, Ling Cangcang dared him to guess her current objective.
Bai Chifan accurately deduced her plan to impersonate the Prince of Yuzhang using expensive robes, a thumb ring, and a forged royal seal, and warned her that the Prince of Yuzhang was more perceptive than he appeared and might have already discovered their deception. Despite her admiration, Ling Cangcang decided Bai Chifan knew too much. She ordered Zhong Lin to investigate the Bai clan of Xiling and then had Bai Chifan knocked unconscious.
Shortly after, Luo Xianxue received an urgent message instructing him to return to the capital, raising concerns that Ling Cangcang's pursuit of Frostflame Iron might involve unforeseen complications. Luo Xianxue informed Ling Cangcang of his immediate departure, explaining the urgency of the matter. Though initially reluctant, Ling Cangcang understood and let him go, realizing this left her without a partner to impersonate the Prince of Yuzhang and jeopardized her entire plan. Facing a dire situation, Ling Cangcang reconsidered Bai Chifan.
She had previously suspected him of being a spy sent by her father to control her, but his unyielding composure under threat convinced her otherwise. She ordered his release and invited him to join her in impersonating the Prince of Yuzhang to acquire the Frostflame Iron. Bai Chifan accepted but sought to understand the full scope of the mission.
Ling Cangcang explained the legendary properties of Frostflame Iron: a rare material said to forge indestructible divine weapons, recently discovered in Southern Chu. She believed that posing as the Prince of Yuzhang would ensure its easy acquisition. Bai Chifan, however, found her belief naive, questioning if mere weapons could truly dominate the martial world, to which Ling Cangcang maintained that the sharpest blade dictates power in the martial arts realm.
Meanwhile, Ling Xuefeng confronted Luo Xianxue, urging him to abandon any inappropriate affections for Ling Cangcang and to focus on his duties, reminding him that Ling Cangcang was destined to become the Empress. Luo Xianxue reported Ling Cangcang's interest in the Frostflame Iron, but presented her as self-reliant. Ling Xuefeng remained unconvinced, sensing deeper motives.
He pressed Luo Xianxue about Bai Chifan, whom Luo Xianxue dismissed as a persistent suitor Ling Cangcang didn't take seriously, even believing him to be Ling Xuefeng's own agent. Ling Xuefeng then ordered Luo Xianxue to return to Southern Chu immediately to protect Ling Cangcang and report her every action. In a late-night meeting, Shi Yan, leader of the Xiao Xingying, reported to Emperor Xiao Huan on the iron quarry in Southern Chu.
He detailed its illicit operations: ostensibly a mining and smelting facility, it was in fact a monopoly that forcibly abducted citizens, predominantly young boys (over a hundred missing), to work as enslaved miners and illegally forge weapons, leading to numerous fatalities. This explained the local rumors of "ghosts kidnapping children." Shi Yan confirmed the Lingbi Sect controlled the quarry, with Grand Tutor Ling Xuefeng as its mastermind. Xiao Huan realized Ling Cangcang was unknowingly targeting her own father's clandestine enterprise.
He surmised that Luo Xianxue's sudden return to the capital was likely due to his discovery of Xiao Huan's movements. Xiao Huan resolved to not only bring Ling Cangcang back but also to dismantle the Lingbi Sect, thereby cutting off Ling Xuefeng's power base and solidifying his marriage and imperial authority. He instructed Shi Yan to assist Ling Cangcang in her mission to hasten these developments.
Prince Xiao Qianqing received intelligence about the impersonation and the pursuit of Frostflame Iron, sending his forces to the quarry with a stern warning to his subordinate about the accuracy of the information. At the quarry, a foreman callously instructed his men to underfeed the enslaved young boys, telling them to drink water instead of eating, despite their deteriorating health and recent deaths. He cited the "Ghost King's" urgent demands for production.
Ling Cangcang and Bai Chifan, expertly disguised as the Prince of Yuzhang and his attendant, arrived. The quarry owner initially feigned subservience and offered the Frostflame Iron, but his gaze sharpened as he subtly questioned the "Prince's" authenticity. Bai Chifan presented the forged royal seal. The owner, after examining the jade and its accurate form, led them to the iron.
