The First Jasmine Recap, Plot, Synopsis

The First Jasmine Synopsis

The eldest daughter of the Ye family, Ye Li, married into the declining Ding Prince's residence and wedded the wheelchair-bound Prince Mo Xiuyao. On the same day of her wedding, Prince Li Mo Jingli also married the second daughter of the Ye family, Ye Ying.

As a descendant of the Lishan lineage, Ye Li had once been sealed away in the mountains for eight years. After marriage, she appeared calm on the surface but secretly plotted to eliminate the officials who had harmed Lishan in the past.

During this process, she aroused the suspicion of Prince Mo Xiuyao, who was also seeking revenge. Each acting independently, they cast a huge stone into the seemingly tranquil lake.

Meanwhile, Prince Li, Mo Jingli, who had grown up with Ye Li as childhood sweethearts, bore the disgraceful title of "Opera Prince" but secretly stirred up trouble, scheming to usurp the throne. In the end, Ye Li joined forces with Mo Xiuyao to assist the young emperor in consolidating power, thwarting the successive conspiracies of the Muyang Marquis and Prince Mo Jingli, and restoring peace and prosperity to the world.

The First Jasmine Recaps

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Ye Li, the eldest daughter of the second branch of the Ye family and a descendant of Lishan, returns to her family's mansion after spending eight years in the mountains. Her homecoming is marked by a sudden, disappointing turn of events regarding her betrothal. Originally promised to the influential Prince Li, Mo Jingli, her marriage has been swapped.

She is now destined to marry the crippled Prince Ding, Mo Xiuyao, while Mo Jingli is set to marry her younger sister, Ye Ying, on the exact same day. Reflecting on her return, Ye Li muses that while years pass unnoticed in the quiet mountains, she is glad to finally be back. As Ye Li rests and drinks her medicine, chaos erupts near the Yanru Pond.

Ye Rong, the young son of her stepmother Ms. Wang, accidentally falls into the water. Although the mansion's servants manage to rescue him quickly, a major crisis is discovered in the aftermath. The imperial plaque bestowed by the late Emperor, bearing the words "Family of Charity" and hung in the grand hall, has vanished in the brief window of the rescue. The eldest uncle, Ye Wending, and other family elders gather to address the missing plaque.

Suspecting an inside job, one of the family elders suggests that someone who despises the family stole it to prove they do not deserve such an imperial honor. Ye Wending reasons that a plaque of that size could not have been smuggled out of the mansion unnoticed and must still be hidden inside. He orders Captain Li Feibai to conduct a thorough search of the entire estate.

Captain Li's search leads his men to the Western Courtyard, where they demand to inspect the dowry chests in Ye Li's quarters. Her maid tries to stop them, explaining these are her mistress's private belongings, but Captain Li insists on his orders. Ye Li steps out and calmly informs the guards that the chests contain the dowries left by her late mother, Xu Wanzhou, and she does not have the keys.

She uses this disruption to her advantage, demanding to be taken to the elders to resolve the matter. In the grand hall, Ye Li faces her father, Ye Wenhua, whom she has not seen in the two months since she returned. She uses the pretext of the missing plaque to demand the keys to the chests from Ms. Wang, who has been keeping them. Ms. Wang hesitates, claiming that opening the dowry chests before the wedding is bad luck.

However, one of the family elders insists on measuring the chests, noting that the precious Duyou Zither, crafted by Master Su over seven years, is three chi and five cun long, while the imperial plaque is about four chi. Since the chest is exceptionally large, it could easily conceal the missing plaque. Forced to hand over the keys, Ms. Wang's deceit is exposed when the chest is opened.

Instead of her mother's legendary Duyou Zither, it contains an ordinary, cheap instrument. Caught in a lie, Ms. Wang awkwardly claims she mixed up Ye Li's dowry with Ye Ying's. Seizing the opportunity before the assembled elders, Ye Li demands a full inventory and handover of all the lands, deeds, shops, and treasures her mother left behind. To protect her reputation from accusations of theft, Ms. Wang is forced to comply.

Soon after, Captain Li retrieves the missing imperial plaque from the Western Courtyard pond, saving the family from disaster. That night, Ye Li's maids celebrate her reclaimed wealth, but Ye Li remains reflective. Later, young Ye Rong sneaks into her courtyard. Unlike his superficial mother, Ye Rong reveals he fell into the pond on purpose to create a distraction, allowing Ye Li to reclaim her rightful dowry.

When Ye Rong warns her that Prince Ding is a cripple and her future looks bleak, Ye Li remains unfazed. Reflecting on her tutor's words about her mother, she wonders why her brilliant mother chose her father, who possessed little more than a handsome face. On the day of the wedding, both Ye Li and Ye Ying dress in their bridal finery.

The family is in high spirits, though the elderly, senile matriarch of the family mistakes Ye Li for her late mother, Xu Wanzhou, weeping that she hasn't seen her in a long time. As both brides prepare to leave, a conflict arises outside. Prince Li's massive wedding procession blocks the narrow alley, preventing Prince Ding's procession from entering. To avoid missing the auspicious hour, Ye Li's uncle suggests letting Ye Ying leave first.

Displeased with the favoritism, another relative points out the unfairness, prompting Ye Wenhua to propose a compromise. Ye Li can walk out on felt mats laid along the ground. As long as the bride’s feet do not touch the bare earth, the custom is preserved. Ye Li bids farewell to her father and stepmother.

She recalls how she was once betrothed to Prince Li to escape the mountain, only for him to beg the Empress Dowager to marry Ye Ying instead. While the Empress Dowager agreed and reassigned Ye Li to Prince Ding, Ye Li is simply glad to have finally left the mountain. Ye Li is escorted by Mo Wuyou, Prince Ding’s nephew, who apologizes for the simplified ceremony due to his uncle's physical condition.

Upon arriving at Prince Ding’s Mansion, Ye Li waits as the auspicious hour passes with no sign of the groom. Learning that Mo Xiuyao is in his study, she decides to find him herself, guided by Steward Cui. In the study, Ye Li finds Mo Xiuyao copying sutras. Struck by his handsome features, she suddenly understands why her mother fell for her father's good looks despite his flaws.

She introduces herself, offers him a sweet pastry, and convinces him to complete their wedding. However, as they try to leave, Director Lv Cheng of the Bureau of Astronomy blocks their path, claiming the mansion's history of bloodshed has brought a divine curse—manifesting as Mo Xiuyao's leg injury, Ms. Wen's chronic illness, and the young lord's bad behavior—which can only be resolved by daily sutra copying.

Unimpressed, Ye Li threatens to call off the wedding and return to Lishan, forcing Lv Cheng to back down. She then wheels Mo Xiuyao to the main hall, where they perform the formal bows before Ms. Wen and the guests. In the bridal chamber, Ye Li tries to show kindness, offering him food and wine, but Mo Xiuyao responds with bitter cynicism, asking if she wants to see how a crippled man consummates a marriage.

When Ye Li offers him a gift and expresses her gratitude for his willingness to marry her—allowing her to finally leave Lishan when others shunned it—Mo Xiuyao suddenly feigns a painful fit, startling her. Once he calms down, Mo Xiuyao drops the act and warns her that Prince Ding's Mansion is a dangerous place. He advises her to hide her cleverness and admits he has no interest in this marriage.

