My Dear Destiny Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> My Dear Destiny

My Dear Destiny Synopsis

On the night of the full moon, Chou Qingli, the wife of Lord Yi Qi, accidentally dropped into the lake. However, after this incident, the one who woke up in her body was Mi Qiqi from Wu Clan.

Overnight, the "Ugly Queen", who had lost her love and intelligence, came back to life with her beauty and intelligence. In order to return to Wu Clan, Mi Qiqi decided to use the 36 strategies of "chasing" to conquer the cold and arrogant husband, King Lu Ao.

How does the sweet and funny little princess conquer the king? How many traps and secrets are hidden in the crisis-ridden Yiqi harem ......

My Dear Destiny Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

In the Yiqi King's Palace of the Great Ying State, Mi Qiqi, a young woman, secretly bathed in the Cloud Pool, playfully splashing petals. King Lv Ao then entered the hall. Mi Qiqi quickly submerged herself, but Lv Ao still noticed her. He recognized her and demanded to know why she was there. Mi Qiqi hesitated, flustered by his proximity, wondering if he intended to kiss her.

Lv Ao stepped closer, stating that trespassing in the Cloud Pool was a grave offense and prepared to summon guards. However, Mi Qiqi preempted him, pulling him down, and both fell into the water. She revealed herself as Mi Qiqi, the saintess of the Witch Tribe, explaining that her current predicament stemmed from the last full moon night. On that full moon night, Chou Qingli, a concubine of King Lv Ao, drowned.

Mi Qiqi inexplicably found herself transported there, becoming the revived Chou Qingli, now known as the Ugly Consort. In Ranxi Court, servants were looting Chou Qingli’s belongings, believing her dead, when Mi Qiqi suddenly awoke. Terrified, the servants scattered. Mi Qiqi, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings, looked into a water basin and saw a reflection of her injured face. She initially thought she was dreaming, but splashing water on herself confirmed the reality of her situation.

Concerned for the safety of her Witch Tribe, Mi Qiqi tried to leave, but was stopped by a maid named Lian Qiao. When Mi Qiqi attempted to use her Witch power, she discovered it had vanished. Unable to find her way out, Mi Qiqi approached people working in the palace, but everyone fled, shouting about a ghost. Other maids knelt, begging for mercy, which Mi Qiqi mistook for a form of greeting and promptly returned the bow.

Yinzi, the palace's Butler, initially thought the servants were being lazy, but upon seeing the revived Ugly Consort, he too was speechless with fear. Since Chou Qingli had drowned, Mi Qiqi's damp clothes only heightened everyone's terror. Yinzi, overwhelmed, later recounted his experience to King Lv Ao. Though initially skeptical, Lv Ao was swayed by Yinzi's insistence and inquired about the Ugly Consort's whereabouts. Mi Qiqi, still damp, went to the Washing Bureau to find some clothes.

As she selected a garment, King Lv Ao suddenly appeared behind her. Unaware of his identity, Mi Qiqi quickly covered his mouth, pleading with him not to report her, claiming she had a secret. Lv Ao took her pulse, confirming she was indeed alive. Noticing his elaborate attire, Mi Qiqi mistakenly assumed he, like her, had stolen his clothes and promised not to expose his "theft."

Believing she shouldn't linger, Mi Qiqi attempted to flee but tripped over some fabric, stumbling into Lv Ao’s arms. Losing his balance, Lv Ao fell to the ground with Mi Qiqi. Hearing the commotion, the head of the Washing Bureau approached. Mi Qiqi, fearing discovery, quickly got up and fled, leaving Lv Ao on the floor.

Upon returning to his palace, Lv Ao instructed Yinzi to dispatch a fast horse to recall the obituary sent to Marquis of North and to summon royal doctors from the Royal Academy of Medicine to examine Chou Qingli, with an explicit order that they only diagnose and ask no questions. After Yinzi left, Lv Ao muttered that Chou Qingli should not have survived.

He recalled the full moon night when Chou Qingli had witnessed his transformation into a wolf, and he had pushed her into the river to drown, ensuring no one would discover he was poisoned. Later, as Lv Ao bathed in the Cloud Pool, Consort Ling, Ling Qiansi, offered to attend to him but was rebuffed. Suddenly, assassins silently entered the hall. Unfazed, Lv Ao swiftly rose, summoned his sword, and with a single strike, felled them.

Royal guards quickly surrounded the assassins, who committed suicide before they could be interrogated. Lv Ao’s aide, Wei Xun, arrived late and apologized, prompting Lv Ao to order a thorough investigation into the inner workings of the palace. Lv Ao then sternly warned Ling Qiansi not to enter the Cloud Pool without his permission. Mi Qiqi climbed a tree to pick fruit. When Lv Ao passed by, she offered him some, but he repeatedly failed to catch them.

Annoyed, she aimed one at him, but accidentally lost her footing and fell. Lv Ao swiftly caught her. Just as Mi Qiqi felt grateful, he unexpectedly dropped her to the ground. Back in her room, Mi Qiqi questioned Lian Qiao about her past. Lian Qiao explained that her full name was Chou Qingli, the adopted daughter of Marquis of North, Chou Hu. Chou Qingli had married into the palace earlier that year.

Being dull-witted and mentally immature, she often caused trouble and was frequently bullied. On the last full moon night, she fell into Phoenix Lake, and everyone believed she had died, only for her to inexplicably return. Mi Qiqi realized she looked exactly like Chou Qingli, yet her home, Wuxun Island, was isolated from the world. She carried the important responsibility of protecting the Blood Jade and finding Saintess Lan Yu, but now had no idea how to return.

Overnight, the birthmark on Mi Qiqi’s face miraculously disappeared, leaving her radiant and beautiful, much to the astonishment of the servants. The royal doctors examined Mi Qiqi, confirming her physical health and restored sanity, though she had lost her previous memories. They reported their findings to Lv Ao, who pressed them about whether she remembered the night she fell into the water. The doctors, however, reiterated their orders to only treat illnesses and not inquire about events.

In an attempt to return to her original world, Mi Qiqi went to Phoenix Lake that night, believing that jumping into the very lake where Chou Qingli drowned might send her back to the Witch Tribe. She jumped, but nothing happened, and she had to climb back to shore. Unbeknownst to her, Lv Ao's trusted aide, Wei Xun, had secretly followed her and witnessed the entire event.

Episode 2 Recap

Qiqi, having jumped into Phoenix Lake in an attempt to return to the Witch Tribe, found herself unable to breathe and quickly resurfaced. The palace guards, startled by her appearance, mistook her for a water ghost, causing her to flee in a panic. During her escape, she encountered an elderly, drunken man who introduced himself as Luo Jiuchen, the Royal Astronomer.

He claimed to observe celestial phenomena and know everything, advising Qiqi to stay, for the current her was the true, complete her. Qiqi dismissed his words as nonsensical. Meanwhile, Wei Xun reported Qiqi’s strange behavior, including her jump into the lake, to the King of Yiqi, Lv Ao. He also mentioned that Luo Jiuchen had helped her.

Lv Ao, reflecting on Luo Jiuchen's eccentric nature and his usual disregard for royal commands, found it peculiar that he would intervene for the Ugly Lady. Concerned, Lv Ao ordered Wei Xun to keep a close watch on Qiqi and ensure she did not leave the palace. He suspected Qiqi might have recalled the events of the full moon night and decided he needed to test her personally.

Just then, Lord of Ji, Lv Che, who had been traveling extensively, arrived at the palace. He remarked on Lv Ao's apparent unhappiness regarding the Ugly Lady's revival. Lv Ao, in turn, questioned Lv Che about the duration of his stay, and then, feeling despondent, invited Lv Che to drink with him, an invitation Lv Che declined, citing a need to see his mother first. Later, Qiqi asked Lian Qiao who had rescued her from the lake.

Lian Qiao had no idea, stating Qiqi was already on the bank when she found her. Then, the head eunuch Yinzi delivered the news that His Majesty had summoned Qiqi for "service" that night. Confused by the term, Qiqi loudly repeated "to sleep with His Majesty" after Lian Qiao whispered its meaning. While Lian Qiao prepared Qiqi for her bath, Qiqi inquired about Lv Ao. Lian Qiao lauded His Majesty as an extraordinary, diligent ruler and "the light of Yiqi."

However, Qiqi remembered her Senior Brother Wu Ji's description of Lv Ao as a brutal, cruel man who espoused violence, a stark contrast to Lian Qiao's praise. Qiqi then asked about Lv Ao's relationship with his concubines, feeling relieved when she learned he was too preoccupied with state affairs to care for his harem, concluding he must be an ascetic.

Lian Qiao sternly warned Qiqi not to reveal her true identity in the King's chambers, explaining that doing so could lead to her execution as a spy and implicate her father. Lian Qiao urged Qiqi to seize this opportunity and perform well. Qiqi, however, scoffed at the idea of sleeping with "that tyrant." Yinzi, having waited a long time, finally entered Qiqi's room to hurry her along. He was astonished to see Qiqi had painted two chrysanthemums on her face.

Qiqi explained that since His Majesty was noble and unconstrained, he would surely appreciate the flowers, which symbolized nobility. Yinzi, startled but unable to openly criticize, merely praised her "creative" idea. Despite Lian Qiao's attempts to wipe it off, Qiqi insisted on keeping her chrysanthemum make-up. Yinzi then instructed Qiqi to undress and get into a quilt so she could be carried to the King. Qiqi firmly refused to undress and insisted on walking herself.

After a brief argument, Yinzi reluctantly agreed. Lian Qiao, concerned, tried to bribe Yinzi with gifts from the border to speak up for Qiqi if she angered His Majesty, but Yinzi refused to interfere. Qiqi complained that she had been walking for too long and was exhausted. Yinzi repeatedly assured her they were almost there, but Qiqi, distrustful, refused to walk any further, making Yinzi squat with her on the steps outside the chamber. Just then, Lv Che emerged.

Qiqi immediately recognized him as the man who saved her from the water and was instantly smitten by his handsome appearance. She eagerly grabbed his sleeve, calling him her savior and asking if he remembered her. Lv Che, maintaining his composure upon seeing her make-up, calmly stated that he had only heard of her and this was their first meeting, suggesting she might be mistaken. Yinzi urged Qiqi to release Lv Che and continue on.

As Lv Che prepared to leave, he leaned in and whispered to Qiqi to cherish life, making her realize he did remember her. Qiqi was delighted but immediately regretted her outrageous make-up, which she had intended as a prank for Lv Ao. She then muttered her disappointment that Chou Qingli had married Lv Ao instead of Lv Che. Upon entering Lv Ao's bed-chamber, Qiqi found it empty. She pulled back the curtains and discovered a wolf.

Far from being afraid, she gently stroked its head. The wolf, surprisingly docile, rubbed against her face. Believing the wolf was unjustly imprisoned, Qiqi released it. Moments later, Lv Ao appeared, and Qiqi finally realized that the man she had repeatedly encountered was, in fact, His Majesty. Lv Ao questioned her ability to communicate with the wolf. Fearing her Witch Tribe identity would be exposed, Qiqi claimed she was simply naturally liked by animals.

As Lv Ao moved closer, Qiqi, recalling Lian Qiao’s remark about his ascetic nature, decided to test him. She pushed him onto the bed, took a sip of wine, and attempted to feed it to him directly. Disgusted, Lv Ao quickly pushed her away. He then noticed the absence of a scar on her collarbone and pressed her about what she remembered from the night of the full moon.

When Qiqi feigned ignorance of the drowning incident, Lv Ao claimed his pet wolf had accidentally pushed her into the river and told her not to think too much of it. Qiqi tried to leave, but Lv Ao pulled her back, ordering her to sleep on the floor. The next morning, Lv Ao awoke to find Qiqi still on the floor. Observing her face, he secretly admitted she was "not so ugly."

Qiqi, upon waking, found Lv Ao staring at her, making her feel uneasy. She assumed he wanted a hug when he stretched out his arms, but he merely asked her to help him change. Qiqi, unfamiliar with the elaborate palace attire, clumsily struggled to dress him. Watching her fumbling, Lv Ao eventually dressed himself, inwardly deeming her a fool. News of Chou Qingli's regained intelligence and beauty quickly spread throughout the palace.

Li'niang sought out the Wangfei, informing her of the rumors and asking how to proceed. The Wangfei, intrigued, ordered Li'niang to bring Chou Qingli to her own palace. Back in her room, Qiqi found Lian Qiao preparing food, convinced Qiqi needed to restore her strength after a night with the King. Qiqi tried to explain that nothing had happened, but Lian Qiao was too caught up in her assumptions to listen. Qiqi recalled that her Blood Jade, a relic left by Lan Yu, had mysteriously reacted last night. She resolved to stay in the palace longer to investigate its significance.

Episode 3 Recap

Lian Qiao felt remorseful for not being able to provide Qiqi with better food, but Qiqi found the simple meal perfectly satisfying and invited Lian Qiao to join her. As they ate, Lady Li entered Qiqi's sleeping quarters unannounced, claiming no one was outside to inform them. Qiqi did not recognize her, prompting Lian Qiao to explain that Lady Li was a former bully who had often tormented Qiqi and scolded their maids when Qiqi was foolish.