However, while inspecting the iron's ornate storage box, the owner noticed a critical flaw in the forged seal: it depicted five claws instead of the four traditionally associated with the Prince of Yuzhang, exposing their deception. A fierce battle erupted. Bai Chifan shielded Ling Cangcang as Shi Yan's forces, acting on Xiao Huan's orders, created a diversion by blowing up a tunnel and releasing the enslaved miners, revealing Ling Cangcang's true purpose was rescue, not theft.
The quarry boss, realizing he had been outwitted by a diversion, raged in fury. Ling Cangcang urged Bai Chifan to escape while she covered him, but Bai Chifan insisted on protecting her. The quarry boss then deployed a potent poisonous smoke, debilitating them. He demanded their true identities before offering a slim chance of survival. Despite the poison and their injuries, they fought valiantly.
Ling Cangcang was severely wounded, but Bai Chifan, after giving her a life-saving pill, fought with renewed ferocity, sensing the boss's intent to kill. Ling Cangcang, despite her pain, also retaliated, further injuring the boss. Suddenly, an unknown assailant swiftly killed the quarry boss. Prince Xiao Qianqing arrived shortly after, apprehending Ling Cangcang and her group.
Before being fully subdued, Bai Chifan quickly confirmed Ling Cangcang's intention: she was there purely to rescue the child slaves, finally dispelling his lingering doubts about her. In the aftermath, Ling Cangcang, now a captive, offered an apology to Xiao Qianqing. Xiao Qianqing, recognizing Bai Chifan as Emperor Xiao Huan, was struck by the Emperor's willingness to humble himself for Ling Cangcang's sake. He chose not to reveal Xiao Huan's true identity.
The two brothers, long estranged by mutual suspicion, were left in an awkward truce; their conflict stemmed from an incident where Xiao Qianqing had asked for their father's military map as a memento, which Xiao Huan misinterpreted as a sign that he still coveted the throne. Seeing Xiao Huan (as Bai Chifan) show such deference for Ling Cangcang, Xiao Qianqing decided to keep them both for dinner.
During the meal, Xiao Qianqing observed Bai Chifan's attentive care towards Ling Cangcang, cautioning her against cold food and offering her warm pear soup. When Xiao Qianqing asked for her name, Ling Cangcang, aware of his identity as Prince of Yuzhang and her own engagement, avoided revealing her true identity and was introduced under the alias of Zhong Lin, the Vice Sect Leader of Fenglai Pavilion. Xiao Qianqing, however, easily deduced that she was Ling Cangcang and suspected his brother Xiao Huan's presence was solely due to his interest in her.
Episode 3 Recap
During a meal, Xiao Qianqing observed Bai Chifan's unusual attentiveness toward Ling Cangcang, leading him to deduce her true identity. Ling Cangcang, ravenously eating, remained oblivious to the tense atmosphere. Seeking to provoke Xiao Huan, Xiao Qianqing flirtatiously declared his admiration for Ling Cangcang and proposed a partnership. Ling Cangcang, unimpressed, suggested he direct his affections toward the Vice Sect Leader, Zhong Lin, humorously reminding him that she was the one who had "tattooed" him earlier.
Xiao Qianqing grimaced, recalling Zhong Lin's clumsy needlework. He then challenged Bai Chifan to perform a sword dance, expecting refusal, but to his surprise, Bai Chifan readily agreed, seemingly for Ling Cangcang's benefit. Xiao Qianqing joined the sword display, leading to a tense confrontation where Xiao Huan, still disguised as Bai Chifan, tore Xiao Qianqing's clothes. Ling Cangcang noted the dangerous intensity of their moves.
During their confrontation, Bai Chifan accused Xiao Qianqing of overreacting, suggesting his aggression stemmed from the Emperor's discovery of corruption within his domain—a hint Xiao Qianqing failed to grasp. Later, Xiao Huan subtly informed Xiao Qianqing that the mine incident was the Lingbi Sect's doing and requested his assistance in the investigation. Xiao Qianqing agreed, hinting that he might ask for a favor in return.
Meanwhile, Luo Xianxue awoke severely injured and immediately inquired about Ling Cangcang, feeling relieved only upon learning she was safe. A masked figure informed Luo Xianxue that the Lingbi Sect had suffered significant losses from the mine's closure, displeasing the Grand Tutor. The masked figure also warned Luo Xianxue that "that man" might exploit Ling Cangcang, urging him to prioritize his recovery and allow the situation to be handled.