He offers a pact: they can live in peaceful indifference, or, if she wishes, he will grant her a divorce in a year so they can part ways without any lingering ties.

Two months ago, after soldiers escorted Ye Li down the mountain from Lishan Academy but refused to pay for her journey to the capital, she pestered them until they finally scraped together some loose change. With the copper coins, Ye Li secured a carriage and headed to the capital. Upon arriving, Ye Li visited Prince Ding's Mansion, only to find it desolate and abandoned.

A local street vendor explained that eight years ago, Mo Xiuyao's elder brother, Mo Xiuwen, had unauthorizedly led troops back to the capital. This left the border vulnerable to Cangbei invaders, who subsequently captured three cities, causing countless civilian casualties. Mo Xiuwen was executed, and though Mo Xiuyao was spared, his legs were permanently crippled in the war. Knowing that Lishan Academy owed a debt of gratitude to Prince Ding's Mansion, Ye Li silently vowed to repay it.

The morning after their wedding, Ye Li prepared to pay her respects to Mo Xiuyao’s sister-in-law, Wen Ran. However, Wen Ran excused herself by claiming she had caught a chill. In truth, Wen Ran remained deeply depressed, consumed by grief for her late husband, Mo Xiuwen. She spent her days neglecting her son, Mo Wuyou, and her failing memory was so severe that she had completely forgotten his tutor, Tutor Song, had left a year ago.

Having only seen her new husband twice since their wedding, Ye Li went to the study to find him. However, she was blocked by Lu Cheng, the Grand Astrologer of the Taishi Bureau. Lu Cheng claimed Mo Xiuyao was copying scriptures to atone for the family’s blood guilt and insolently refused to let her in. Refusing to force her way through, Ye Li departed to meet her third uncle, Ye Wenshen, at the Longevity Shop.

At the shop, Ye Wenshen served her Dew Bud Spring tea and praised her cleverness. He revealed that Lu Cheng had risen from a minor post of registrar in Lianzhou by currying favor with Marquis Muyang, meaning his hostility toward Prince Ding's Mansion was undoubtedly ordered by the Marquis. While they spoke, Lu Cheng's wife caused a scene in the shop, demanding a larger ceremonial lamp.

Seeing this, Ye Li requested a lamp of her own to pray for Mo Xiuyao the following day. When Ye Li returned to the mansion, she was horrified by what she discovered. Steward Cui explained that under the guise of purifying the mansion's bad karma, Lu Cheng conducted a monthly ritual. Ye Li witnessed the harrowing scene: Lu Cheng burned Mo Xiuyao's hand-copied scriptures, then whipped Mo Xiuyao's back until it bled, demanding his repentance.

Once Lu Cheng departed, Ye Li entered the study. Ignoring Mo Xiuyao's cold demands for her to leave, she gently cleaned the ashes from his hair and offered to keep him company. She shared stories of Lishan, describing her extensive studies in arithmetic, astronomy, and water conservancy under Master Helai. Checking his pulse, she read his fortune, predicting a long, blessed life.

When Mo Xiuyao bitterly remarked that a long life was a curse that left him surviving alone, Ye Li simply urged him to eat. As she looked at him, Ye Li recalled the true nature of their past. On her wedding day, she had lied about it being their first meeting. In the spring of Jinghe 13, while traveling to Huobai City with her mother, they had been attacked by desert bandits near Yanming Pass.

It was Mo Xiuyao who had swept in with his troops and saved her life. Though he had long forgotten the encounter, Ye Li had never forgotten the vibrant, lively young prodigy he once was, and she was determined to help him find that strength again. Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, Emperor Mo Yanqi was caught playing dice with his attendants by his mother, Empress Dowager Guo Jin.

Furious at his neglect of state affairs while the three towns of Heshuo delayed tributes and Zhedong rebels seized territory, the Empress Dowager ordered the attendants punished. The Emperor retaliated with sharp words, pointing out that if Lishan Academy had not sealed its doors years ago, she would have taken the throne herself. Back at the study, Ye Li bypassed the guards who tried to enforce Lu Cheng's restrictions.

Knowing Mo Xiuyao had been fasting for days, she brought him a warm bowl of almond congee to soothe his stomach, patiently waiting for him to eat. Outside, the servants discussed how Mrs. Lv had placed her ceremonial lamp in the Longevity Shop, but the fragile peace was suddenly disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Senior Eunuch Shunxi, throwing the servants into an immediate panic.

The Huaixi weaponry smuggling case takes a dark turn when the Military Governor of Huaixi, Yuan Fang, who held critical evidence, is assassinated. Kneeling before Emperor Mo Yanqi, a remorseful Gao Wenhuan explains that although he had met Yuan Fang in the outskirts of the capital, they were immediately ambushed by assassins who abducted the military governor. Despite a tireless two-day search, Gao Wenhuan only found Yuan Fang's lifeless body in a dilapidated shack.

The news leaves the young Emperor deeply troubled. With Yuan Fang dead, his crucial evidence has vanished, leaving the path to personal reign fraught with obstacles. Mo Yanqi suspects that Marquis Muyang, Zhou Jing, is the mastermind behind the illegal sale of national weapons to the northern region of Cangbei. Since even the Empress Dowager Guo Jin cannot tolerate such treason, she did not block the investigation, but without concrete evidence, it is impossible to shake the deeply entrenched Marquis.

The Emperor stresses to Gao Wenhuan that they must prevent the Marquis from placing his own man in Huaixi, or the truth will remain buried forever. Meanwhile, Ye Li visits Changsheng Pavilion on the birthday of the Great Emperor of Longevity.

The pavilion is bustling with patrons seeking blessings, and the workers gossip about how the wife of Lv Cheng had recently made a scene, demanding to place her ceremonial lamp on the highest tier, which is strictly reserved for royalty. The workers ultimately compromised by placing her lamp on the second tier.

As Ye Li prepares to make her own offering, a young bookboy explains the differences between the Jiuyao Everlasting Lamp, which wards off misfortunes, and the Seven Stars Lamp, which is used for making wishes to the gods. To make a wish, one must write the recipient's real name, specifically the name given at birth and recorded in the ancestral temple, on the bottom of the lamp. At the Jingzhao Prefecture, a tense standoff unfolds.

General Lu Changfu, the commander of the Jinwu Guard and a close ally of Marquis Muyang, storms the courtyard with his soldiers, demanding to take custody of Yuan Fang’s body and case files. He argues that the Jinwu Guard should handle the investigation. Magistrate Gongshu Yang firmly refuses to yield, pointing out the obvious conflict of interest.

Since Marquis Muyang is closely tied to the prominent Zhou family in Huaixi and Lu Changfu is his well-known confidant, leaving the investigation to the Jinwu Guard would render it a farce. Lv Cheng stands nearby, playing the role of an innocent bystander who merely happened to drop by. He tries to play peacemaker, reminding both Gongshu Yang and Lu Changfu that they were both elevated by the Empress Dowager and should avoid unnecessary conflict.