Lady Li then announced that Consort Ling invited Qiqi to meet her. Qiqi, however, refused to go, telling Lady Li to "get out." Lady Li, infuriated, called Qiqi a "rude shrew" but still insisted Qiqi accept a "reward" from Consort Ling. She presented a container of rouge, suggesting Qiqi try it to "be pretty." Finding the scent too strong, Qiqi sneezed, accidentally blowing the powdered rouge directly into Lady Li's face.

Lady Li, startled and covered in powder, fled in a hurry. Lian Qiao remarked on Qiqi's "amazing" feat, but Qiqi insisted it was accidental and that Lady Li had overreacted. News of Qiqi’s refusal to Consort Ling and her treatment of Lady Li reached Lv Ao. He ordered Wei Xun to continue monitoring Qiqi.

Meanwhile, Consort Ling, enraged, denounced Lady Li as "useless" and, while acknowledging Qiqi's "backbones," dismissed the influence of the Marquis of North, who was stationed a thousand li away at the border. At the Palace of Benevolence, Lv Che paid his respects to his mother, High Consort Gao. She noticed the smell of alcohol on him and he explained he had been drinking with his brother, Lv Ao, the previous night.

High Consort Gao expressed concern over their newfound closeness and Lv Che's poor health, advising him to abstain from drinking. She encouraged him to stay in the palace longer, to which Lv Che internally agreed, finding the palace "pretty interesting recently" due to Qiqi's presence. Qiqi, having noticed the Blood Jade reacting only when she was near Lv Ao, suspected a connection and resolved to approach him to verify. She declared her intention to "chase His Majesty."

Her first attempt involved bringing homemade desserts to Lv Ao’s administrative area. Yinzi, the butler, barred their entry, citing it as a "restricted area." After Lian Qiao discreetly bribed him, Yinzi went to inform Lv Ao. He returned shortly, taking the desserts but still denying Qiqi entry. Qiqi complained about not being allowed in and not getting her desserts back.

Lian Qiao suggested that sending desserts was too "old-fashioned," but Qiqi argued that "classic tricks are the most useful ones," deciding to try a different approach since this one failed. Qiqi’s next plan was to deliberately collide with Lv Ao’s sedan on the road. She fell dramatically, claiming to be injured and unable to stand. However, it was Yinzi who helped her up. Lv Ao, from within his sedan, merely offered her some silver as compensation.

Qiqi was puzzled by this response, wondering what he meant. Undeterred, Qiqi devised another plan for that night: "the beauty saves the hero" strategy. She intended to use firecrackers to lightly injure Lv Ao while he was practicing sword, then rush to his aid, with Lian Qiao shouting about an assassin, ensuring Lv Ao would be grateful. However, when Qiqi lit the firecrackers, they exploded at her feet instead, covering her and Lian Qiao in soot.

Qiqi exclaimed, "Idiot," and they quickly fled the scene. They hid in some bushes, disoriented, until they heard pleasant zither music. They followed the sound to find Lv Che playing. He noticed their disheveled appearance. Lv Che commented that Qiqi was "always so unique each time we meet," to which Qiqi replied that she normally didn’t look like that, attributing her current state to an "accident."

When Lv Che inquired about their nocturnal activities, Qiqi claimed they were "taking a walk" and had been drawn by his "wonderful" music. She then attempted to thank him for saving her earlier, but Lv Che stated it was their first meeting. Qiqi performed a "border" custom of gratitude. Lian Qiao suggested it was time to leave, but Qiqi secretly stepped on Lian Qiao’s foot, prompting Lian Qiao to also feign ignorance of the way back.

Qiqi then played helpless, mentioning how large and dark the palace was, and that two "small women" couldn’t find their way. Seeing this, Lv Che offered to escort them. Qiqi gratefully accepted. Noticing the soot on Qiqi's face, Lv Che instinctively reached out with a handkerchief to wipe it, but Lian Qiao quickly intervened, doing it herself. Lv Che then apologized for his impropriety. The next day, Qiqi, feeling joyful from her interaction with Lv Che, dressed up meticulously.

She met Lv Che, who complimented her "gorgeous" attire, prompting Qiqi to remark how "embarrassed" she had been during their previous encounters. As a token of gratitude for "saving her," Qiqi presented Lv Che with a doll she had crafted in his likeness, explaining her skill in doll-making since childhood.

She mused that if she had his hair, she could put it in the doll to make it his "substitute," and if she still possessed Witch Power, she could then use the doll to "make you love me." Lv Che asked why she needed the hair, and she explained that "it represents you." He stated that he "likes it." Qiqi then suggested he call her "you" when they were alone, but Lv Che demurred, citing it as "not proper."

When she offered to call him "savior," he again refused, insisting on calling her "My Lady," which Qiqi then accepted, saying, "Now we're talking." She told him she found him different from others in the palace, who were "all restrained" by its "many rules," whereas he seemed "free." She complimented his elegant zither playing and painting, saying it was "truly enviable" to live a life of "arts" rather than "politics." Qiqi praised his "bold painting of landscape."

Lv Che remarked that while the painted view was pretty, the real one was "prettier." He began to suggest taking her to see the real landscapes, but upon noticing Wei Xun secretly observing them, quickly changed his mind, suggesting instead that Lv Ao could take her.

An attendant then reminded Lv Che it was time to greet his mother, and he departed, lamenting silently that Qiqi was "my brother's woman" and that while his painting was just a picture, Qiqi belonged to "the man who dominates the land." He also noted he had called her "My Lady" again. Wei Xun reported Qiqi’s activities to Lv Ao, including her two meetings with Lv Che at the lake pavilion.

He admitted he couldn’t hear their conversations due to the distance but assured Lv Ao there was "no improper" behavior. Lv Ao, trusting his brother, stated, "Lord of Ji knows what he can do. I'm not worrying about that." He then instructed Wei Xun to cease tracking Qiqi, as it was "not convenient" for Wei Xun to be constantly in the rear court.

Lian Qiao managed to acquire eunuch clothes and the key to Cloud Pool, stolen from Yinzi, suggesting Qiqi go early to "try her luck" and "meet His Majesty." Dressed as a eunuch, Qiqi made her way to the Cloud Pool. On the way, she encountered Luo Jiuchen, who, noticing her direction, offered an enigmatic warning: "Sometimes the closer you get to the truth, the more blurred you see it." Qiqi ignored him and continued on.

She waited at Cloud Pool until nightfall. Finding the water warm, she decided to get in. Moments later, Lv Ao arrived at the Cloud Pool. As he began to undress, Qiqi, who had hidden underwater, resurfaced. Lv Ao, surprised, confronted her. Flustered, Qiqi couldn't explain herself. As Lv Ao called for guards, Qiqi struggled with him, but he quickly broke free. Her clothes accidentally slipped off. Yinzi and other guards rushed in, hearing the commotion.

Lv Ao quickly shielded Qiqi from their sight. Yinzi, recognizing "Ugly Lady," was shocked, but Lv Ao angrily ordered them to "get lost now." Fully dressed, Qiqi faced a furious Lv Ao, who held his sword to her neck. She admitted her wrongdoing and begged for forgiveness, asking him to "kill me quickly" if he wouldn't spare her. Lv Ao accused her of wanting to "die for your crime," which she denied, stating her offense did not warrant death.

Qiqi then claimed she had come to "tell you my affection," explaining that ever since she regained her senses, she had fallen deeply in love with him. She recounted her persistent attempts to see him and his refusal, leading to this "unwise decision" to convey her feelings. Her "biggest mistake," she declared, was loving him "so much." Lv Ao, however, found her "gullible." Lv Ao declared, "I won't kill you, but I'll punish you," sentencing her to "80 blows."

Qiqi pleaded for mercy, asking if he could not "spare me for the sake of my deep love." Lv Ao retorted that as his concubine, she "should love me deeply." Accepting her punishment, Qiqi then invoked her father, the Marquis of North, recalling his words about the Chou family's duty to "sacrifice for our country" and her own duty to "serve His Majesty well" after marrying him.

She bravely stated she would accept the "severe punishment," even if she couldn't survive the "80 blows," requesting only that her body be taken to the border so her father could "meet me for the last time." Lv Ao sternly asked if she was "coercing me," which she denied. He then questioned her memory, asking, "Didn't you lose your memory? Why did you remember your father's words?"

Qiqi admitted to having "actually remembered some" things "before I came here," but maintained that as a "fool," she had "an ordinary life, nothing fancy." Lv Ao internally concluded that "she is getting back her memory." He then told her to "rise." Qiqi thanked him. Noticing her knee pain, Lv Ao asked if her "legs hurt?" Qiqi insisted, "Anyway, I can walk." Instead of comforting her, Lv Ao abruptly shoved her back into the Cloud Pool.

Episode 4 Recap

After King of Yiqi pushed Qiqi into the Cloud Pool, he cruelly ordered her to remain in the water until dawn, claiming the pool could cure all pains. Qiqi, furious, called him "Lv Ao, the Tyrant." The next morning, Qiqi was coughing. Lian Qiao quickly brought her ginger soup to warm her. Lian Qiao recalled how Qiqi's father, the Marquis, had doted on the original Chou Qingli, always comforting her when she cried after taking medicine.

Qiqi, upon hearing this, wistfully remarked that "It's good to have someone" and thought of her own master, wishing she were still alive. Seeing Qiqi lost in thought, Lian Qiao mistook it for homesickness and reassured her that with His Majesty here, this place was also her home. Qiqi, however, harbored resentment towards Lv Ao for his rough treatment, especially after he threw her into the pool the previous night, remarking to herself that he was a "mean man."

She pondered that she was only getting close to him to investigate his connection with the Blood Jade, not because she "liked" him, a lie she had told him. Meanwhile, Lv Ao, distracted by the memory of Qiqi's kiss from the previous night, found himself unable to focus on his official documents. He realized Qiqi's memory was indeed recovering, stirring a sense of unease within him.

Later, Qiqi enjoyed a game of pitch-pot with the palace maids, showcasing her exceptional skill by landing every shot, even with her eyes closed. She explained it was a technique similar to throwing fruits into string bags in her homeland. As they played joyfully, Consort Ling's maids, Lianqiu and Fudong, arrived to invite Qiqi to Consort Ling's residence.

Lian Qiao, wary of Consort Ling's jealousy and bad temper (which she attributed to being spoiled by her mother, the Dowager Consort Ling), immediately declined, citing Qiqi's poor health. Qiqi quickly feigned a severe headache, but the maids, anticipating such an excuse, had brought Doctor Lin. Doctor Lin, with a chilling smile, proposed to cure Qiqi with forty acupuncture needles, promising twenty more if the initial treatment was ineffective. Faced with this daunting prospect, Qiqi relented and agreed to go.

Consort Ling greeted Qiqi with condescending remarks about her recovered memory and appearance, contrasting it with her past as a "little fool with stinky mud." Unfazed, Qiqi retaliated by recalling how she had once set Consort Ling's dress on fire, forcing her to publicly roll on the ground to extinguish the flames. Infuriated, Consort Ling challenged Qiqi to a horse race.

When Lian Qiao protested that Qiqi couldn't ride, Consort Ling threatened that if Qiqi refused, she would have to pay her respects at Consort Ling's residence daily. Qiqi, seeing no other option, accepted the challenge. During the race, Qiqi took an early lead. Unable to catch up, Consort Ling was thrown to the ground when her own horse suddenly became startled. Qiqi rode past the fallen Consort Ling and left after sarcastically thanking her for the invitation.

Consort Ling, bruised and humiliated, rushed to the King of Yiqi's Ambergris Palace to demand justice. She accused Qiqi of casting spells and being a wicked woman possessed by a demon who intended to kill her. However, the King of Yiqi dismissed her complaints, pointing out that she had initiated the race and chosen her own horse. He added that if Qiqi had been the one complaining, he would have believed her.

He then scolded Consort Ling for engaging in such a dangerous activity with Qiqi, who had only recently recovered from a serious illness, clearly showing concern for Qiqi. Feeling utterly satisfied by Consort Ling's self-inflicted harm, Qiqi later mused that throughout her life, only one person had truly hurt her: her senior sister, a Witch Tribe priestess.

This senior sister had practiced Dark Witch Power, harming both Qiqi and their master, and was now likely the Chief of the Witch Tribe. Yinzi remarked to the King of Yiqi that Consort Ling would now hate Qiqi even more, to which the King replied, "That's not enough," hinting at a deeper scheme to provoke Consort Ling against Qiqi. The following day, Lv Ao sent numerous valuable treasures to Qiqi, seemingly as a gesture for her recovery.

This further enraged Consort Ling, who felt slighted. Despite the gifts, Lv Ao maintained his distance, forbidding Qiqi from approaching him within five zhang. Frustrated that she couldn't get close enough to investigate the Blood Jade, Qiqi tore up a drawing of Lv Ao, keeping one she had drawn of Lv Che, whom she found gentler and kinder. Taking advantage of a rainy day, Qiqi ventured out to collect mushrooms.