Elsewhere, Shi Yan questioned Xiao Huan, noting that his cold poison had flared up despite Imperial Preceptor Du's suppressive medicine. Xiao Huan revealed he had given his last dose to Ling Cangcang. He also updated Shi Yan on the missing miners, whose numbers still didn't match the deceased, suggesting a deeper mystery and the Lingbi Sect's growing power. Xiao Huan then assigned Shi Yan a new mission: to strengthen Fenglai Pavilion.
Ling Cangcang approached Bai Chifan, now promoted to Hall Master, who subtly reminded her of her previous suspicions. Ling Cangcang openly apologized for doubting him as her father's spy and for tricking him into posing as the Prince of Yuzhang, which led to his injury and imprisonment. She vowed to consider him a brother-in-arms and never to doubt him again.
Bai Chifan, reviewing the sect's books, revealed a significant deficit, but Ling Cangcang lightheartedly suggested stealing more antiques from her father to cover the losses, assuring Bai Chifan that Fenglai Pavilion was not short on money, and now they had him. Soon after, a large number of recruits arrived, all eager to join Fenglai Pavilion.
Zhong Lin, witnessing Ling Cangcang's newfound trust and affection for Bai Chifan, questioned what had happened, jokingly asking if Ling Cangcang intended to repay him with her heart. Ling Cangcang's description of Bai Chifan as having a "duplicitous danger" and "fatal charm" hinted at her growing feelings. Ling Cangcang brushed aside Zhong Lin's concerns about Bai Chifan's recruits, stating her full trust in him.
Among the new recruits was Shi Yan, who introduced himself as a skilled blade master specializing in the 72 Kunlun Swift Strikes, and was promptly accepted by Ling Cangcang. Ling Cangcang spoke to her Master about her success in dismantling the iron mine and rescuing the children, explaining that the Lingbi Sect was turning children into stone-like creatures, indicating a larger conspiracy.
Her Master, however, warned her about Bai Chifan, suggesting his identity was fake, his motives impure, and his ambition rivaled the Ghost King's. He urged her to keep her distance. Ling Cangcang admitted she already knew about Bai Chifan's false identity but defended him, stating that everyone has secrets and she was willing to wait for him to open up, just as she kept her own identity from him.
Her Master cautioned her that Bai Chifan's intentions might be related to her other identity as the Grand Tutor's daughter, not just the Sect Leader of Fenglai Pavilion. He reminded her that only her father truly cared for her without reservation, and even her Master was not entirely trustworthy. Despite Ling Cangcang's heartfelt belief in her Master, he insisted she maintain a distance from Bai Chifan.
Later, Ling Cangcang invited Bai Chifan to celebrate with two jars of fine Sangluo Wine, asking if it reminded him of his hometown, specifically the Bai clan of Xiling, to test his true identity. Bai Chifan acknowledged her realization and urged for straightforwardness between friends. Ling Cangcang admitted she still didn't know his true identity, and Bai Chifan countered that he too had secrets he could not reveal. They agreed they were "not so different after all."
Ling Cangcang then mentioned that someone she trusted had warned her about his intentions. Bai Chifan defended himself, asking if he had ever harmed her or Fenglai Pavilion, and reiterated, "As distance tests a horse's strength, time reveals a person's heart." Just as he spoke, masked assassins attacked them. Bai Chifan valiantly protected Ling Cangcang, sustaining severe injuries, leaving her distraught. A physician examined Bai Chifan, bewildered by his complex pulse.
He revealed that Bai Chifan suffered from a severe, decade-long cold poison that had invaded his internal organs, kept at bay only by his martial arts and regular antidotes. Ling Cangcang discovered that Bai Chifan had given her his last antidote when she was injured. Distraught, she sent Zhong Lin to retrieve another antidote from Shi Yan, who was with the Imperial Preceptor.
While Bai Chifan was unconscious, Ling Cangcang tearfully expressed her regret for doubting him, realizing how foolish she had been after all his sacrifices to save her. When Bai Chifan finally awoke, he teased Ling Cangcang about crying over him, recounting a dream of seeing her tear-streaked face at death's door. Ling Cangcang, embarrassed, stammered that she was just scared. He comforted her, reassuring her that he was not easily killed.