Lu Changfu remains defiant, boasting of the Marquis’s legendary military achievements, but Gongshu Yang stands firm, threatening to petition the Emperor. Back at Changsheng Pavilion, as Ye Li selects her own lamp, she notices the name written under Mrs. Lv's lamp is not Lv Cheng, but Lv Boying. This realization leads her to deduce that the arrogant official must have changed his name to hide his past.

The bookboy suggests placing Prince Ding’s lamp at the highest position so the deity will see it first, but Ye Li declines. She chooses a moderate position, writing Mo Xiuyao’s name and wishing him nothing but peace and safety. Later, Li Feibai, a guard from the Ye family, arrives at the Jingzhao Prefecture to thank the magistrate for recovering a lost imperial plaque.

Upon spotting Lv Cheng, Li Feibai greets him familiarly as Lord Lv Boying, asking if the official remembers him. Though a panicked Lv Cheng quickly denies the association and claims it is a case of mistaken identity, the slip-up does not escape the sharp ears of Gongshu Yang, who silently notes the name. On her way back, Ye Li walks with her maid Qingyu, who asks if she is worried about Prince Ding.

Ye Li shares a story about a flattering official in the Bureau of Astronomy during the previous dynasty. To please the Empress, the official insisted that an ancient tree in a certain concubine’s courtyard brought misfortune, prompting the Empress to chop it down and leave the courtyard barren. That neglected concubine, however, eventually rose to become the Empress Dowager. When Qingyu wonders if the official tried to escape her wrath, Ye Li hints that he survived by changing his name.

Armed with this new lead, Gongshu Yang reports the details of Yuan Fang's death and the storming of the prefecture to Empress Dowager Guo Jin. He then casually relates the strange coincidence of the Ye family guard identifying Lv Cheng as Lv Boying. Hearing the name of her old tormentor, the Empress Dowager's expression turns cold. Without delay, Senior Eunuch Shunxi is dispatched to the Lv Residence with guards, arresting a protesting Lv Cheng and dragging him away.

Shortly after, the Empress Dowager summons a trembling Zhou Jing. She rebukes him for allowing such a treacherous scoundrel to infiltrate his inner circle, questioning his ability to distinguish between friend and foe. She also orders the Court of Judicial Review to step away from Yuan Fang's case. After Zhou Jing departs, a royal consort steps out from the inner chamber, trying to soothe the Empress Dowager's frustration.

She mentions that the young Emperor is still in his teens and prone to playfulness, but the Empress Dowager remains stern, knowing he must soon take the reins of the state. An anxious Zhou Jing visits the prison, where a desperate Lv Cheng begs him for mercy. Realizing that the official's hidden past has brought ruin to his faction, an enraged Zhou Jing drags him to Yaoguang Palace, the quiet place where Guo Jin once meditated.

Before Senior Eunuch Shunxi, Lv Cheng is forced to face the gravity of his past actions. Shunxi vividly recalls how Lv Cheng had once callously destroyed the ancient tree under which the Empress Dowager had spent her days copying sutras. Desperate to save his life, Lv Cheng frantically promises to plant a new, even more beautiful tree in its place.

Zhou Jing coldly tells him to do so, and orders his men to bury Lv Cheng alive in the courtyard, planting a small sapling directly over the fresh grave. That night, Feng Zhiyao, the head of the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower, slips over the walls of Prince Ding's Mansion in black attire. Although he is briefly spotted by Ye Li, he manages to escape into Mo Xiuyao's study.

Dripping with rain, Feng Zhiyao warns Mo Xiuyao that his new wife has remarkably sharp eyes. He then shares the news of Lv Cheng's brutal downfall. He notes how ironic it is that a man who spent his life cunningly manipulating both sides was brought down by a simple guard. Upon learning that the guard in question belongs to the Ye family, Mo Xiuyao begins to suspect that Ye Li played a silent role in the official's demise.

To test his suspicions, Mo Xiuyao visits Ye Li in her quarters. He notices her trying to conceal something under her foot and demands she lift it. Beneath her slipper lies a piece of paper with Lv Cheng’s name written on it. Ye Li innocently explains that she used a traditional folk method called "Stepping on Villains" to curse him because he had been bullying Prince Ding.

She confidently claims that according to ancient texts, Lv Cheng will fall gravely ill within three days. Mo Xiuyao, finding her combination of apparent naivety and deep-seated grudges perplexing, simply tells her to stop playing such childish games. Later, Feng Zhiyao laughs at the ridiculous curse, questioning if Lv Cheng's death was truly caused by Ye Li's paper doll. While Feng Zhiyao believes Ye Li is purely kind and innocent, Mo Xiuyao remains wary.

A servant soon arrives, presenting Mo Xiuyao with a bowl of special congee that Ye Li has ordered to be delivered to him daily. At the Marquis Muyang’s mansion, Zhou Jing warns his gathered allies that he will tolerate no more secrets. He acknowledges that while losing Lv Cheng is a minor blow, the immediate concern is securing Huaixi before the Emperor can install a loyalist. He decides that they must push to have Lu Changfu appointed to the post.

The next day in court, Zhou Jing formally proposes Lu Changfu as the new Military Governor of Huaixi. Chief Imperial Secretary Murong Shen objects, arguing that Lu Changfu lacks the experience for such a complex region. However, the Empress Dowager Guo Jin overrides the objection and officially appoints Lu Changfu to the position, ordering him to depart in five days.

Back at the mansion, Mo Xiuyao finds Ye Li writing letters to her grandfather, teachers, and senior brothers on Lishan Mountain. When a sweet congee sweetened with honey is served, Mo Xiuyao is surprised, noting that most scholars prefer savory congee. Ye Li fondly recalls how her favorite teacher, Master Zhu, used to sneak honey into his congee, claiming it was salt water.

Mo Xiuyao notices a line in her letter describing Prince Ding as quite dull, prompting a flustered Ye Li to hide the paper. She tells him that she truly wishes to build a home with him. Mo Xiuyao dryly suggests that his decision to keep their marriage unconsummated might actually suit her plans.

To lighten the mood, Ye Li points out a small spider on his sleeve, calling it a Lucky Spider whose presence brings good fortune, playfully telling him that his luck is about to change. During a walk in the busy streets of the capital, Ye Li and her maid observe the lively crowds. Her maid remarks that Prince Ding still seems distant, but Ye Li remains determined to do what is necessary.

She explains to her maid that everyone carries a unique scent that reveals their true nature, but when asked about Mo Xiuyao, she admits she cannot smell anything. To her, his scent is completely isolated, as if he is submerged deep in water. Upon returning to the mansion, Ye Li encounters Mo Xiuyao’s sister-in-law, Wen Ran, who has just returned from seeking acupuncture treatments from the renowned physician Zheng Jiuzhen.

Shortly after, Ye Li learns from the servants that Mo Xiuyao has locked himself in his study all day, refusing to eat. Worried, she rushes to the study, only to be stopped by the guards who claim the Prince gave strict orders to let no one in. Ye Li angrily demands Mo Xiuyao to come out, even threatening to bite the guards if they do not step aside.

Ultimately, she decides to respect his space but instructs the servants to prepare food and send it in to him. Deep in thought, she discusses the situation with her uncle. She realizes that if Lu Changfu successfully takes control of Huaixi, Marquis Muyang will become unstoppable. Knowing the young Emperor also shares her desire to change the status quo, her uncle advises that they proceed with their plans accordingly.