Using these, she concocted a "Witch Tribe's Fascinating Soup," testing it on a maid who, under its influence, readily repeated "His Majesty is a tyrant." With her plan ready, Qiqi decided to take Lv Ao some porridge, which was actually the Fascinating Soup. Lian Qiao skillfully distracted Yinzi with some pastries, keeping him busy while Qiqi exchanged Lv Ao's regular porridge for her special blend and quietly slipped into his chamber.

Lv Ao, commenting that the porridge tasted better than usual and asking if the cook had been changed, unsuspectingly drank the entire bowl. As he grew drowsy, Qiqi approached him and, to get her revenge, playfully drew on his face, muttering about his harshness and throwing her into the pool. She then tried to activate the Blood Jade near him, but it showed no reaction. Puzzled, she frantically searched the room.

Her gaze fell upon a sword Lv Ao wore, leading her to wonder if the Blood Jade's reaction was linked to it. As she struggled to pull the sword from its sheath, Lv Ao, still under the influence of the soup but with surprising strength, suddenly embraced her from behind, trapping her. Just then, Lv Che came to see his brother and entered the chamber without being announced. He found Lv Ao holding Qiqi closely on the bed.

A wave of profound sadness washed over Lv Che as he silently observed the scene. Later, in his own chambers, Lv Che drowned his sorrows in alcohol, clutching a doll he had once made for Qiqi. The thought of King of Yiqi embracing Qiqi left him heartbroken. Qiqi, meanwhile, was still held tightly by Lv Ao, unable to move, and was forced to lie on the bed, watching his sleeping face.

Episode 5 Recap

Lv Ao woke up abruptly, finding Qiqi in his arms. The effects of the psychedelic soup had worn off, and he demanded an explanation from Qiqi. Qiqi, quick-witted, pretended to be in a sleepwalking state, babbling about needing to drink water. Just then, Yinzi entered, shocked to see Qiqi in the room. He reported he didn't know how she entered. Upon seeing the scribbles on his face in a mirror, Lv Ao was enraged. Yinzi quickly cleaned his face.

Lv Ao moved to strike Qiqi, but Yinzi intervened, suggesting that Qiqi might be suffering from "sleepwalking," and waking such a person could harm their mind. Qiqi, silently calling Lv Ao a "heartless tyrant," seized the opportunity to pretend to return to her own chambers while still "sleepwalking," but accidentally tripped on a step, forcing her to feign waking up. Lv Ao, realizing she was awake, punished Yinzi by docking three months' salary.

He then addressed Qiqi, stating that breaking into his bed-chamber was a capital offense. However, he offered a one-time pardon due to her supposed "sleepwalking," and instead, punished her by making her his personal maid. Qiqi inwardly rejoiced, seeing this as a perfect opportunity to stay by his side. Lv Ao, in turn, wanted to test her sincerity. He immediately put her to work, ordering her to rub ink for him.

As Qiqi served as Lv Ao's personal maid, he tormented her relentlessly. She was made to rub ink, thinking to herself, "He's so troublesome. I'll take my revenge today." He complained about her fanning, demanding she adjust the intensity, making her conclude, "He's so demanding." During his sword practice, he deliberately tripped her, then seemed to demand a thigh massage. When she tried to swat a mosquito on his leg, she hit his leg instead, and he angrily dismissed her.

Later, while washing his feet, she fell asleep from exhaustion, and he deliberately splashed water on her. Qiqi silently vowed to "put up with him" to uncover the Blood Jade's secrets, even imagining "tearing his pig foot's skin." Exhausted, she was heard mumbling "Tyrant. Sadist." in her sleep. At a banquet hosted by the Grand Consort, many educated noblewomen gathered. The Grand Consort summoned Lv Che, implicitly urging him to marry and have children to surpass Lv Ao.

Lv Che dismissed the idea, citing his brother's preoccupation with political affairs and ongoing wars, which left no time for thoughts of progeny. However, the Grand Consort revealed that Lv Ao had completely changed and was now doting on Ugly Lady, a rumor that had spread throughout the palace. She noted that Ugly Lady had not only spent a night with Lv Ao but had also overshadowed Consort Ling. This news left Lv Che visibly troubled.

The next day, Qiqi overslept, worrying she would be punished for being late. However, Yinzi arrived with an order from Lv Ao: her punishment period was over, and she was to accompany him to the villa, a place he had never taken another concubine before. While others perceived this as a sign of special favor, Qiqi suspected Lv Ao was merely planning another torment.

En route, Qiqi reflected on her failure to uncover the Blood Jade's connection to Lv Ao, though she had become adept at serving him. In a separate carriage, Consort Ling, who had pleaded to come along, fumed, wondering what "fox charm" Ugly Lady had used to share a carriage with His Majesty. Consort Ling then feigned dizziness, sending her maid to ask Lv Ao to check on her.

Qiqi, suspecting a trick, interjected that Consort Ling might be stuffy and should swap carriages with Lord of Ji (Lv Che) for fresh air. Lv Ao, seeing through the ploy, retorted that Qiqi seemed to care a lot about his brother. He refused to go himself, stating he was not a doctor, and instead ordered Yinzi to summon a medical officer to treat Consort Ling. At Yunqi Villa, Lv Ao and Lv Che engaged in a game of chess.

Lv Ao instructed Qiqi to collect the chess pieces, but then criticized her slowness. Qiqi reminded him that he had previously ordered her to maintain a five-zhang distance, to which he feigned ignorance. Unable to argue, she apologized and promised to be quicker. Lv Che kindly assisted her, earning Qiqi's praise for his elegance, which Lv Ao noticed.

Then, Lv Ao criticized the tea Qiqi had just brewed, claiming the water was "old" and had ruined the expensive tea leaves, asserting that Qiqi knew "nothing about tea." He ordered her to fetch fresh, boiling water herself. Frustrated in the kitchen, Qiqi muttered, "Damn Lv Ao. You did it on purpose? You're so particular about tea? I'm slow and ignorant? You're ignorant." She contemplated revenge, even imagining pouring tea on his face or hitting him with a ladle.

Spotting salt, she concocted a plan. When she served the new tea, Lv Ao, as if to test her, presented the salted tea back to Qiqi as a "reward" for her hard work. Qiqi was forced to swallow it, lamenting the excessive salt. Lv Che then reached for a cup from the same pot. Qiqi tried to warn him that the water was "old," offering to make him a fresh cup, but Lv Che politely insisted he wasn't picky.

After drinking it, he calmly declared it "good" and "quenching," pretending not to notice the saltiness to protect Qiqi. Qiqi, unaware of his pretense, thought he simply had a strong palate. When Qiqi offered the same tea to Lv Ao, he declared himself "picky" and refused to drink "old water," ordering her to make it again. Noticing Lv Che’s concern for Qiqi, Lv Ao felt a pang of jealousy and advised his brother to focus on their chess game.

Shortly after, Yinzi informed Qiqi that Lv Ao had returned to his chambers, and she needn't send the tea or serve him that afternoon. Qiqi was relieved, remarking that he still had "some conscience." Later that evening, Consort Ling approached Lv Ao, inviting him to use her large bathtub together. Lv Ao, however, stated he was "used to taking a bath alone" and politely refused her persistent invitations. Just then, Qiqi arrived with snacks.

Lv Ao saw her and, ignoring Consort Ling, abruptly told Qiqi he wanted to bathe and ordered her to prepare the water immediately, forbidding anyone else from helping her. Consort Ling, observing Lv Ao's dismissive attitude towards her and his sharp commands to Ugly Lady, was consumed by jealousy. Qiqi found no water in the room and had to search for a well. She asked a passing guard for directions, who led her to a secluded well.

As Qiqi was drawing water, the guard pushed her into the well. Qiqi struggled, crying out for help. Just as she was about to drown, Lv Ao suddenly appeared and pulled her out. He frantically carried the shivering Qiqi back to her chamber, holding her tightly. Seeing her in distress, Lv Ao was filled with remorse, repeatedly apologizing and assuring her, "Don't be afraid. I'm here. I'm sorry. It was my fault."

Qiqi, feeling his embrace, thought, "It's so warm here." Upon waking, Qiqi initially believed Lv Che had rescued her from the well. However, Lian Qiao informed her that it was actually His Majesty Lv Ao who had jumped in to save her and had stayed by her side all night. Qiqi, disappointed it wasn't Lv Che, feigned lingering illness when Lv Ao appeared, hoping to avoid his presence.

Lv Ao, in response, said it was a pity, as he had intended to take her to the country fair. Hearing this, Qiqi immediately declared herself well, much to his amusement. Lv Ao then agreed to take her, but specified that only she could accompany him from her residence to avoid drawing attention.

Lian Qiao excitedly interpreted this as a "single date," further emphasizing Lv Ao's concern by recalling how worried he was and how he personally jumped into the well. Qiqi was surprised by this, realizing her confusion about who saved her. Lv Ao, Qiqi, Consort Ling, and Lv Che subsequently went to the country fair. Spotting "sugar-coated haws," Qiqi, delighted, asked Lv Ao to buy her one, calling him "master." Lv Ao dismissed her request, remarking that "only children eat such snacks," and ignored her.

Episode 6 Recap

Lv Ao, the King of Yiqi, instructed Wei Xun to thoroughly investigate the incident where the Ugly Lady fell into the well. He reflected on how everything had been under his control, yet he had personally disrupted his own plans, leaving him uncertain how to handle the Ugly Lady. While strolling through the market, Qiqi yearned for sugar-coated haws after seeing them for sale. She asked a servant to buy her one, explaining she had never seen such beautiful fruits.

Lv Ao, nearby, chastised her for desiring children's snacks at her age, to which Qiqi insisted she only needed one. Later, Lv Che discreetly presented Qiqi with a stick of sugar-coated haws, much to her delight. Lv Ao, who had also bought one for her, jealously threw his away upon seeing this. A massive grain cart suddenly veered towards Qiqi, prompting Lv Ao to immediately embrace her, shielding her from the impact and taking the hit himself.

He then sternly questioned her, asking why she didn't use her eyes to dodge the danger. Qiqi, apologizing, offered to scout ahead for him, causing Lv Ao to grumble about her ferocity. As Qiqi watched a man propose to his beloved, Ru, from a pavilion, promising to marry her after passing his examinations, she was deeply moved. Suddenly, a man from the pavilion gave a signal, and Qiqi was scalded by hot oil, screaming in agony.

Lv Ao rushed to her side, urging, "Qiqi, hang in there! Don't you die without my permission." He then quickly carried her back to a nearby room. Lv Che, who had been pushed away by the crowd after giving Qiqi the haws, was injured while trying to help her. The imperial physician reported that Qiqi's pulse was unstable and her condition was worsening, with insufficient medicine at the villa to treat her.

Lv Ao, refusing to watch her die there, commanded that horses be prepared for an immediate return to the city, dismissing concerns about the large retinue. During their journey back, Lv Ao encountered Jie, the Crown Prince of Beicang, who revealed that the attack on Qiqi had been his doing. Jie reminded Lv Ao of a long-standing duel between them. Lv Ao ordered his guards to stand down, declaring it a personal matter.

In the ensuing fierce battle, Lv Ao, distracted by his concern for Qiqi, was stabbed in the chest by Jie. Fortunately, Wei Xun arrived to intervene, allowing Lv Ao to entrust Jie to him and escape with Qiqi. Back at the palace, the Princess Dowager, Lv Che’s mother, was alarmed by his leg injury and sought medical attention.

However, Lv Che explained that all the imperial physicians were attending to the Ugly Lady in Tide Yard, whose injuries were more critical. Upon learning that Lv Ao had commanded all doctors to treat the Ugly Lady, the Princess Dowager became furious, questioning if the Ugly Lady’s health was more important than her son’s. Lv Che, insisting he was fine and that the Ugly Lady needed the doctors more, excused himself.

Lizi, a servant, later informed the Princess Dowager that Lv Che’s leg had been scalded by hot oil while saving the Ugly Lady. In the Ugly Lady’s chamber, Lv Ao fiercely demanded that the doctors heal her face, threatening them with severe punishment if they failed. He disregarded his own bleeding wound, insisting they prioritize the Ugly Lady. Overwhelmed with regret, he pondered if Qiqi could have avoided her ordeal if he had held onto her.

Meanwhile, Wei Xun reported that the woman who poured the oil, though caught, maintained her innocence, claiming it was an accident. Wei Xun suspected she was a trained Man of Sacrifice due to her composed demeanor. Wei Xun also informed Lv Ao that Jie had escaped capture, remarking on Jie’s persistent nature and predicting his reappearance. Weakened by his wounds, Lv Ao suddenly collapsed.