Ling Cangcang then accidentally kissed Bai Chifan while reaching for him, causing her to quickly retreat, feigning dizziness and illness. Meanwhile, Luo Xianxue expressed his determination to take Ling Cangcang to the Capital, fearing her naivete would lead to her exploitation. However, the masked figure, acting on behalf of Ling Cangcang's Master, reminded Luo Xianxue to prioritize the larger mission concerning the Lingbi Sect, subtly questioning if his concern for Ling Cangcang was for their adoptive father or for himself.
Separately, Xiao Qianqing, learning about the assassins originating from the Prince of Yuzhang's Manor (his own residence), grew furious and demanded answers. Bai Chifan sent a message to Xiao Qianqing with a crucial lead: the "Botang Pleasure Boat." Xiao Huan, after recovering from his cold poison relapse, also received this clue and decided to investigate the mysterious boat where rare items were auctioned and a special invitation was required.
Bai Chifan, noticing Ling Cangcang's altered demeanor and heightened shyness, suggested they go out for fresh air. He brought her to the Botang Pleasure Boat, disguised as a married couple, explaining that he suspected many of the missing miners had been sold there. They entered the Green Haitang Chamber, where the staff, noticing the green haitang blossom on Bai Chifan's fan, mistook him for someone seeking treatment for impotence.
Ling Cangcang played along, dramatically declaring her unwavering love for her "frail" husband. She then questioned if there were other "Haitang" chambers (red, yellow, blue) that could help her husband since ordinary medicine was useless. When the staff threatened to throw them overboard for not making a purchase, Ling Cangcang, unwilling to leave empty-handed, convinced Bai Chifan to buy a fortune in medicine from the Green Haitang Chamber. Satisfied, the staff then led them further into the boat.
Episode 4 Recap
Ling Cangcang and Bai Chifan arrived at the Botang Pleasure Boat with an invitation. Ling Cangcang, determined to find useful information after spending heavily, was noted by the boat's owner. The owner, recognizing her as "one of them" from the "Willow wind, haitang moon" secret code, granted them special entry to the Green Haitang Chamber. A blind auction was in progress.
The rules stated that participants had three haitang flowers for three bidding chances, with failure to pay resulting in being thrown into the sea to feed the fish. Bai Chifan, seated in the privileged Golden Haitang Chamber, did not need to throw flowers but was still limited to three bids. He shocked everyone, including Ling Cangcang, by bidding extraordinarily high amounts for medicine.
He ultimately offered two fluorite night pearls, described as fine tributes from the Western Sea, to win the auction. While Ling Cangcang was away, Xiao Qianqing confronted Bai Chifan, who was secretly Emperor Xiao Huan. Xiao Huan accused his brother of orchestrating an assassination attempt shortly after learning of his arrival, seeing it as a political maneuver for the throne. Xiao Qianqing was enraged by the accusation.
Xiao Huan retorted by suggesting Xiao Qianqing's mother was behind the assassination, asserting that in Xiao Huan's experience, his brother always let their mother take the blame. The brothers drew their swords, engaging in a dangerous fight until Ling Cangcang intervened, stopping their conflict. Following the intense confrontation, Ling Cangcang and Xiao Huan ventured into the back of the boat, where they uncovered a human trafficking operation. Remembering Xiao Huan's previous plans, Ling Cangcang took action.
While Xiao Huan distracted the captors, she swiftly released the imprisoned children. Once the children were safe, she returned to fight side-by-side with him against the traffickers. Overwhelmed, the traffickers chanted a death oath and detonated explosives that tore through the pleasure boat. In a desperate moment, Xiao Huan shielded Ling Cangcang from the fatal blast, and they plunged into the lake. Underwater, Xiao Huan fell into a coma and suffered vivid nightmares.
In his dream, he was mocked for his ambition to reclaim the power he had once willingly relinquished. Waking from the nightmare, Xiao Huan's first conscious act was to grasp Ling Cangcang's hand and ask her to marry him. Just then, Luo Xianxue arrived, interrupting the proposal. Unfazed, Xiao Huan openly declared his deep affection for Ling Cangcang and his desire to take her as his wife, right in front of Luo Xianxue.