Eight years ago, following the death of the late emperor and the demise of the crown prince, Empress Guo Jin sought to claim the throne for herself. At that time, Lishan Academy stood as the cultural and academic heart of Great Chu, with nearly half of the court officials hailing from its halls. In a bid to make a silent stand against the Empress's usurpation, Ye Li's grandfather closed the academy under the pretext of compiling books.

This act of defiance was widely supported by scholars at court, which infuriated Empress Guo. Under the guise of providing protection, she dispatched troops to blockade Lishan Academy, isolating it from the outside world. Seizing this opportunity, Lu Changfu systematically targeted the Lishan scholars at court, fabricating various charges to have them dismissed, exiled, imprisoned, or tortured to death.

His atrocities against Lishan Academy were endless, making him a figure of intense hatred for the young emperor, who was nonetheless powerless to act due to the influence of the Empress Dowager and Marquis Muyang. Now that Lu Changfu is slated to depart to assume his new post as the Military Governor of Huaixi, Ye Li is determined not to let him leave the capital alive.

Among those ruined by the purge was Wei Zhuang, Ye Li’s senior brother from Lishan Academy. Now crippled and destitute, Wei Zhuang has been reduced to orchestrating scams on the streets to obtain money for his mother's medicine. While passing Caiying Shop, Ye Li witnesses him pretending to be injured by the shop’s staff, desperately demanding compensation.

Although she does not openly reveal her identity to spare him embarrassment, she uses a familiar hand-shadow game of a flying bird to silently signal who she is. Recognizing her, a devastated and embarrassed Wei Zhuang flees, unable to bear the thought of Ye Li seeing him in such a wretched state.

He returns home to administer the medicine to his ailing mother, haunted by the memories of Lishan Academy, where the headmaster had once praised his extraordinary talent in arithmetic and urged him to remain true to his heart. Back at Prince Ding's Mansion, Ye Li diligently works on a magnificent robe using flame-woven silk, a rare and precious material from the southwest that retains body heat to shield against the bitter cold.

Her maid Xing'er admires the lustrous fabric and assumes it is being made for Mo Xiuyao, but Ye Li gently corrects her. She notes that while the silk is exceptionally fine, it is highly volatile and will easily catch fire if it comes into contact with phosphor powder. Meanwhile, Mo Xiuyao remains locked in the dark chamber of his study, consumed by unresolved grief and resentment.

The self-inflicted torment, coupled with stagnant Qi and blood, causes his old injuries to flare up, and he collapses from a sudden, severe fever. Hearing the commotion, Ye Li and her servants rush inside and immediately send for a physician. As Mo Xiuyao lies unconscious, Ye Li is confronted with the stark reality of his psychological torment.

The dark room is filled with letters and scrolls bearing cruel curses, vicious accusations of treason, and the condemnation of his executed brother, Mo Xiuwen, and the Heiyun Cavalry. Unwilling to let Mo Xiuyao remain chained to a chamber of ghosts and hatred, Ye Li takes a decisive step. She gathers the malicious writings and sets them ablaze, determined to burn away the painful reminders of his past.

When Mo Xiuyao wakes up and sees smoke rising from the study, he rushes in, horrified to find his collection turning to ash. Furious, he commands Ye Li to leave Prince Ding's Mansion. However, Ye Li remains resolute. She firmly reminds him of her wedding vow to stand by his side, rebuild the family name, and share his burdens.

She urges him to stop letting his life become a tragic performance for spectators who only watch for their own amusement, leaving him to suffer alone. On the eve of his departure to Huaixi, Lu Changfu receives a brand-new official robe, supposedly sent from the palace. The tailoring includes an extra inner layer designed to ward off the dampness of Huaixi. Unbeknownst to him, the garment is made from the highly flammable flame-woven silk Ye Li prepared.

The next morning, Lu Changfu arrives at court to thank Emperor Mo Yanqi and Empress Dowager Guo for their favor. After receiving the hollow blessings of his peers and exchanging quiet plans with his patron, Marquis Muyang, Lu Changfu prepares to depart. As he makes his way out, a young palace eunuch accidentally collides with him, surreptitiously coating the robe in phosphor powder.

Under the intense heat of the sun, the chemical reacts with the flame-woven silk, and Lu Changfu is suddenly engulfed in a raging inferno, burning to death before the eyes of Marquis Muyang and the horrified onlookers. Witnessing Lu Changfu's agonizing death triggers Mo Xiuyao's memories of the day he was dragged back to the capital in chains, following his brother's execution.

Amidst a hostile crowd shouting abuses and throwing stones, a young Ye Li had bravely pushed her way through the guards to hand him a packet of pastries. Later, when he was thrown into prison with untreated injuries, Lu Changfu had bribed the guards to deny him food and water to curry favor with Marquis Muyang. Mo Xiuyao had survived those grueling first few days solely on the pastries Ye Li had given him, keeping him alive.

He managed to endure the harsh imprisonment for six months until a decree from the young emperor finally spared his life due to his past military merits. For eight years, Mo Xiuyao waited in silence. A month ago, Emperor Mo Yanqi secretly reinstated him to escort Yuan Fang back to the capital, hoping to secure the evidence needed to bring down Marquis Muyang.

Yet, while the Emperor handed Mo Xiuyao the blade of authority, he kept the scabbard firmly in his own grasp, ordering Gao Wenhuan to prematurely take custody of Yuan Fang. This blunder led to Yuan Fang’s abduction and tragic death on the outskirts of the capital, leaving Mo Xiuyao without the crucial evidence of the Huaixi weapon smuggling case. Summoned once more by the guilt-ridden Emperor, Mo Xiuyao cannot contain his fury.

He recounts the immense sacrifices of Yuan Fang—a frail scholar who braved the dangers of Huaixi and fled to the border to secure justice, only to be failed by the Emperor's lack of trust. Stung by Mo Xiuyao’s blunt accusations, the Emperor’s pride quickly overrides his guilt. He turns the blame back onto Mo Xiuyao, dragging up the fall of Suixue Pass and the tragic execution of Mo Xiuwen.

He accuses Mo Xiuyao of abandoning his brother over a petty argument years ago, suggesting that had Mo Xiuyao stayed with the Heiyun Cavalry, the pass would never have been breached. Reliving these accusations was the very reason Mo Xiuyao had subjected himself to the torment of the dark room. Yet, as the smoke from Ye Li's fire clears, Mo Xiuyao realizes that the embers of justice in his heart have not been extinguished.

Ready to face the future, he agrees to help the Emperor with the aftermath of Lu Changfu's death, though he demands three conditions in return. Meanwhile, at the mansion, Ye Li prepares for her upcoming visit to the Empress Dowager tomorrow, while her maid Qingshuang discusses their need for a steward to help manage their household affairs.

With Empress Dowager Guo Jin having approved Lu Changfu’s appointment as the Military Governor of Huaixi, the Emperor found himself powerless to block the move. Sensing an opportunity, Mo Xiuyao stepped forward and offered to clear the obstacles on the Emperor’s path to absolute rule. In return, he demanded three things. First, the Emperor had to help him clear the name of the Heiyun Cavalry, restore the honor of Prince Ding’s Mansion, and exonerate his late brother, Mo Xiuwen.