Consort Ling visited the unconscious Ugly Lady, secretly pleased by the severity of her injuries, which the doctors claimed might be irreversible. She offered Scar-removing Ointment, which Doctor Sun confirmed was an excellent medicine for burns. However, shortly after its application, Qiqi's breathing became faint and irregular, indicating a critical condition. Lv Ao, having awakened and learned of Qiqi’s worsening state, rushed to her side despite his own unhealed wounds.

Qiqi was deathly pale, displaying symptoms of poisoning, but the source remained unknown. Just as hope dwindled, Luo Jiuchen arrived. He found Plumbago zeylanica L mixed in the Scar-removing Ointment, identifying it as the likely cause of Qiqi’s poisoning. Consort Ling insisted she had offered the ointment out of kindness, and Doctor Sun corroborated that the Plumbago zeylanica L seemed to have been added later, not during the ointment's preparation. Consort Ling accused Lv Ao of wronging her.

Following Luo Jiuchen's treatment, Doctor Wu confirmed that Qiqi's pulse had stabilized, and the toxins had been purged, requiring only rest for a full recovery. Lv Ao instructed Luo Jiuchen and Doctor Wu to continue caring for Qiqi. Meanwhile, Lv Che encountered an assassin in the palace. During their struggle, the assassin deliberately targeted Lv Che’s previously injured leg to escape, indicating a detailed knowledge of him. Lv Che, however, managed to wound the assassin's right shoulder.

Wei Xun arrived and discovered discarded Plumbago zeylanica L at the scene, confirming the assassin's involvement in Qiqi’s poisoning. Wei Xun immediately ordered a thorough search for the culprit, suspecting a connection to the Ugly Lady's disfigurement. Qiqi regained consciousness, questioning where she was. Her maid, Lian Qiao, joyfully confirmed her recovery and reassured her that Lv Ao had been deeply concerned, ordering an immediate return to the city and personally rushing her back on horseback.

Upon learning of A'man's arrest, accused by Wei Xun of being a spy and poisoning her, Qiqi vehemently disbelieved the accusation, insisting on confronting Lv Ao to clarify the matter. Lv Ao summoned Consort Ling to Dragon's Den. Consort Ling acknowledged A'man, a servant from Qiqi's courtyard, admitting she had transferred him there from Lady Qin's household to assist Lian Qiao. However, she denied any other involvement.

Lv Ao then presented the Scar-removing Ointment, prompting Consort Ling to kneel and deny any intent to harm the Ugly Lady. Lv Ao then brought in the woman who had poured the hot oil on Qiqi. A'man confessed to bribing the woman to harm the Ugly Lady and admitted to adding the Plumbago zeylanica L to the ointment. He claimed sole responsibility, stating he acted out of fear of retaliation for a past offense.

As Lv Ao ordered A'man to be tortured to uncover any accomplices, Qiqi burst in, demanding they stop. She refused to leave, asserting that A'man was her loyal servant and would never betray her. Consort Ling scornfully told Qiqi she was naive, highlighting the evidence against A'man and gloating about his impending severe punishment. Qiqi, enraged, silenced Consort Ling. As A'man tried to reveal more, the kneeling woman swiftly stabbed him to death before taking her own life.

Lv Ao, reflecting on the incident, realized that Men of Sacrifice had infiltrated the palace and that there were more Beicang agents around him, requiring immediate elimination. Qiqi grieved A'man’s death, confiding in Lian Qiao that she now missed his annoying presence and would always trust her own people. Lian Qiao, in turn, pledged to be there for Qiqi, promising they would face any difficulties together.

Episode 7 Recap

Aman's passing brought deep sorrow to Qiqi and the palace maids in her residence, as they steadfastly believed in his innocence. Qiqi confessed that while she once found Aman annoying, she now felt an emptiness without him. Lian Qiao affirmed her trust in Aman, declaring that they were now a family, sharing prosperity and facing adversity together, vowing not to let Qiqi bear burdens alone.

Meanwhile, Jie, the Crown Prince of Beicang, questioned his Man of Sacrifice regarding the failed assassination attempt on Chou Qingli. The Man of Sacrifice asked why, if the goal was to eliminate Lv Ao, he hadn't targeted Lv Ao directly. Jie explained that Chou Qingli was Chou Hu's daughter, a general who had caused many casualties among Beicang's ranks.

By assassinating her and framing Yiqi, Chou Hu's morale on the front lines would collapse, allowing Beicang to gain a strategic advantage. Jie instructed his subordinate to remain patient, as the real scheme had just begun. After Chou Qingli's face was disfigured, Consort Ling gloated, certain that His Majesty would now belong solely to her. She even considered adopting Chou Qingli's tactics, including the chrysanthemums make-up, to secure His Majesty's affection. The next morning, Qiqi’s face was miraculously healed.

Believing it to be a powerful elixir from Luo Jiuchen, she lauded his medical prowess. Despite His Majesty’s decree confining her to her residence, Qiqi attempted to escape. Lian Qiao tried to stop her by clinging to her legs, but Qiqi cleverly created a diversion, allowing her to climb over the courtyard wall. She lost her footing and fell, but was caught by Lv Ao, who was passing by. Startled by her restored appearance, Lv Ao kissed her.

Qiqi, recalling that the Blood Jade usually reacted to physical contact with Lv Ao, pulled him back for another kiss to test her theory. This time, as Lv Ao's sword clattered to the ground, the Blood Jade remained inert. Qiqi promptly fled the scene, leaving Lv Ao to ponder his next move, eventually deciding to head towards Yixuan Yard, Consort Ling's residence. Word of Chou Qingli’s recovered beauty quickly spread throughout the palace.

Consort Ling, hearing that His Majesty had openly kissed the Ugly Lady, became consumed with jealousy. She immediately ordered her maid to remove her chrysanthemums make-up, a style Lv Ao himself had just told her was ill-fitting. Shortly after, Lv Ao arrived at Consort Ling’s chambers and instructed her to collaborate with Chou Qingli in organizing Consort Dowager Gao’s birthday banquet.

Consort Ling voiced concerns about Chou Qingli’s inexperience, her unfamiliarity with palace etiquette due to her upbringing on the border, and her recent recovery from illness. However, Lv Ao was resolute, stating that his request was an order, not an invitation for suggestions. Consort Ling, despite her displeasure, outwardly agreed, promising to fully support Chou Qingli and oversee the banquet herself. That night, Qiqi was restless, unable to banish the memory of Lv Ao's kiss from her mind.

Lv Ao, equally troubled and surprised by his own infatuation, rose to practice his sword, seeking to channel his inner turmoil. The following day, Consort Ling brought an etiquette instructor to Qiqi, tasking the strict instructor with teaching Chou Qingli proper courtly manners for the upcoming banquet. Qiqi tried to feign a stomachache to avoid the lessons, but the astute instructor saw through her trick and ordered maids to escort her to the lavatory.

With her escape route thwarted, Qiqi reluctantly submitted to the rigorous training. The instructor was exceptionally harsh, forcing Qiqi to practice elegant deportment while balancing heavy water buckets. After an entire day of strenuous exercise, Qiqi's body ached from exhaustion. Lian Qiao tearfully pleaded with the instructor to allow Qiqi a brief respite, but the instructor not only refused but also struck Lian Qiao.

Incensed by this, Qiqi ordered her guards to restrain the etiquette instructor, commanding that she only be released after the birthday banquet to prevent her from reporting the incident. Qiqi reviewed the seating charts and guest list for the banquet, observing the large number of attendees and the extravagant preparations. Consort Ling arrived shortly thereafter, critically surveying Qiqi’s plans and dismissing them as uninspired and conventional.

Despite Consort Ling’s taunts, Qiqi confidently vowed to deliver an unforgettable birthday celebration for Consort Dowager Gao. On the day of the banquet, Qiqi, overseeing the feast’s cuisine, discovered that the fruit wine had been forgotten. She quickly went to retrieve it herself. Upon reaching the kitchen, she noticed the lid of the wine jar was open but paid little attention. While there, she encountered Lv Che, who had stopped by to check on the banquet preparations for his mother.

Qiqi assured him that all the unique dishes had been sent out and encouraged him to try them later, before reminding him to change out of his casual attire before the banquet began. During the banquet, Consort Dowager Gao was very pleased with the innovative snacks, commending Chou Qingli's efforts. Qiqi then performed a zither piece, much to Consort Dowager Gao’s delight. However, the zither string suddenly snapped, leading to murmurs among the guests about bad omens.

Just then, Lv Che arrived, playing a flute, and Qiqi gracefully began to dance to his melody. Lv Ao was visibly entranced, even dropping his wine cup, though he feigned indifference, claiming the dance was "too flashy to be elegant." Amidst the harmonious atmosphere, Lady Li suddenly became disoriented and began to act erratically, staggering towards Lv Ao and Consort Dowager Gao. Simultaneously, many ministers in the hall collapsed.

Upon examination, a physician reported that the banquet wine contained Spica Prunellae. The doctor further explained that Spica Prunellae, while not inherently toxic, becomes poisonous when combined with Hibiscus, which was likely also present. After receiving an antidote, the affected guests were quickly stabilized. Lv Ao recalled a childhood incident where he suffered a severe allergic reaction to Spica Prunellae after being given Hibiscus flowers by a young girl.

Realizing that only a select few knew of his rare allergy, he concluded that the poisoning was a targeted attack against him. Hearing the unfolding events, Consort Ling immediately ordered Chou Qingli's arrest.

Episode 8 Recap

Consort Ling, acting on a whispered report from a maid, ordered Chou Qingli’s arrest, accusing her of poisoning the wine at the birthday banquet. Chou Qingli denied the accusation, demanding proof. Consort Ling then presented Wei, a kitchen maid, who testified that she had seen Chou Qingli alone in the kitchen at dusk, acting suspiciously while putting a lid on a wine jar. Wei added that she later helped Chou Qingli carry the jar to the banquet.

Consort Ling emphasized that only Chou Qingli had the opportunity to add the Spica Prunellae. Chou Qingli reiterated her innocence, stating she had never even seen Spica Prunellae before. She started to mention seeing someone else in the kitchen but hesitated, recalling she had seen Lv Che there and choosing to protect him. When Lv Ao asked her directly if she had anything to add, she simply said, “No. Nothing.”

Consort Ling then declared that Chou Qingli’s guilt was proven by witness and evidence, and, according to law, she should be imprisoned and executed. As officials agreed, the Dowager Consort fainted. Consort Ling pressed Lv Ao for a decision, and he ordered Chou Qingli to be taken to jail for further interrogation. Chou Qingli, distressed, looked at Lv Che, pleading for him to speak up, reminding him he knew she was innocent.

However, Lv Che, having witnessed the Dowager Consort’s maid poisoning the wine, chose to remain silent to protect his mother, only managing a quiet “I’m sorry” to Chou Qingli. Chou Qingli was heartbroken, lamenting that he didn’t stand up for her. Meanwhile, Lv Ao had Wei Xun investigate. Wei Xun found remnants of Spica Prunellae in the kitchen stove.

Lv Ao confirmed with Wei Xun that very few people knew about his allergy to Spica Prunellae, suggesting the poisoning was personally targeted. When Wei Xun asked if Lv Ao truly believed Chou Qingli was the culprit, Lv Ao responded, “It wasn’t her. Someone’s using her as a scapegoat.” Wei Xun cautioned Lv Ao against visiting the jail directly, as the case was high-profile and the Dowager Consort was still unconscious, arguing that a visit would only harm Chou Qingli.

Lv Ao insisted, declaring his intent to clear her name as quickly as possible. Elsewhere, Consort Ling’s maid celebrated Chou Qingli’s removal, but Consort Ling expressed confusion, noting the Spica Prunellae and Hibiscus mixture wasn’t lethal and questioning Chou Qingli’s motive given her responsibility for the dishes. Her maid dismissed it, calling Chou Qingli a witch. In jail, Chou Qingli was left in dire conditions. She found her meager meal, placed out of reach, had cockroaches in it.

A fellow inmate, who had pickles, remarked that Chou Qingli must have offended someone to receive such harsh treatment. The jailer taunted her, predicting she wouldn’t last five days, but Chou Qingli defiantly resolved to endure. She reflected on Lv Che’s coldness during her trial, realizing with sorrow that he was no different from the other calculating people in the palace. Distraught by Chou Qingli’s suffering, Lian Qiao sought out Yinzi, offering him money and pleading for his help.

She explained that her master was in critical condition due to her old illness and the harsh jail treatment, and as a humble maid, she couldn’t reach His Majesty herself. Yinzi acknowledged Lian Qiao’s resourcefulness but initially refused, saying no one dared to speak on Chou Qingli’s behalf to Lv Ao. However, later, Yinzi approached Lv Ao, feigning casual conversation about rumors of a “miserable ghost” crying in the jail all night.

When Lv Ao expressed irritation at him meddling in palace affairs and asked who bribed him, Yinzi insisted he only mentioned it because he sensed Lv Ao’s worry for Chou Qingli. He then explicitly stated that Chou Qingli was being severely tormented and was at risk due to her unhealed old illness. Angered by this news, Lv Ao immediately went to the jail.