Ling Cangcang, firm in her belief that Xiao Huan was not a bad person, defended him against Luo Xianxue's accusations of manipulation and deceit, stating she could discern genuine intentions from a ruse. When Luo Xianxue asked if she had feelings for Xiao Huan, Ling Cangcang did not answer directly but requested three days to resolve her affairs before returning to the capital, insisting that Luo Xianxue must not harm Xiao Huan.
Xiao Qianqing, still frustrated by his brother's mistrust, presented Xiao Huan with a gift: Frostflame Iron. He stated this was his wedding gift and a gesture to prove his sincerity. He obtained it from the Prince of Yuzhang and reminded Xiao Huan of the two times he had saved his life, implying a debt was owed. Later, Xiao Huan explained to Ling Cangcang that he wanted her father's and master's approval for their marriage.
Ling Cangcang confided in Xiao Huan about her childhood, explaining her empathy for the trafficked children. She recounted how her father, often away on official duties, made her feel lonely. One day, she secretly followed him, only to be captured and kidnapped. It was her master who rescued her and brought her back to her father.
Her master later revealed his own daughter had suffered a similar fate and was never found, a tragedy that prompted Ling Cangcang to dedicate herself to treating him like her own father. Xiao Huan accompanied Ling Cangcang to meet her master. Prior to Ling Cangcang's arrival, Xiao Huan and her master, who was secretly the Ghost King, had a tense private exchange.
The Ghost King, quoting Grand Tutor Ling, subtly disparaged Xiao Huan, likening him to a "wolf pup" who was actually a "wolf." Their animosity was concealed the moment Ling Cangcang appeared. The Master, adopting the persona of a humble "farmer," deferred to Ling Cangcang's father regarding her marriage decisions. He then shifted the conversation to sword-making, expressing eagerness to receive the Frostflame Iron. Later that night, Xiao Huan and the Ghost King met again in secret.
Xiao Huan revealed his knowledge of the Ghost King's tragic past, specifically his deceased daughter and the deep meaning behind the sword name "Yangliufeng" and the "haitang blossoms" on Ling Cangcang's pendant, which he correctly deduced was his daughter's relic. Xiao Huan accused the Ghost King of manipulating Ling Cangcang. The Ghost King, however, claimed to be a mere "puppet" bound by circumstances, acting solely out of vengeance and gratitude, not malice.
He then expressed a profound desire to die, directly provoking Xiao Huan to kill him quickly. In return for his compliance, Xiao Huan promised to conceal the truth about the Ghost King's identity from Ling Cangcang. Ling Cangcang later found the exquisite sword her master had crafted, which she affectionately named "Yangliufeng." Her master then presented Xiao Huan with a sword he named "Wangfeng," declaring both as wedding gifts for them. Ling Cangcang, unaware of the sinister undertones, was overjoyed.
Moments later, however, she stumbled upon Xiao Huan in the process of killing her master. Devastated and repeatedly calling out for her master, she demanded to know why. Xiao Huan remained silent, offering no explanation. Overwhelmed by grief and betrayal, Ling Cangcang's love turned to intense hatred. In a later confrontation, now as Empress, she questioned her own identity—was she Ling Cangcang or the Empress of Great Qi?
She declared that "Bai Chifan" no longer existed, signifying the death of her trust and affection. The next morning, Emperor Xiao Huan, finding Empress Ling Cangcang awake, expressed his happiness. Ling Cangcang, however, harbored a deep resentment towards him, seeing his actions as manipulative and his kindness as disingenuous, particularly after he had killed her master. Xiao Huan urged her to look to the future and consider the living.
When Ling Cangcang expressed a desire to visit her family home alone for the traditional newlywed visit, Xiao Huan, aware of palace rumors circulating about their unconsummated marriage and the Empress being a political pawn, insisted on accompanying her to show his commitment. He presented her with a painting, a wedding gift from General Ling Jueding. Ling Cangcang, testing him, suggested moving Ling Jueding to a less arduous post in the capital so he could be closer to his family.
Xiao Huan deftly countered that a soldier like Ling Jueding would not desire a sedentary life, to which Ling Cangcang strategically agreed. Seeing her compliance, Xiao Huan agreed to wait for her outside her chambers. After a moment of poignant eye contact, they departed together for the Ling Manor.