The Emperor pointed out the immense difficulty of overturning the case, noting that Mo Xiuwen had claimed to return under the late Emperor's decree but could never produce it. Mo Xiuyao revealed that Marquis Muyang had admitted to destroying the document during their time in prison. Recognizing that peace at court was impossible with the Marquis in power, the Emperor agreed to the pact.

For his second request, Mo Xiuyao secured the power of investigation, allowing him to access the archives of the Six Ministries and interrogate suspects. He also requested the power of arrest, enabling him to bypass the Dali Temple and send officials of the fifth rank or lower straight to the Imperial Prison, along with the privilege of submitting secret memorials directly to the throne. Finally, as his third request, Mo Xiuyao asked for a specific person.

To eliminate Lu Changfu, Mo Xiuyao proposed to the Emperor that since Lu had to die, he should perish under the open sky in front of all the assembled court officials. When Mo Xiuyao's allies warned him that targeting Lu would provoke fierce retaliation from Marquis Muyang, Mo Xiuyao scoffed, stating he had nothing left to fear now that the mansion was in ruins and he was crippled.

However, his ally reminded him that things were different now—he was married and had a Princess Consort to protect. Back at the mansion, Mo Xiuyao urged Ye Li to leave, proposing that he could petition the Empress Dowager for a divorce on the grounds of incompatibility. He told her she could return to the Ye Mansion or leave the capital entirely.

Ye Li was baffled by his behavior and playfully asked if he was planning a rebellion, insisting that he drink the soup she prepared before it went cold. Mo Xiuyao then brought up how she had saved his life in the desert, noting that the pastries she gave him in the prison cart had kept him alive. Ye Li was surprised he remembered her, recalling how he had treated her like a stranger on their wedding day.

To decide who would ask whom first, Ye Li proposed a coin toss. Using a Xide Tongbao coin, they agreed that if the characters faced up, they would discuss the divorce, but if the star and moon pattern landed on top, they would talk about when he recognized her. The coin landed with the star and moon pattern facing up, and they agreed to discuss the past first.

On the morning of the assassination, Mo Xiuyao and his allies analyzed the pre-dawn route from Chongren Lane to the imperial city. Although a road ambush seemed logical, Lu Changfu’s carriage was heavily reinforced with elm wood and steel, and guarded by experts. A failed attempt would only make him more cautious. Mo Xiuyao decided to strike inside the palace instead during the guard shift change.

At that point, officials were required to disarm and walk on foot from Daming Palace's Longwei Path to Danque Gate, leaving Lu Changfu without his personal guards. Feng Zhiyao and his men set up an ambush atop a nearby tall building. However, before they could even shoot, Lu Changfu was engulfed in flames and burned alive right in front of the horrified officials.

In the days that followed, several other key right-hand men of Marquis Muyang's faction were systematically murdered, forcing the terrified Marquis to excuse himself from court by claiming illness. During the subsequent court session, Gongshu Yang, the Prefect of Jingzhao, offered his resignation due to his failure to stop the high-profile murders. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager declined, praising his six years of service and his role in correcting wrongful convictions.

Murong Shen then suggested appointing Gongshu Yang as the new Military Governor of Huaixi, pointing out his past success in defeating water bandits and managing grain shipments. The Empress Dowager agreed, promoting Gongshu Yang and ordering him to depart in three days. With the Jingzhao Prefect post now vacant, Murong Shen recommended Mo Xiuyao, arguing that a man with military experience was needed to deter the rampant bandits. This sparked a fierce debate.

Zhang Hengyuan, an ally of Marquis Muyang, vehemently objected, calling Mo Xiuyao a crippled criminal unfit for such a crucial post. Just as the factions reached a deadlock, Duke Hua stepped forward to endorse Mo Xiuyao. Backed by Duke Hua's massive influence over the military, the opposition was silenced, and the Empress Dowager accepted the appointment. Meanwhile, Ye Li left the mansion early to pay respects to her deceased senior brothers who had been murdered by Lu Changfu.

Accompanied by Li Feibai, she burned incense at their graves, deciding not to pursue who was behind the deaths of Lu Zhi and the others as long as they did not stand in her way. During their meal, Li Feibai revealed he had resigned as the head of security for the Ye Mansion, complaining about the terrible living conditions there. He informed her that his new residence was the flashy Xiangqi Tower.

Though Ye Li warned him that Master Guan would be furious, Li Feibai brushed it off. He reassured her that she should worry about her husband Mo Xiuyao instead, though Ye Li confidently replied that they were getting along beautifully and that Senior Brother He had divined a harmonious marriage for them. Later, Feng Zhiyao visited Prince Ding's Mansion to borrow a horse for a polo match. Rejecting the tamer horse Jingfan, he insisted on riding the wilder Lieyun.

A servant warned him of Lieyun's dangerous nature, but Feng Zhiyao boasted of his skills and mounted the beast. Predictably, the horse went wild, throwing him off and charging directly toward Ye Li, who had just arrived to watch the commotion. Mo Xiuyao quickly blew a whistle, causing Lieyun to leap cleanly over Ye Li without harming her.

To make amends for the scare, Feng Zhiyao presented Ye Li with a highly effective Ice Toad Ointment to treat her minor scratch. He also advised her to take Mo Xiuyao out into the lively world more often to soften his cold and difficult temperament, joking that the Prince was a cuttlefish spirit with a stomach full of black ink.

Elsewhere, Empress Dowager Guo Jin and the Consort Dowager Qin Zheng listened to a performance of "Sigh over a Hundred Years," which Qin Zheng identified as originating from Lishan. This triggered memories of the past and Xu Wanzhou, Ye Li's mother. Guo Jin acknowledged that they had no choice back then and noted that Wanzhou’s character was well-suited for Lishan.

Learning that the newlywed Princess Consort had been living peacefully, and that the eldest lady of the mansion, who lived in deep seclusion, had even refused to see Ye Li on her first day, Guo Jin decided she wanted to meet her. Ye Li turned her attention to the family businesses, discovering that several stewards had been embezzling funds and cooking the books. When they attempted to resign collectively while blaming the poor economy, Ye Li easily outmaneuvered them.

She presented Steward Yang with a recommendation letter from Master Zhu to Vice Minister Zhou of the Ministry of Rites, subtly reminding him that associating with the politically delicate Lishan could ruin his son's future. She then thanked Steward Wang for secretly sending provisions to Lishan, reminding him that the teachers could testify to his generosity. Terrified of being accused of treason, the stewards quickly retracted their resignations, promising to balance the ledgers properly.

With the steward position at Shende Xuan now vacant, Ye Li offered the job to her impoverished senior brother, Wei Zhuang. Soon after, an imperial decree arrived, summoning Prince Ding and his wife, alongside Prince Li and his consort, to the palace the following day. That evening, Mo Xiuyao visited Ye Li to gauge her reaction, noting how calm she seemed despite the sudden summons from the Empress Dowager after Lishan's long isolation.