He found Chou Qingli unconscious and on the verge of death, as an impatient jailer was about to pour a bucket of cold water on her to hasten her demise. Lv Ao intervened just in time, rescuing Chou Qingli and carrying her back to his room. She was shivering and weak, murmuring, “Cold, so cold.” Lv Ao held her tightly to provide warmth, and when she struggled to swallow her medicine, he personally fed it to her by mouth.

A medical official updated Lv Ao on Chou Qingli’s grave condition, explaining that her previous severe injuries combined with extreme weakness and lack of food made her vulnerable even to a simple cold. Lv Ao angrily silenced him. Lv Ao then neglected state affairs, reviewing documents in the room where Chou Qingli rested and ignoring Wei Xun’s warnings about anxious officials. When Chou Qingli finally woke, Lv Ao gently asked if he had disturbed her.

She requested to return to her own chambers, Dyeing Stream Courtyard, rather than staying in his. After a moment, Lv Ao agreed. Back in her chambers, Lian Qiao discovered strangle marks on Chou Qingli’s neck, which appeared after Chou Qingli had a vivid nightmare and clutched Lian Qiao’s throat. Concerned that Chou Qingli might be possessed, Lian Qiao and another maid, Aheng, prepared to confront any spectral visitors.

That night, they caught Lady Li sneaking onto Chou Qingli’s bed, attempting to harm her. They subdued Lady Li and reported the incident to Lv Ao. Lv Ao, despite Lian Qiao’s protestations that Lady Li almost killed Chou Qingli, calmly ordered Lady Li to be sent to the Royal Academy of Medicine for diagnosis and treatment. When Lian Qiao continued to argue, Yinzi cautioned her that His Majesty’s decision was final.

Lv Ao then commended Lian Qiao and Aheng for their loyalty and courage, promoting them both to first-grade maids and emphasizing that they must care for Chou Qingli without fail. Wei Xun informed Lv Ao that the culprit behind the Spica Prunellae poisoning had been found: Wei, the kitchen maid, who left a suicide note confessing to the crime and framing Chou Qingli. Both Lv Ao and Wei Xun believed Wei was merely a scapegoat, not the true mastermind.

However, to immediately exonerate Chou Qingli, Lv Ao decided to close the case based on Wei’s confession. The news of her innocence brought immense relief to Chou Qingli, who had been stuffing herself with food to build resilience for a potential return to jail. Her maids expressed astonishment at her rapid recovery. Feeling invigorated, Chou Qingli stepped out to enjoy the garden but stumbled on a step, falling directly into Lv Ao’s arms.

He held her protectively, admonishing her not to worry him again. Later, her maids teased her playfully about being “in love,” noticing her symptoms of a racing heart and flushed cheeks, which Chou Qingli bashfully denied. Meanwhile, Consort Ling grew increasingly anxious about Lv Ao’s continued favoritism towards Chou Qingli. She bemoaned how long it had been since Lv Ao visited her chambers, contrasting her situation with Chou Qingli’s swift recovery and calling her a seductress.

She frantically demanded her beauty creams and elaborate clothing, vowing not to lose to Chou Qingli. Her maid, however, advised patience, reminding Consort Ling that her father, General Ling, was soon to return victoriously. She suggested that Lv Ao would surely favor Consort Ling out of respect for her father. Reassured, Consort Ling decided to wait a few more days. Later, Lian Qiao discovered a cryptic note outside Chou Qingli’s door, simply stating, “Star and Crescent Bridge at dusk.”

Believing it to be a romantic invitation from Lv Ao, Chou Qingli went to the designated meeting spot. To her surprise, the person waiting there was Lv Che. He expressed concern about Lady Li’s attack, asking if she was hurt. Chou Qingli downplayed it, saying Lady Li only left a few marks on her neck, which had already healed.

Episode 9 Recap

Qiqi arrived at the appointed place, but instead of Lv Ao, she found Lv Che waiting for her. Lv Che was worried upon hearing that Lady Li had harmed Qiqi and wanted to check her injuries, but Qiqi stepped back, avoiding his outstretched hand. Lv Che explained that he had unavoidable reasons and hoped Qiqi could understand. However, Qiqi, already disappointed in him, retorted that the King's position is noble and any woman would admire him.

Lv Che, seeing this, refused to believe that Qiqi was like others, merely someone who admired power and position. Remembering Qiqi's miraculous self-healing ability, Lv Ao grew suspicious. That night, Qiqi sat outside, lost in thought. Luo Jiuchen appeared before her, warning her that her constitution was special and should not be abused. Qiqi asked Lian Qiao about Luo Jiuchen's background.

Lian Qiao described him as a legendary figure, a famous astrologer proficient in all languages, specially recruited by the late king into the royal palace, who even built the Armillary Pavilion for him. Hearing that the Armillary Pavilion contained books from all over the world, Qiqi thought that it might also contain books written in the Wu language. Qiqi sneaked into the Armillary Pavilion, which seemed to be full of traps and unpredictable dangers.

While rummaging through a pile of books, she found one with vulgar content, immediately tossing it back but accidentally dropping a page. Later, Qiqi played hide-and-seek with her maids in her room, unexpectedly touching Lv Ao while blindfolded. Lv Ao said that the day before the fast day was for sitting meditation, so he dismissed the maids, leaving the two of them alone.

Lv Ao pretended to fall asleep, and Qiqi, after calling him several times without a response, quietly slipped out the window. During her escape, Qiqi encountered Luo Jiuchen and borrowed his straw hat to disguise herself as a fisherman, thus evading a group of pursuing eunuchs. Qiqi returned to her room with a fish, ready to show off her culinary skills.

However, her cooking skills were poor, leaving her face covered in soot and causing the visiting Lv Ao and Yinzi to laugh. General Ling Wanshan returned triumphantly, and the King prepared a banquet. General Ling suggested that the feast be held at Consort Ling's residence. Secretly, Lv Ao thought that General Ling was too conceited and wanted to take back his military power. When Lv Ao visited Consort Ling, he discovered that General Ling was unwell and unable to attend.

Consort Ling, pretending to be drunk, clung to Lv Ao, not letting him leave, and even drugged his wine. In a daze, Lv Ao mistook Consort Ling for Qiqi, but he managed to recognize her in time and pushed her away. Lv Ao went to Qiqi's room and found it filled with candles. Lv Ao and Qiqi kissed passionately in the candlelit chamber, finally coming together after many hardships. The next morning, Lv Ao gazed lovingly at Qiqi.

Qiqi told Lv Ao that she initially approached him because she felt a connection between them. Now that she had some clues, she would tell him once she figured it out, and he didn't seem angry. Soon after, news came that the King had fallen into a coma after returning from Ranxi Court in the morning. Doctors had looked into all kinds of difficult illnesses but still couldn't find out what was wrong with him.

Consort Ling believed that Qiqi had used witchcraft on the King and ordered a search of her residence, where they found a Gu bug. Consort Ling ordered Qiqi to be taken to Yixuan Yard for questioning and sent the bug to the doctors to formulate an antidote. Lv Che rushed to see his mother, the Dowager Consort, asking her to save Qiqi. However, the Dowager Consort pretended to be unaware, saying that Qiqi had committed the serious crime of using witchcraft to harm the King and that she could not protect her.

Episode 10 Recap

Consort Ling had Qiqi tortured. Qiqi suspected it was a set-up and, when pressed, defiantly kicked Consort Ling. Enraged, Consort Ling whipped her mercilessly, demanding to know why she poisoned the King. Qiqi's maids, Lianqiao and Aheng, knelt outside the Grand Consort's palace, begging for help, but were told she was sleeping. The next day, they were still kneeling when Lv Che arrived.

Learning that Qiqi had been taken away by Consort Ling, he went to see his mother, the Grand Consort. Lv Che questioned his mother about her refusal to save Qiqi, but the Grand Consort explained that Qiqi was accused of poisoning Lv Ao, a serious crime she could not interfere with. Lv Che then decided to save Qiqi himself. Lv Che visited Lv Ao, who asked him how to deal with Qiqi's crime of using poison.

Lv Che suggested that since the barbarians were still causing trouble at the border and Qiqi's father, the Marquis of North, was a key general, killing Qiqi would be detrimental to the war effort. Instead, he proposed imprisoning Qiqi in the West Yard for life, a solution Lv Ao agreed to. Qiqi was taken to the West Yard, which was full of insane concubines.

She was assigned a straw shed and ordered to do chores like laundry, chopping firewood, and cooking. Determined to clear her name, Qiqi resolved to find a way to escape and explain her innocence to Lv Ao. Lv Che apologized to his mother, but the Grand Consort said his actions made Lv Ao wary of him.

She explained to Lv Che that even if he hadn't interceded, Lv Ao wouldn't have killed Qiqi, and that Lv Ao was only putting on an act for Consort Ling. The Grand Consort claimed Lv Che was just a pawn in Lv Ao's game. In the West Yard, Qiqi was tormented by the older female servants.

They woke her up, dripped hot candle wax on her hands, and later, while forcing her to wash clothes in a heavy rain, held her head in a puddle. Meanwhile, Lv Ao drank wine, filled with sorrow. He feared that if Qiqi recovered her memory and the news of his own poisoning was revealed, it would endanger the kingdom, which was why he had to imprison her. After losing consciousness, Qiqi awoke to find medicine beside her.

She thought Lv Ao had visited. Deciding she had to explain herself to Lv Ao, Qiqi tried to escape the West Yard. She found a hole in the wall and crawled through, but was caught and beaten by the servants. Lv Che arrived and tried to take her away, but Qiqi, not wanting to implicate him, refused to leave and limped back to her shed. Lv Che secretly visited Qiqi in her straw hut.

She insisted on clearing her name with Lv Ao, which angered Lv Che, as she was defending the man responsible for her suffering. Qiqi argued that Lv Ao must have been forced to send her to the West Yard. Seeing her desperation, Lv Che proposed a plan for her to escape Yiqi City by faking her death with "Expiring Powder." However, Qiqi refused to elope with him, confessing that she had fallen in love with Lv Ao.

Though hurt, Lv Che accepted her decision and offered to remain her close friend, someone who would always listen to her. To protect Qiqi, Lv Che bribed the head servant and moved Qiqi into the best room in the West Yard, threatening the woman not to harm her again. Thinking he might not see her for a long time, Lv Che asked for a hug, but Qiqi silently backed away.

He left, vowing to himself that he would give her everything she wanted. When Lv Ao heard about Lv Che's actions in the West Yard, he grew angry, suspecting his brother had ulterior motives toward Qiqi.

Episode 11 Recap

Lv Ao learned about Lv Che's actions toward Mi Qiqi in the West Yard, suspecting Lv Che had ulterior motives and becoming increasingly displeased. Lv Ao's maid, Yinzi, wasn't mentioned regarding this matter. Meanwhile, Consort Yin found out about Lv Che's interference in the affairs of the West Yard and believed that Mi Qiqi had bewitched him.

Lv Che apologized to his mother, claiming he was temporarily blinded by infatuation and would not do anything foolish again, and that he knew that he and Mi Qiqi could not be together. Consort Yin was delighted, believing that Lv Che, with his noble status, would find a better woman, claiming the more distinguished he was, the more women would be taken with him.

In the West Yard, the aunt in charge continued to mistreat Mi Qiqi despite having received money from Lv Che, ordering her to do hard labor. One night, Mi Qiqi dreamt of Lv Ao, but when she awoke, she was alone. Zhao, a crazy woman who was a maid, got close to Mi Qiqi, and the two cleaned toilets and washed clothes together, finding joy in their difficult situation.

Mi Qiqi felt safer with Zhao around, but Zhao's snoring kept her awake at night. In a dream, Lv Ao saw Mi Qiqi in the West Yard. Lv Che then appeared, wanting to take Mi Qiqi away from her misery, and Mi Qiqi gladly accepted. Lv Ao tried to stop them, but Mi Qiqi resented Lv Ao for imprisoning her and preventing others from helping her escape, and then killed herself in front of Lv Ao.

Lv Ao woke up in shock, calling out Mi Qiqi's name. The next morning, servants brought Zhao a lavish meal, leading Mi Qiqi to wonder about Consort Yin's background, given that even her maid was treated so well. Zhao told Mi Qiqi that Consort Yin used to like fruits. King Yi Qi missed Mi Qiqi and constantly hallucinated her presence, becoming increasingly irritable. He challenged Wei Xun to a sword fight to vent his emotions, bewildering Wei Xun.

He lashed out at Wei Xun because he was thinking of Mi Qiqi. Mi Qiqi inquired about Zhao's background from the person delivering her food, learning that Zhao was Consort Yin's personal maid and that Consort Yin was Lv Ao's birth mother. The person told Mi Qiqi that Consort Yin was once highly favored but eventually died in the West Yard. Mi Qiqi found a portrait of Consort Yin and noticed a familiar seal.

Mi Qiqi said she saw this seal at Lv Ao's place, and guessed that the painting was a gift from the late king to Consort Yin. Zhao became agitated upon hearing the late king's name, angrily denouncing the late king's love as a lie and blaming him for Consort Yin's death. Lv Ao, drunk and distraught, mistook Yinzi for Mi Qiqi and tried to kiss him, but Yinzi screamed.