Ye Li calmly explained that her family had always held the Empress Dowager in high regard and that she had nothing to fear. The next morning, however, Ye Li overslept after a restless night, keeping Mo Xiuyao waiting. Feeling guilty, she personally assisted him by pushing his wheelchair into the carriage. At the palace, when Guo Jin asked about Lishan, Ye Li painted a picture of peace and diligence, choosing to remain silent about the academy's actual state of decay.

Ye Li continues her conversation in the palace, praising the noble deeds of Empress Dowager Guo Jin. She details the monumental waterway reform of the fifth year of the Xide Era, which spared tens of thousands of trackers from conscription and slashed taxes by forty percent.

She also highlights the establishment of civil examinations in the third year of the Xide Era to offer underprivileged scholars a chance to serve at court, along with the autumn tax reforms that allowed payment in cash, a move celebrated in poetry by Master Gu. Ye Li credits the current peace and prosperity of the nation entirely to the Empress Dowager's benevolent governance.

Guo Jin listens quietly before noting that while Ye Li's grandfather, Xu Qingyun, was a humble and reticent man who only spoke up on matters of state, Ye Li is remarkably eloquent. Ye Li quickly humbles herself, explaining that her grandfather is a pillar of the state whereas she is merely a simple woman seeking a peaceful life.

She reassures the Empress Dowager that her words are not flattery, but a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the tranquil era they live in. Satisfied with her sincerity, Guo Jin accepts her explanation. During the gathering, a palace attendant suggests that Prince Li, Mo Jingli, perform a new musical piece he recently composed. Mo Jingli politely declines, stating that the composition is still incomplete and might displease the Empress Dowager.

Instead, he offers to play an old melody, "Qingmei Yin" (Green Plum Prelude), to liven up the gathering. As Mo Jingli plays the melody, he is swept away by memories of his childhood at Lishan Academy. He recalls the stern teachings of Master Yu, who reprimanded him because his tremolo did not sound clear and crisp, comparing his playing to a toad jumping into a pond. During those days, a young Ye Li had hidden nearby, listening to his practice.

Lost in these nostalgic thoughts, Mo Jingli accidentally cuts his finger on the guqin string. His wife, Ye Ying, rushes to his side in deep concern. Guo Jin comments that forcing a transition to a plaintive key only made it a sorrowful tune. With the performance cut short, Guo Jin dismisses the gathering. As the guests depart, Ye Ying stops Ye Li to vent her anger.

She taunts Ye Li for her newfound status as Princess Ding and her favor with the Empress Dowager. Ye Ying brings up the past, accusing Lishan Academy of nearly destroying the Ye family through their rebellion, claiming it was only her own father’s desperate pleas in the snow at Anshang Gate and her mother’s household management that saved the family. Ye Li remains entirely unfazed by the tirade.

When Ye Ying accuses her of stealing family assets, Ye Li calmly reasons that if all dowries belong to the husband's household, then Ye Ying's marriage dowry must belong to Prince Li, meaning the entertainers in his mansion are free to spend her money. Left speechless by the retort, Ye Ying accuses Ye Li of insulting her mother.

Ye Li then delivers a final blow, reminding Ye Ying that since Mo Xiuyao and Mo Jingli are close relatives, Ye Ying should show proper respect and address her as Aunt. Seeing Mo Jingli’s carriage leaving without her, Ye Ying is forced to stomp off in frustration. Mo Xiuyao, who observed the confrontation from his wheelchair, playfully asks Ye Li if she enjoyed the spectacle. Ye Li chides him for failing to defend his own wife.

Mo Xiuyao lightheartedly replies that the relationships are far too complex for him to intervene, but Ye Li retorts that his suspicion is simply too deep. Before they can leave, Senior Eunuch Shunxi approaches, claiming that Ye Li left an item at Anqing Palace and must return. This is a ruse to allow the Empress Dowager to speak with Ye Li in private. Alone with Ye Li, Guo Jin asks about the daily lives of the students at Lishan Academy.

Ye Li paints a picture of a tranquil life filled with reading, writing, farming, and hunting, mentioning her grandfather's poem, "Beihuo Yao" (Song of Roasting Tea), which celebrates finding inner peace over courtly ambitions. Guo Jin confesses that she has studied Master Liu's Qingshan calligraphy style for twenty years but has never quite captured its spirit.

She asks Ye Li about the core message of his "Ode to Self-Cultivation", to which Ye Li replies that the path of utmost sincerity leads to wonders. Ye Li expresses her profound gratitude for her imperial marriage, which allowed her to descend the mountain and experience the world.

When Guo Jin asks if her mother, Xu Wanzhou, was pleased with the match, Ye Li quietly reveals that her mother fell gravely ill on her way back to Lishan and passed away before reaching the foot of the mountain. Back at Prince Li's Mansion, Ye Ying tends to Mo Jingli's wounded finger and asks if he is troubled by his composition. Mo Jingli dismisses her worry, asking instead about her childhood with Ye Li.

Ye Ying explains that she grew up primarily with her younger brother, a child prodigy who read Confucius and Mencius at age five. She notes that Ye Li only lived with them until age thirteen and frequently traveled back to Lishan, so they were never close.

At his prompting, Ye Ying recalls a few ordinary childhood memories, such as a hot summer in Hengzhou where she accidentally bumped Ye Li into a lake, and a rainy day where Ye Li dragged her to run in the downpour, which left Ye Ying terribly sick. Hearing these simple tales, Mo Jingli smiles. Meanwhile, Mo Xiuyao notices Ye Li asking the servants for a shovel and a saw.

Suspicious of her late-night movements, he orders his shadow guards to follow her as she slips out to the backyard. Ye Li, accompanied by her maid, enters a dilapidated courtyard belonging to the He family. While her maid keeps watch, Ye Li uses the saw to cut down a ginkgo tree. The loud crash of the falling tree wakes the homeowner, He Jin. Realizing they have been discovered, Ye Li and her maid flee.

Mo Xiuyao, who has followed her in his carriage, pulls her inside to escape the shouting residents. Inside the carriage, Mo Xiuyao questions why the Princess Ding is stealing trees in the middle of the night. Embarrassed, Ye Li denies stealing and explains that she was fulfilling a promise to her senior classmate, He Minghui.

He Minghui, who was obsessed with the Zhouyi, believed the ginkgo tree in front of his family home was blocking his career luck after he failed his civil exams twice. Because his father had forbidden him from cutting it down and even beat him for trying, He Minghui had begged Ye Li to chop it down once she descended the mountain.

Mo Xiuyao is amused by the tale and tells her there will be no next time, though he questions her daily running routine, which she claims is for her health and agility. The next morning, He Jin visits the Ding Mansion. He asks Ye Li if she was the one responsible for cutting down his ginkgo tree. Ye Li admits to the deed and apologizes for her secrecy. He Jin quickly reassures her that he is not there to complain.

He explains that his son has sent no word for eight years, and the sudden fall of the tree made him hope his son had returned. Knowing the mountain is still sealed and only Ye Li has descended, he figured she did it on his son's behalf. Ye Li comforts He Jin by assuring him that He Minghui is doing well, farming and eating plenty of wild fruits, and has even learned to make flatbreads.

He Jin is relieved to hear of his son's diligence, even though he worries that He Minghui remains unmarried at thirty-two. Before departing, He Jin leaves a family letter with Ye Li, which she promises to forward to his son through her regular correspondence with the academy tutors. In the city, a caravan from the Western Regions arrives with a pair of blue peacocks.

Eager to please Mo Jingli, Ye Ying has the caravan and their famous animal trainer brought to Prince Li's Mansion so she can learn how to control the birds. The trainer teaches her a melody called "Lingque Yin" (Spirit Bird Prelude) on a seven-hole xiao, but Ye Ying's attempts are painfully out of tune. Frustrated but stubborn, she refuses to eat and vows to master the art to win her husband's favor.

Later, on her way back from Shende Xuan, Ye Li witnesses a group of children cornering and beating Mo Wuyou, the young lord of the Ding Mansion, on the street. Ye Li steps in to stop the violence and drives the bullies away. Mo Wuyou remains quiet and defensive, refusing to explain the conflict other than mentioning they are his classmates.

Ye Li gently encourages him, telling him that while it is brave to withstand a fight, it takes a different kind of bravery to share his troubles with his family. She advises him not to let troublemakers drag him down. When Ye Li returns to the mansion with mud on her shoes, Mo Xiuyao notices and asks if the path from Shende Xuan was particularly difficult. Ye Li admits that she joined a street fight to protect Mo Wuyou.

She chides Mo Xiuyao for doubting her, pointing out that as the boy's uncle, he has a duty to protect him. She argues that it is wrong for a young lord to wander in and out of the mansion without even a page boy, getting injured with no one noticing. Mo Xiuyao silently reflects on her words and takes them to heart. Meanwhile, the household is filled with joy upon learning that Mo Xiuyao has been appointed to a post in the Jingzhao Prefecture.

Ye Li is surprised when she hears that Mo Xiuyao has accepted the role of Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture despite his leg ailment and years of inactivity. He explains he is doing this because of her advice to not live merely as a show for others. Later, Ye Li notices Mo Wuyou acting suspiciously. He reveals his mother, Wen Ran, has been scammed by a fraudulent "Immortal Master Wang" (whose real name is Zhao Desheng, a former thug).

Consumed by grief over her late husband, Wen Ran has been drinking deep well water, eating raw food, bathing in black dog's blood, and writing scriptures in blood, believing she can see her deceased husband after forty-nine days. Recognizing the danger, Ye Li has Wuyou report this to the authorities.

Zhao Desheng is arrested, and Ye Li exposes the truth to Wen Ran: her own maid, Ms. Zhou, had accepted bribes from Zhao Desheng to sell Wen Ran's secrets and split her donations. Ms. Zhou is caught attempting to flee, and Ye Li leaves her punishment to Wen Ran. On his first day of office at the Jingzhao Prefecture, Mo Xiuyao is insolently stopped by a gatekeeper demanding his credentials.

Unbothered, Mo Xiuyao shows his imperial decree and coolly commands the official to carry his wheelchair as his new daily duty. In the court hall, Deputy Prefect Zheng Zuoshi reports that the treasury is empty, leading to unpopular temporary levies that threaten to cause a merchant strike. Mo Xiuyao sternly orders Zheng Zuoshi to resolve the issue or face charges of misgovernment and dereliction of duty.

Soon after, Military Secretary Wang Suwu confronts Mo Xiuyao with intense hostility, mentioning the twenty-seven wronged souls of his family and the deceased citizens of Xiaoshui County. Mo Xiuyao remains remarkably composed, simply stating that he has received the grim regards. Upon returning to the mansion, Mo Xiuyao learns that Ye Li took Mo Wuyou to his academy to confront his bullying classmates, forcing them to apologize in front of their parents.

Later, during dinner, Mo Xiuyao shows genuine care for Wuyou, offering to transfer him to the Chongwen Institute or assign him guards. Observing Mo Xiuyao struggle to eat due to painful mouth sores, Ye Li applies a self-made, non-bitter medicine to his sores. She then proposes to treat his injured legs, mentioning she studied bone-healing on Lishan Mountain under the renowned physician Master Helai, and notes that her senior, Wei Zhuang, has experienced great pain relief under her care.

Though Mo Xiuyao hesitates and tells her to eat first, Ye Li remains patient. The next day, Ye Li's uncle, Ye Wenshen, seeks shelter at Prince Ding's Mansion after being chased by a knife-wielding husband who falsely suspects him of an affair. Mo Xiuyao agrees to let him stay. However, as they prepare to leave, a street performer's monkey escapes and severely startles Ye Li. That night, Ye Li is woken by a terrible nightmare and rushes outside.

She is soon cornered in the courtyard by several vicious monkeys. Though a search of the mansion by Mo Xiuyao and his guards yields no trace of the monkeys, Ye Li remains deeply terrified due to a childhood trauma from being bitten by monkeys on Lishan Mountain. Mo Xiuyao stays by her side to comfort her until she safely falls asleep and orders the mansion secured.

A few days later, Qingshuang informs Ye Li that she won't have to worry about being startled again; Mo Xiuyao personally compensated all the monkey trainers in the capital out of his own pocket to ensure they would peacefully take their shows elsewhere.

The next day, Mo Xiuyao visited Ye Li to apply Yuji Ointment to the scars on her arms, which she had received from monkey scratches on Lishan Mountain. He explained that this rare tribute from the Western Regions, made with precious ingredients like angelica, peach kernel, and pearl powder, was highly effective at fading scars. Thankful for his gesture and for resolving the city's monkey issue, Ye Li requested another jar for her maid, Qingshuang.

Later, when Mo Xiuyao asked his subordinate Ah Jin about Qingshuang, Ah Jin admitted he had never heard of a maid by that name in the princess's courtyard but promised to look into it. Meanwhile, Dowager Consort Qin, who lived as a practitioner under the name Devotee Yunji, sent an invitation to Ye Li and Wen Ran for the Red Sleeve Gathering at Changsheng Fang.

Realizing the Consort used these social events to recruit alliances for Empress Dowager Guo Jin, Ye Li attended, knowing Prince Ding’s Mansion had been excluded for years until her arrival. At the gathering, after Lin Tinglan performed the heartbreaking tune "Duan Chang Diao" on the zither, she questioned Ye Li on why Lishan Academy did not admit female students.

Ye Li easily cleared up the misunderstanding, explaining that the famous author Fuyao the Hermit was actually a woman, and that Lishan indeed had female scholars and teachers; it was only societal preferences that led to more male students. Dowager Consort Qin then tried to corner Ye Li regarding rumors that Lishan had closed down to avoid the Empress Dowager's potential ascension.

Ye Li tactfully defuted the trap by praising the harmonious rule of the young Emperor and the Empress Dowager, asserting that anyone spreading such divisive rumors deserved execution. During the feast, Ye Ying tried to boast about her luxury while eating a Sihe Pastry, but Ye Li easily embarrassed her by pointing out black sesame seeds stuck in her teeth. Afterward, a clumsy maid accidentally soiled Ye Li's dress and led her away to clean up.

Sensing something amiss, Ye Ying followed. Ye Li was taken to a desolate area, only to find Mo Jingli waiting for her. He desperately claimed their broken engagement was forced by Guo Jin’s suspicion and proposed running away together. Ye Li rejected him with utter disgust, calling him a cowardly hypocrite. Outside, Ye Ying overheard their conversation. Inside, Mo Jingli refused to accept Ye Li's coldness, claiming she must have killed Lu Changfu out of love to aid him politically.