Lv Ao then stumbled to the door of Consort Yin's room in the West Yard, where Mi Qiqi opened the door, and asked if he came to see her. Sensing an impending transformation, Lv Ao warned Mi Qiqi to leave immediately, but she didn't understand. Unable to control himself, Lv Ao transformed, his hair turning white, and bit her neck before both of them lost consciousness. When Lv Ao awoke, he found himself tied up.

Mi Qiqi, scared, kept her distance, explaining she feared him turning into the beast again. Lv Ao realized Mi Qiqi had never seen his transformed state before, making him realize he had been mistaken about her. Lv Ao checked Mi Qiqi's wound, kissing her after seeing she was unharmed. Lv Ao apologized for suspecting her and causing her so much suffering. Mi Qiqi vowed to keep his secret, and they embraced. Lv Ao told Mi Qiqi that he believed her.

Episode 12 Recap

The next morning, Aunt Zhao found Lv Ao in Qiqi's room. Mistaking Lv Ao for the late king, she cried out, vowing to avenge Lady Yin, and attempted to attack Lv Ao with a vase. Qiqi intervened, protecting Lv Ao and urging him to leave.

Lv Ao realized that directly taking Qiqi out of the West Yard would subject her to criticism, so he decided he must first clear her name, an action that, unbeknownst to him, would bring more trouble. During the scuffle, Aunt Zhao sustained an injury. Qiqi attended to her wounds and questioned her about what exactly happened between the late king and Lady Yin, and why Aunt Zhao was so agitated by the sight of Lv Ao.

Aunt Zhao, still disoriented, blamed the late king for his cruelty, stating that he sent young Prince Lv Ao to the Beicang Tribe. She recounted how Lady Yin cried incessantly after her son's departure, never seeing Lv Ao again before she died, passing away alone with her last wish unfulfilled. As Aunt Zhao drifted off to sleep, Qiqi discovered a key in her sleeve. She recalled Aunt Zhao mentioning a cherished box and realized this key perfectly fit it.

Concluding it must be Lady Yin's keepsakes left for Lv Ao, Qiqi resolved to deliver the box to him. News of the King spending the night in the West Yard spread throughout the six palaces, causing Consort Ling to fly into a rage. Her attendant advised her against impulsive actions, warning that if the King were to summon Qiqi for questioning again, it would only create more opportunities for them to meet. Consort Ling, though seething, reluctantly swallowed her anger.

Meanwhile, Qiqi, back in her room with the box, discovered a pattern on its bottom identical to her Blood Jade. She cautiously opened the box, only to find it seemingly empty, containing nothing but a blank scroll. Suddenly, Qiqi felt a surge of powerful Witch Power, and words appeared on the scroll: "The one who unites the Blood Jade and Blood-Drinking Sword can get the world. Lan Yu."

Qiqi realized that Lady Yin was none other than Lan Yu, the Saintess she had been searching for. Lan Yu had sealed her Witch Power there, which explained why the elders could not find her. On Wuxun Island, Qiqi's martial sister, San Shenghua, sensed Lan Yu's whereabouts at the palace of King of Yiqi. She appointed Xizhao to manage affairs in her absence and prepared to leave the island, also ordering Wu Ji's capture if he appeared.

A flashback revealed their past: Qiqi, her senior brother Wu Ji, and San Shenghua all studied under the same master. Qiqi and Wu Ji shared a close, childhood bond, which San Shenghua deeply envied. During an archery competition, San Shenghua, desperate to win and be taught Witch Power first, deliberately shot a horse instead of the target, winning by deceitful means. Her master, seeing her malicious intent, ordered her to endure ten whips and reflect in seclusion.

San Shenghua, feeling unjustly punished despite her victory, believed her master was biased and deliberately refusing to teach her. Qiqi secretly brought her healing ointment, but San Shenghua, despite feigning politeness, inwardly despised Qiqi as a hypocrite and vowed that the humiliation she suffered today would be repaid one day. Later, San Shenghua knelt before her imprisoned mother, seeking guidance on her predicament and requesting to be taught Dark Witch Power.

Her mother readily agreed, revealing that only by obtaining the Blood-Drinking Sword could she achieve her ambition of uniting the world, and that Saintess Lan Yu held the knowledge to wield it. Now, as the sect leader, San Shenghua stood before her mother's memorial tablet, vowing to journey to Yiqi and find Lan Yu to make her pay for her mother's past suffering.

In the West Yard, Mother Chang, unsure if the King truly favored Qiqi again, continued to torment her, assigning her endless sweeping tasks and dropping melon seeds for her to pick up and separate. As Qiqi swept, the scroll accidentally fell from her person. Mother Chang immediately ordered her servants to seize what she suspected was a banned book, but Qiqi held on tightly. Just then, Aunt Zhao arrived abruptly and doused Mother Chang with a bucket of water.

In that moment, Aunt Zhao's sanity briefly returned. She noticed the Blood Jade around Qiqi's neck and demanded to know her true identity. Aunt Zhao revealed that she knew Lady Yin was the Saintess, Lan Yu. Twenty years prior, when the Beicang Tribe was at its peak, the late king led a campaign against them. Upon returning victorious with his two great generals, Gao E and Chou Hu, they encountered an injured Lady Yin.

The late king was immediately captivated and brought her back to the palace. Lady Yin initially wished to leave, but her weakened state prevented her. Under the late king's devoted care, Lady Yin gradually recovered and, through his persistent efforts to please her—filling her rooms with plum blossoms and paintings, despite a misstep involving captive animals that angered the animal-loving Witch Tribe Saintess—his affections slowly won her heart.

Lady Yin eventually recovered and returned to her own affairs before promising to marry the late king. A month later, she returned, and the overjoyed late king defied all objections to make her Lady Yin, settling her in Ranxi Yard, the very courtyard Qiqi now occupied. However, this beautiful promise proved fleeting. Shortly after their marriage, Lady Yin became pregnant.

The ongoing wars intensified, and the late king, wary of the powerful Gao family and facing rumors that Lady Yin was a foreign spy, was forced to coldly neglect her to protect her and their unborn child. On the day of her difficult childbirth, Lady Yin desperately wished to see the king, but he remained in Consort Gao's chambers, enjoying himself. From that moment, Lady Yin's hope in the king vanished.

She yearned to take their child and leave Yiqi, but her request was denied. She then requested to reside in the West Yard, only for Consort Gao to send people to forcibly take Prince Lv Ao from her arms, leaving her heartbroken.

Episode 13 Recap

Aunt Zhao recounted to Qiqi the tragic story of Consort Yin's final days. Consort Yin’s health deteriorated rapidly, exacerbated by the news that young Prince Lv Ao was to be sent to the Beicang Tribe as a hostage. She confronted the late King that night, leading to a heated argument. In a fit of rage, the late King immediately sent Lv Ao to Beicang.

Consort Yin, on her deathbed, entrusted Aunt Zhao with a box and implored her to tell Lv Ao how much his mother missed him, "From moment to moment." When asked if she regretted giving up everything to be with the King, Consort Yin simply stated, "No regrets." Aunt Zhao reflected on their tragic love story, where neither the King nor Consort Yin would yield, leading to missed opportunities and unsaid affections.

She expressed her own failure to fulfill Consort Yin's last wishes due to her frequent periods of confusion, and pleaded with Qiqi to help her. Qiqi, deeply moved, promised Aunt Zhao that she would tell Lv Ao about his mother’s love and deliver the entrusted box. She secretly resolved to complete this task. Meanwhile, Lv Ao pondered his wolfsbane attacks, which occurred twice, a month apart, both on the night of the full moon.

He noted that his recovery from the second attack was significantly faster than the first, leading him to suspect that Chou Qingli's blood had played a role. Yinzi, upon hearing Chou Qingli's name, excitedly suggested that Chou Qingli harbored feelings for Lv Ao and could not have inflicted the wugs upon him. Lv Ao, however, chose not to engage further and dismissed Yinzi’s comments.

Determined to deliver the box to Lv Ao, Chou Qingli decided to escape from the heavily guarded West Yard. She stole a delivery boy named Baozi's uniform and boldly walked out. Back in the West Yard, Aunt Zhao discovered the stripped and tied-up Baozi. Mistaking him for someone trying to harm Chou Qingli, she chased after him. When the West Yard's head maids intervened and removed the gag from Baozi's mouth, he explained that Chou Qingli had taken his clothes.

Realizing Chou Qingli had escaped, the maids immediately launched a search. Lv Ao spoke with Heng, his shadow guard, emphasizing that Chou Qingli must not learn certain information. He acknowledged Heng's excellent service and explained that he had placed Heng in Chou Qingli's residence because the Marquis of North, Chou Qingli's father, held significant military power, and Lv Ao had to be cautious.

Heng, however, expressed confusion, noting that Chou Qingli, after regaining her lucidity, appeared to be a kind person despite her sometimes erratic behavior. She questioned why Lv Ao would still seek to eliminate her, even orchestrating a plan through Consort Ling and feigning a wug attack to frame her, only to then show immense worry after each incident. Unbeknownst to them, Chou Qingli overheard this part of the conversation.

Heartbroken and overwhelmed by the revelation that her suffering was orchestrated by Lv Ao, she turned and walked away into the pouring rain. After she left, Lv Ao revealed to Heng that during a full moon night, Chou Qingli had "seen something inappropriate," and he had initially believed he could remain ruthless. He confessed, "Now, I regret. I'm afraid I fell in love with her."

Meanwhile, Chou Qingli wept in the rain, tormented by the thought that Lv Ao had done so much to make her fall in love with him, only to treat her so cruelly. As the weather turned colder, Lv Ao subtly prompted Yinzi to ensure the West Yard received enough blankets, implicitly showing his concern for Chou Qingli. Meanwhile, the West Yard maids frantically searched for Chou Qingli, fearful of punishment if her absence were discovered.

Yinzi arrived at the West Yard with the blankets and attempted to inquire about Chou Qingli, but Mother Chang and Mother Gui, the head maids, lied, claiming Chou Qingli was already asleep. They then tried to bribe Yinzi for information about Lv Ao’s intentions, but Yinzi warned them against prying into forbidden matters. Luo Jiuchen found Qiqi crouching in the rain and offered her shelter in his Armillary Pavilion.

However, Qiqi, believing him to be allied with Lv Ao and thus a liar, refused his offer. Luo Jiuchen tried to comfort her, stating that she and Lv Ao were a "great match," and although Lv Ao was cold, Qiqi's warmth would melt him. He prophesied that their path, though winding, would ultimately lead them together. Yet, Qiqi was too distraught to heed his words.

Qiqi eventually returned to the West Yard, where the maids, led by Mother Chang, attempted to punish her with a whip for her unauthorized absence. Aunt Zhao immediately rushed forward, shielding Qiqi from the blows. However, the maids mercilessly continued to beat both of them. One maid questioned Mother Chang about Aunt Zhao's past as Consort Yin's maid, but Mother Chang dismissed it, believing Aunt Zhao's mental state would prevent her from remembering anything.

As the beating continued, Aunt Zhao cried out, protecting Qiqi and mistakenly referring to her as Consort Yin. Luo Jiuchen, upon learning of Chou Qingli's plight, immediately informed Lv Ao. Lv Ao rushed to the West Yard, where he found Chou Qingli severely battered and barely conscious. He moved to take her away, but Qiqi, believing he was playing a "martyrdom trick" and still trying to manipulate her, snatched his sword and stabbed him. Lv Ao did not dodge.

Qiqi, realizing that Lv Ao's death would plunge Yiqi into chaos and she couldn't be the cause, stopped the attack. She then turned the sword on herself, threatening suicide if Lv Ao did not leave. Lv Ao, seeing her desperation, consented and left, but not before ordering the immediate arrest and severe punishment of the cruel maids, specifically demanding the hand that wielded the whip be chopped off.

Later, Aunt Zhao, in a moment of clarity, tended to Qiqi's wounds and urged her to return to Lv Ao, assuring her that he truly loved her and was different from the late King. Qiqi, however, adamantly refused. Lv Che's mother, Consort Dowager, observed that Lv Che had been uncharacteristically frequenting various clan relatives in the city, sensing a change in his demeanor. Lv Ao remained deeply concerned about Chou Qingli, who refused medical treatment.

He expressed his desire to visit her personally, but Yinzi respectfully dissuaded him, reminding him that such repeated visits to the West Yard would violate palace rules and might further upset Chou Qingli, especially after their contentious encounter that morning. Lv Ao, while acknowledging her physical strength, worried about her healing. That night, an assassin named Sai Jin, sent by the Beicang Prince, attempted to kill Chou Qingli in the West Yard.

Fortunately, Chou Qingli was alert and not in her bed, successfully capturing the assassin. Upon hearing of the danger to Chou Qingli, Lv Ao prepared to clear her name and bring her out of the West Yard immediately. However, his plans were abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Consort Dowager.