Ye Li firmly corrected him, stating she killed Lu Changfu solely to avenge the seven Lishan scholars he had murdered. As she walked away, Mo Jingli threatened to drown himself in a nearby pond despite not knowing how to swim. Disgusted, Ye Li compared his fragile ego to a cicada's thin, noisy membrane and walked away. Witnessing Mo Jingli's pathetic obsession with her sister, Ye Ying was left heartbroken and consumed by jealousy.

Determined to rebuild his strength, Mo Xiuyao met with the newly released Gu Zheng, inviting him to join the Jingzhao Prefecture. Gu Zheng agreed on the condition that the denunciation he had written eight years ago be engraved on Marquis Muyang's tombstone. Mo Xiuyao readily agreed to the deal.

Meanwhile, Mo Jingli's advisor urged him to maintain his public reputation as a reckless, degenerate fool to avoid the Empress Dowager's suspicion, as any signs of him settling down after marriage would make him a threat. The advisor organized upcoming social events for him, including a polo match where he was to pick a fight with Yuan Changkong.

Frustrated by the constraints of his survival, Mo Jingli agreed to retreat to the Yinshan Mountain Villa for a few days to clear his head. At Prince Ding's Mansion, Ye Li's maids happily showed her that the Shiying flowers had finally bloomed. Soon after, Ye Li's third uncle, Ye Wenshen, moved into the mansion with an overwhelming amount of belongings from Changsheng Fang, including a statue of the Goddess Miaotian.

Complaining about her room's simple decor, he insisted on staying for a month or two. Meanwhile, consumed by hatred, Ye Ying sought to eliminate Ye Li. After being rejected by ordinary guards who refused to commit murder, she met with the assassin Han Mingxi at a busy restaurant. Seated back-to-back, she hired him to capture Ye Li alive so she could personally execute her, offering double the price for a live capture.

Dowager Consort Qin visited Empress Dowager Guo Jin to inform her that Mo Xiuyao had requested Gu Zheng’s reinstatement. Guo Jin recalled how Gu Zheng had tried to impeach Marquis Muyang eight years ago over the deaths of Lishan scholars and had insulted her at the palace gates, though he was spared execution due to ominous weather signs. Guo Jin lamented the young Emperor's lack of foresight and resolved to guide him.

Late that night, Ye Wenhua followed the eerie sound of a zither to Xu Wanzhou's ruined courtyard and fainted from terror upon seeing her memorial tablet. The same night, Mo Xiuyao woke up from severe pain in his legs and spotted Ye Li hurriedly returning to her room from outside. The next morning, Ye Wenhua woke up and recounted his terrifying experience to his wife, Lady Wang.

Later, Ye Li asked Mo Xiuyao if he would join them for dinner since she had invited her senior brother over, and she once again offered to treat his legs, pointing out that his nerves still had sensation. However, Mo Xiuyao coldly questioned how she could possibly help him.

Mo Xiuyao was about to go to the government office. Ye Li used a ladle filled with hot water to iron his clothes, a method that made the fabric smoother than using charcoal. Today, Ye Li had invited her senior martial brother to have dinner at the mansion, and she hoped Mo Xiuyao would also return to eat with them. Gu Zheng had successfully joined the Jingzhao Prefecture as a recorder.

He was a practical worker, easily doing the work of five people, and was far more capable than useless officials like Zheng Zuoshi, the Junior Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture, and Li Yufeng, the Military Advisor of Census. When the public kitchen prepared the meals and Mo Xiuyao sat down to eat, he suddenly remembered Ye Li's bright smile and immediately decided to return to the mansion to dine.

Just as he returned to the mansion, he saw Mo Wuyou holding a toy centipede Ye Li had made for him, talking and laughing happily. With the presence of Ye Wenshen and Ye Li's senior martial brother, Wei Zhuang, the mansion was incredibly lively, as if it were a completely different place from the previously cold and quiet Prince Ding's Mansion. During the casual conversation at dinner, Ye Wenshen noticed that Wei Zhuang's limp was cured.

Upon asking, he learned that Ye Li had healed him. Ye Li noticed a fleeting moment of loneliness in Mo Xiuyao's expression, knowing that he was thinking of his own leg ailment. Afterward, Ye Li proposed to treat Mo Xiuyao's legs again, but Mo Xiuyao had already lost confidence. Over the years, Mo Xiuyao had sought out many famous doctors to treat his legs, but none had succeeded. Gradually, he had lost all hope of ever curing them.

What Mo Xiuyao did not know was that Mo Xiuwen had a connection with Lishan Academy. Back then, Xu Wanzhou was unable to see off Mo Xiuwen, who was about to be executed, and so he had the young Ye Li go and deliver a message. Mo Xiuwen also knew that his younger brother Mo Xiuyao had broken his legs at Suixue Pass. His dying wish was for Lishan Academy to save Mo Xiuyao.

This was why Ye Li repeatedly suggested treating the chronic ailment in Mo Xiuyao's legs. The Jingzhao Prefecture had long been plagued by corruption. Mo Xiuyao and Gu Zheng worked day and night organizing case files. They discovered that Li Yufeng, the Military Advisor of Census, neglected his duties, held a sinecure, and was secretly colluding for personal gain while exploiting the common people. Mo Xiuyao directly ordered his dismissal and had Gu Zheng temporarily take over the position.

This time, Mo Xiuyao used the incident with Li Yufeng to make an example of him, warning the rest of the officials in Jingzhao Prefecture who still harbored thoughts of escaping scrutiny. Han Mingyue sent Chi Hu to bring Han Mingxi back, but Chi Hu was no match for Han Mingxi, and Han Mingxi was unwilling to return anyway.

Ye Li went to the Jingzhao Prefecture in person, hoping that Mo Xiuyao would accompany her to offer incense after finishing his shift. However, Mo Xiuyao was so busy with official business that he did not realize his shift had already ended, and by then, Ye Li had already departed. For several days, Mo Xiuyao did not see Ye Li.

Later, he learned from his sister-in-law that Ye Li had gone to Zhengyi Temple and had been there for three or four days without returning. Mo Xiuyao then took Feng Zhiyao with him to Zhengyi Temple. There, he saw Ye Li climbing up the steps to paint the mural of the goddess. A gentle breeze blew, rustling her skirt. At that moment, Mo Xiuyao felt she bore a striking resemblance to the goddess in the painting.

Ye Li took the liberty of painting the pupils of the goddess's eyes, earning praise from Feng Zhiyao. Looking at Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao's lips curled up unconsciously. When Ye Li's gaze met his, she also smiled. Ye Li had been at Zhengyi Temple for several days. Besides painting the mural, her other main objective was to request calligraphy from Yun Songzi.

Since she had not yet obtained the calligraphy, Mo Xiuyao accompanied her and stayed overnight in the guest room of Zhengyi Temple. This was the first time the two of them slept in the same room. Through the screen, Mo Xiuyao could vaguely see Ye Li changing her clothes. As they were not husband and wife in reality, Mo Xiuyao strictly abided by the rules of etiquette and refrained from looking further.