Episode 14 Recap

Lv Ao was agitated, fearing for Qiqi’s life after she was nearly killed. He lamented his own scheme that had put Qiqi in danger. Although he had initially intended to clear her name before releasing her, the recent attempt on her life made him realize he could no longer wait. Just then, Consort Dowager Gao arrived, requesting to speak with Lv Ao about the Ugly Lady.

Consort Dowager Gao presented Lv Ao with a signed confession from Li'niang, where she admitted to using gu to frame the Ugly Lady. When Lv Ao inquired about Li'niang’s whereabouts, Consort Dowager Gao revealed that Li'niang had committed suicide due to her crime. Consort Dowager Gao then suggested that since Li'niang was dead, further punishment was futile. Instead, to exonerate the Ugly Lady, who had been unjustly sent to the West Yard, Li'niang’s crime should be publicly announced.

She had already prepared an edict to ensure the Ugly Lady’s honorable return. Lv Ao agreed, though he was suspicious of Consort Dowager Gao's sudden eagerness to assist, believing she had ulterior motives. Lv Ao expressed his doubts to Yinzi, recalling how Qiqi had previously rejected his offer to take her from the West Yard. He worried she might defy Consort Dowager Gao’s edict, which would provoke the Consort Dowager to cause trouble.

Yinzi, however, confidently assured Lv Ao that he knew a way to convince the Ugly Lady to leave the West Yard. Yinzi sought out Lian Qiao in the kitchen. Lian Qiao, upset that His Majesty had not trusted Qiqi, wished to see Lv Ao to plead Qiqi’s case. Yinzi said he couldn't arrange that, but shared the good news that Lv Ao intended to bring the Ugly Lady back. Lian Qiao was thrilled.

Meanwhile, an official arrived at the West Yard to announce Consort Dowager Gao's edict, but Qiqi declared that she did not wish to leave. Lian Qiao and Yinzi then rushed in. Seeing Qiqi, Lian Qiao was heartbroken by her thinness and insisted on staying with her in the West Yard if Qiqi refused to leave.

Yinzi quickly intervened, fabricating a story about how Lian Qiao had suffered terribly since Qiqi’s incarceration, becoming a masterless servant, bullied, deprived of necessities, and even beaten, showing a superficial burn mark on Lian Qiao’s hand as proof. Yinzi further claimed that if Qiqi did not return to Tide Yard, Lian Qiao and the other servants would be reassigned by Consort Ling, implying a much worse fate.

Qiqi, deeply moved by Lian Qiao’s supposed plight, agreed to accept the edict to protect her loyal maid from Consort Ling’s cruelty. Before leaving, Qiqi approached Aunt Zhao, asking her to come along to her yard and live out her days in peace. Aunt Zhao, however, became agitated and pretended to be mad, accusing Qiqi of trying to harm her or the late Consort Yin. She forcefully pushed Qiqi out of her room.

Understanding Aunt Zhao's distress, Qiqi promised to return and visit her in the future. As Qiqi exited the West Yard, she was met by a grand procession, with Wei Xun waiting. Bystanders remarked on the Ugly Lady’s apparent favor. Qiqi entered the waiting sedan, only to find Lv Ao already inside. She tried to exit, but Lv Ao ordered the sedan to move.

Inside, they bickered over the speed of the sedan, with Qiqi demanding haste and Lv Ao insisting on a slower pace. Qiqi called him a "Tyrant," and they began to scuffle, much to the embarrassment of the sedan bearers. Meanwhile, Consort Ling saw the elaborate sedan and, assuming it only carried Qiqi, was annoyed by her audacious return. She halted the sedan, declaring her intent to greet her "sister" and teach her proper palace hierarchy and etiquette.

With a flourish, she pulled open the sedan curtain, only to be utterly shocked to find Lv Ao seated inside. Lv Ao sternly rebuked her, and she immediately fell to her knees, apologizing profusely and claiming she was merely joking with Qiqi. Lv Ao dismissed her, and the sedan continued its journey. Upon arriving at her chambers, Qiqi quickly slipped inside, avoiding Heng, and locked Lv Ao out.

Yinzi tried to soothe the frustrated Lv Ao, explaining that Qiqi's anger was understandable given her recent suffering in the West Yard. Lv Ao reluctantly left, but not before discreetly instructing Heng to protect Qiqi and ensure her safety. From inside, Qiqi observed Lv Ao speaking intently with Heng and immediately suspected they were conspiring against her again. She warned Lian Qiao to keep her distance from Heng and to trust no one.

Wei Xun reported his findings from his investigation of the West Yard to Lv Ao. He revealed that Mother Gui's handkerchief bore the same embroidery pattern as the one tainted with Spica Prunellae found in the kitchen, though Mother Gui's had no scent. He deduced that Mother Gui, who had served Consort Dowager Gao before being assigned to the West Yard, likely received the handkerchief from the Consort Dowager.

Wei Xun believed Mother Gui herself was not involved in the Spica Prunellae incident. Lv Ao cautioned against alerting anyone, instructing Wei Xun to instead deploy more Shadow Guards to monitor Consort Dowager Gao’s movements. Lv Ao, uncharacteristically attentive to his appearance, prepared a welcoming feast for Qiqi. He waited impatiently, but as evening turned to night with no sign of her, he sent Yinzi to urge her to come.

Yinzi arrived at Qiqi's chambers, where Lian Qiao informed him that Qiqi was "not in a good mood" and would not be attending. Later, Heng brought Qiqi a bowl of Almond and Walnut Soup. Qiqi, however, was cold and aloof, telling Heng to place the soup on the table and refusing her offer to help her change, preferring Lian Qiao's assistance instead.

Frustrated by Qiqi's intentional snub, Lv Ao resolved to practice his swordsmanship and summoned Wei Xun to be his sparring partner, despite the late hour. The next morning, Qiqi discovered her wounds had healed miraculously fast. She questioned Lian Qiao, who confirmed this rapid healing was a recent phenomenon. Qiqi realized her extraordinary healing ability began after she "became" Chou Qingli. Shortly after, Consort Dowager Gao arrived to visit. Qiqi, still feigning illness, thanked her for clearing her name. Consort Dowager Gao reassured Qiqi, stating she had always believed Qiqi was innocent and reiterated that Li'niang had confessed to her crimes and subsequently committed suicide.

Episode 15 Recap

Lv Ao was furious, realizing that the woman he loved, the Ugly Lady Qiqi, had been targeted and almost killed. He took responsibility for placing Qiqi in danger by setting a trap, but noted he had intended to reverse the case and release her. However, someone's haste to eliminate her meant he could no longer delay.

Consort Dowager Gao unexpectedly arrived and informed Lv Ao that Li'niang had confessed in writing to using wugs to frame the Ugly Lady and had since committed suicide for her crime. Consort Dowager Gao advised Lv Ao that since Li'niang was dead, further punishment was unnecessary. She urged him to announce Li'niang's crime promptly to clear the Ugly Lady's name and allow her an honorable return from the West Yard. Lv Ao agreed to this arrangement.

Yinzi later commented on Consort Dowager Gao's timely intervention, which ensured Qiqi could leave the West Yard without suspicion. He speculated Consort Dowager Gao might be seeking reconciliation with Lv Ao. However, Lv Ao worried that if Qiqi had defied his earlier orders, she might disrespect Consort Dowager Gao, potentially creating further complications. Qiqi received news that Li'niang had confessed and committed suicide.

Knowing Lv Ao was the real culprit, she became certain that he was ruthless enough to sacrifice his own consort. Consort Dowager Gao summoned the physician Fang Baicao to examine Qiqi. Fang Baicao declared Qiqi to be in excellent health, even stronger than most people. Later, while walking with Consort Dowager Gao, Qiqi became lost in thought, recalling conversations with her master in her hometown.

Sensing Qiqi's pensive mood, Consort Dowager Gao assumed she was missing her old friends after marrying so far from home and offered to be her "mountain of support." Qiqi, misunderstanding the term, declared she was grown up enough to protect herself. Lv Che approached and greeted them. Consort Dowager Gao, claiming tiredness, left the two alone. Qiqi attempted to leave, but Lv Che stopped her. Not wanting to get entangled with him, Qiqi made an excuse and departed.

Consort Dowager Gao, frustrated by Qiqi's apparent lack of understanding of her attempt to win her over, felt that Qiqi was being unappreciative. Later, Lv Ao tried to visit Qiqi, but she refused, citing an inauspicious day from the almanac, and sent him a letter. Inside, Lv Ao found a drawing of an egg rolling down stairs—a pun for "get lost." Enraged, he stormed into Qiqi's chamber, only to discover she had escaped through the window.

Furious, Lv Ao declared that he would never step foot in Ranxi Court again. Meanwhile, Qiqi noticed Consort Ling's maid, Fudong, kneeling weakly under the blazing sun. Fudong explained she was being punished for accidentally breaking Consort Ling's cup. Qiqi offered her water and some healing ointment. Yinzi, aware of Lv Ao's desire to see Qiqi but his reluctance, suggested Lv Ao take the initiative and give Qiqi "a step down" to improve her disposition. Lv Ao agreed.

Yinzi advised him to smile and speak gently, but Lv Ao insisted his voice was naturally stern. Yinzi then proposed a role-play, with Lv Ao acting as Qiqi and Yinzi as His Majesty, to demonstrate a softer approach. A passing eunuch, sweeping the courtyard, was terrified when he saw Yinzi seemingly about to "kiss" Lv Ao during the role-play and quickly fled, claiming he saw nothing. Qiqi encountered Lv Che again and tried to avoid him.

She told him she was going to visit Consort Dowager Gao, and Lv Che, also intending to go, suggested they first go to the Lakeside Pavilion to retrieve a painting for his mother. At the pavilion, Qiqi noticed the fish in the painting lacked eyes. Lv Che invited Qiqi to paint them. Just as Lv Ao passed by, Lv Che, noticing his presence, deliberately took Qiqi's hand to guide her. Enraged, Lv Ao struck Lv Che down.

Qiqi helped Lv Che to his feet. Lv Ao ordered her never to see Lv Che again and threw the painting into the lake. Qiqi, declaring her hatred for Lv Ao, pushed him aside. That night, Lv Ao vented his anger by practicing sword fighting. Lv Che came to confess, admitting he had developed feelings for Qiqi but had abandoned them, knowing her heart belonged to Lv Ao.

He then claimed to have found his destined partner, Chief Governor Zuo's daughter, and requested Lv Ao's blessing for their marriage, as her father was not entirely satisfied. Lv Ao immediately granted his wish. After leaving, Lv Che discarded an embroidered pouch he had falsely claimed was from his beloved, revealing his deception. Rumors spread throughout the palace that Consort Ling had been afflicted with a wug curse, with many suspecting Lady Li had been a mere scapegoat.

Qiqi knew this new incident was directed at her and, hiding her intentions from Heng, prepared to thoroughly check all the jars and containers in Ranxi Court. At that moment, Fudong, the maid Qiqi had previously helped, arrived to visit. Lian Qiao informed Lv Ao that Qiqi wanted to see him and had a "show" planned. Lv Ao, secretly thrilled, feigned nonchalance.

He then went to Ranxi Court, where he was surprised to find Consort Dowager Gao already present, as Qiqi had invited them both. They hid, and soon a person snuck in and planted wugs near Qiqi's bed. Heng immediately apprehended the culprit, who, under interrogation by Lv Ao, confessed to being sent by Consort Ling to frame the Ugly Lady. The next day, Consort Ling denied her involvement, but Qiqi brought Fudong forward as a witness, who corroborated the accusations. Consort Ling, unable to refute the evidence, was sent home to reflect, forbidden from returning to the palace without a royal summons.

Episode 16 Recap

Ling, the Princess of Beicang, secretly travels to Yi Qi to find her brother, Prince Jie. He cryptically states that Yi Qi will soon be his. Ling, who admires His Majesty Lv Ao, warns Jie not to kill him. Jie reveals that Lv Ao is poisoned with wolfsbane and thus under his control. He promises not to kill Lv Ao but vows to cripple him after sacking the city for Ling to "play" with.

Displeased, Ling decides to explore on her own, accompanied by her bodyguards, Hei Yun and Hei Yu. The trio visits a tavern where San Floral is also dining. Ling, having had too much to drink, becomes curious about a man wearing a white veil at a nearby table. She offers him a piece of meat in exchange for a look at his face, then tries to lift his veil. A fight ensues.

San Floral uses the distraction to release a poisonous smoke bomb and escape. The veiled man pulls Ling to safety, and in the process, she gets a glimpse of his exceedingly handsome face and is instantly captivated. Meanwhile, Lv Ao tries to visit Qiqi, but she ignores him by pretending to be asleep. Later, Lv Che joins Lv Ao for a drink, sensing his brother's distress over Qiqi.

Though still wary of their relationship, Lv Ao reassures Lv Che that he believes nothing improper is happening between them and promises to attend his wedding. That night, a drunken Lv Ao finds his way into Qiqi's bed. He embraces her and tells her to take her revenge now if she wishes. Qiqi seizes the opportunity, leaving his face covered in scratches and bruises. Still struggling to win her back, Lv Ao takes Yinzi's advice to create a romantic surprise.

Although he initially scoffs at the idea as childish, he spends all night carving small wooden dolls in Qiqi's likeness. The next day, Qiqi discovers a trail of these dolls leading her under a tree, where Lv Ao makes a grand entrance amid a shower of flower petals. However, Qiqi is unmoved. She throws the dolls into the water, declaring that she is no longer the same Chou Qingli and cannot be won over so easily.

Consort Ling returns to the palace only to be slapped across the face by her father, the Old Prince Ling. He chastises her for disgracing their family and recognizes that Lv Ao's punishment was a veiled attempt to undermine his military authority. Determined not to yield, he decides to personally escort his daughter back to the Ling household, showcasing the might of the Ling Family's Army to Lv Ao.

Upon hearing of the massive army presence outside Yi Qi, the Prince of Beicang, Jie, notes with satisfaction that his objective of framing Consort Ling to force her out of the palace has been achieved. On the road, the Old Prince Ling's procession encounters Ling and her guards. After realizing they do not recognize the local currency, he orders their capture. A skirmish ensues.

Amidst the chaos, Consort Ling, who had stepped out to investigate the commotion, is seized and abducted by Ling. San Floral, witnessing the entire event from a hidden vantage point, recognizes Consort Ling's identity.

Episode 17 Recap

Consort Ling woke up to find herself imprisoned, too scared to speak. Ling learned that the person in front of her was Lv Ao's consort. Seeing that Ling knew Lv Ao, Consort Ling called her a barbarian lowlife and said Lv Ao must have forgotten her long ago. Ling slapped her. Consort Ling tried to fight back but was no match for Ling and even got her arm cut.

Hei Yun and Hei Yu intended to silence her, but Ling couldn't bring herself to do it. At this moment, San Floral suddenly burst in, fired poison darts, and took Consort Ling away. San Floral returned Consort Ling to the General's tent. She introduced herself as Wuyou. General Ling wanted to reward her, but San Floral claimed she was not after money and should leave since she had safely returned the Consort.

Consort Ling saw that San Floral had some martial skills and offered to take her back to the Prince's mansion. San Floral immediately agreed. At night, San Floral asked the Consort to talk about things in the mansion. Consort Ling then spoke about His Majesty and the people around him. The next day, Consort Ling encountered Jie, the Beicang Tribe Prince, while picking flowers. It turned out they had known each other for a long time.

Fifteen years ago, Jie was trapped in a hunting net, and Ling Qiansi passed by, finding someone to rescue him. Since then, Jie had never forgotten Ling Qiansi. Consort Ling was very angry to learn that the woman who hurt her yesterday was Jie's sister, and told him to leave immediately. Jie had long been in love with Ling Qiansi at first sight and wanted Ling Qiansi to go with him.

As they argued, San Floral appeared in time, used witchcraft, and both she and Ling Qiansi fell off a cliff. The Prince found Ling Qiansi still alive by the riverbank and took her back to his camp, telling her to recuperate safely. Jie told her that he had already poisoned Lv Ao with wolfsbane, and once it took effect, he could take Lv Ao's life.

Ling Qiansi voluntarily offered to go into the mansion as an informant, working in concert with Jie. Jie initially did not want his beloved to take risks, but Ling Qiansi insisted that Jie's word was enough. Meanwhile, San Floral's body was discovered by General Ling's subordinates. General Ling led his troops, wanting to enter the city but was stopped by guards. General Ling ignored the warning and insisted on bringing weapons.

Lv Ao learned of this and secretly informed Wei Xun on how to respond. Lv Ao recalled that since he crowned himself king, he had never dared to slack off in military strength, and today was a good opportunity to test General Ling. General Ling successfully entered the city, but a large number of troops suddenly appeared on the city walls; it turned out they had been ambushed. General Ling claimed he was bringing his daughter to apologize.

Wei Xun appeared on the city tower, pointing out his suspicion of rebellion, stating that only by surrendering half of his troops could he exchange for the Consort's return to the city, and also informed him that the soldiers stationed outside the city had been controlled. Seeing no chance of victory, General Ling had no choice but to say that he had originally planned to surrender half of his troops.

His subordinate declared that he would follow the General to his death, but was killed by Wei Xun as soon as the words left his mouth. General Ling left helplessly. Inside the sedan chair, Consort Ling made up her mind to deal with Lv Ao properly from now on. It turned out that San Floral had used her witchcraft power to transform into Consort Ling, and the real Consort Ling had already been killed.

Inside the Armillary Pavilion, Luo Jiuchen discovered that the Three Kings Stars had appeared, indicating that the world was about to fall into chaos. After Ling Qiansi returned to the mansion, her title of Consort was revoked, and she became Concubine Ling. Qiqi learned that Concubine Ling had returned and thought that Lv Ao was two-faced, allowing the person who tried to harm her to return to the palace.

Lv Ao brought Qiqi handmade gifts, but none of them pleased Qiqi. Lv Ao said he would come every day and that he had never failed to get what he wanted. But Qiqi didn't buy into his approach and angrily threw the gifts away. A maid told Concubine Ling that while she was away, Lv Ao went to the Ugly Lady's residence every day. The maid expected Concubine Ling to fly into a rage, but she didn't care.

Instead, she asked if there was a woman named Lan Yu in the mansion, but the maids did not know her. Years ago, Lan Yu discovered San Floral's mother secretly learning Dark Witch Power and was pushed off a cliff by San Floral's mother. San Floral was determined to find Lan Yu in Yiqi. Lv Ao asked Yinzi how to provoke a woman who was impervious to both soft and hard tactics. Yinzi replied that the best way to provoke her was to ignore her, letting her know the taste of loss.

Episode 18 Recap

After her return to the palace, maids find Consort Ling's tastes have changed, noting she now dislikes her formerly favorite pastries. Her changed demeanor is interrupted when King Lv Ao summons her to join him for a bath at Yunting Pool. When Mi Qiqi learns of the summons, she grows jealous but tries to hide it. Soon after, while having tea with the Consort Dowager, Qiqi herself is summoned to attend to the King at the pool.

The Consort Dowager advises her to go, suggesting the situation might not be what it seems. Elsewhere, the disgruntled General Ling, stripped of his military authority, drunkenly boasts about overthrowing the king. His tirade is cut short when masked assassins kill his men and attack him. He is rescued by Lv Che, who tends to his wounds and further fuels his resentment by lamenting how a man of his talents is wasted under Lv Ao.

Finding a token belonging to Wei Xun's guards, General Ling becomes convinced that Lv Ao ordered the hit, falling for Lv Che's manipulation. The tension escalates at Yunting Pool. Qiqi is infuriated as Lv Ao openly favors Consort Ling, who is secretly the Wu sorceress Sanshenghua in disguise. When Qiqi tries to stand between them, Lv Ao dismisses her.

Consort Ling, hoping to charm the king, offers to perform a sword dance with his Yinxue sword but finds herself unable to draw it. In retaliation for Lv Ao's behavior, Qiqi splashes Consort Ling with cold water, only to be pulled into the pool herself. A panicked Lv Ao immediately rescues her, revealing his true concern. The encounter deepens Sanshenghua's suspicion, as she notes Qiqi's resemblance to her junior sister.

Blocked from seeing Qiqi later, Lv Ao tries to appease her by personally catching cicadas when she complains about the noise. Meanwhile, Consort Ling's suspicion about Qiqi's identity grows after hearing that she has changed since her "resurrection." She organizes a lake outing to test her, forcing Qiqi to attend by threatening her maid. At the gathering, Consort Ling fails to bait Qiqi into using her now-nonexistent Wu power.

However, Qiqi inadvertently exposes her familiarity with the Wu clan's written language during a word game. As Lv Ao arrives, Sanshenghua uses her power to make him fall into the lake. Qiqi watches in alarm, but Lv Ao emerges from the water and gives her a passionate kiss in front of all the other consorts, declaring he wants everyone to see.

Episode 19 Recap

After saving Qiqi from falling into the water, Lv Ao entered her room and embraced her from behind, telling her there was no need to be shy, as she was his concubine and there was no question of harassment between them. He then pushed her onto the bed, asking if she knew her mistake. Qiqi tried to push him away, asking what he was doing and to let her go.

Lv Ao pulled her closer, warning her not to leave him to meet others again. Qiqi retorted, asking if he was allowed to bathe with others while she couldn't meet anyone, calling him bossy. Lv Ao declared he was indeed bossy and that everything about her belonged to him. Feeling exhausted from the day's events, Lv Ao held her close as they fell asleep.

Qiqi, recalling that he had jumped into the water to save her, decided to forgive him for the moment. The next morning, Qiqi discovered Lv Ao had a high fever and immediately asked Lian Qiao to summon a medical officer. However, Lv Ao stopped her. He was concerned that news of his illness, which occurred after saving her and staying in her chambers, would harm Qiqi's reputation.

People might say she was negligent in her care or, worse, that she had deliberately plotted against the king. Lv Ao assured her he would be fine as long as she stayed by his side and asked her not to leave him. Qiqi observed how the usually domineering Lv Ao now resembled a child needing comfort, and a feeling of affection blossomed in her heart.

While Qiqi went to prepare medicine, Lv Ao opened his eyes, revealing his illness might not be as severe as he let on. Later, Qiqi returned with medicine, only to overhear Lv Ao conversing with Heng. He expressed satisfaction that the Ugly Lady had recently declined invitations from the Consort Dowager and instructed Heng to continue monitoring her. Hearing this, Qiqi poured out the medicine she had prepared.

She then entered the room, checked Lv Ao's forehead to confirm his fever was gone, and told him to leave. Lv Ao advised her not to trust the Consort Dowager too much, but Qiqi countered that her repeated brushes with death were a result of trusting Lv Ao himself. She listed the wrongs he had committed against her, including using Ling Qiansi's jealousy, framing her with poisonous wugs, and imprisoning her in the West Yard.

Lv Ao admitted his past actions were due to excessive caution, explaining that as the King of Yiqi, he couldn't trust anyone. Qiqi accused him of still trying to justify his actions and of planting a spy in her yard to monitor her. She threw him out of the room, vowing never to see him again, stating that she would not love him to the point of losing her dignity, and that she held grudges.

Meanwhile, Lv Che visited the governor's mansion, detecting the presence of spies. He discussed marriage with Governor Zuo, who introduced his daughter, Yu Huan, a skilled zither player. Lv Che, sensing the danger, informed Governor Zuo they would need to find a new, safer location for their future discussions. Elsewhere, Ling, accompanied by her guards, overheard people in an inn discussing the miraculous Cishou Temple, especially its efficacy in granting marriage wishes. Intrigued, she rushed off to the temple.

Meanwhile, Ling Qiansi visited Qiqi. When told Qiqi was unwell and resting, Ling Qiansi, believing it was a deliberate snub, ordered her servant Lian Qiao to be beaten. This forced Qiqi to come out and confront her. Ling Qiansi then feigned concern and commented on the unusual red jade Qiqi wore around her neck. Later, Ling Qiansi brought bird's nest soup to Lv Ao, suggesting they visit Cishou Temple to pray for children for the royal concubines.

Lv Ao initially declined, but Yinzi subtly mentioned the temple's reputation for granting marriage wishes, suggesting Lv Ao take the Ugly Lady there to reconcile. Lv Ao then readily agreed. Ling arrived at Cishou Temple, only to find it closed to pilgrims. Undeterred, she found a side path to enter and discovered Lv Ao was also there. The abbot invited Lv Ao to the hall for a discussion.

Lv Ao suggested Qiqi join him, but she refused, citing tiredness and a desire to return early. Annoyed, Lv Ao let her leave. Unbeknownst to them, Ling Qiansi had bribed the sedan bearers to take Qiqi along a different, remote path. Qiqi contemplated escaping, realizing the secluded area was perfect for a getaway. However, she remembered Lan Yu's unfinished last wish and decided against it. Suddenly, the bearers, revealed to be assassins, attacked Qiqi.

Heng, who had been secretly protecting Qiqi, intervened and fought them but was quickly overwhelmed and severely wounded. Just as Qiqi was in grave danger, her senior brother, Wu Ji, arrived and rescued her. Lv Ao and his men then appeared. Qiqi, wanting to protect Wu Ji's identity, urged him to leave quickly. Before departing, Wu Ji warned her to be careful as San Floral had arrived in Yiqi.

Wishing to conceal her involvement, San Floral secretly used her Wu power to kill the remaining assassins. Seeing Heng's severe injuries, Qiqi offered her sedan for Heng to be transported back to the palace. Lv Ao then scooped up Qiqi, insisting she return with him. Ling, having followed Wu Ji, confronted him and accused him of having an illicit affair with the king's concubine, Qiqi. Wu Ji denied it, explaining they were merely old acquaintances.

Ling threatened to expose him to Lv Ao, warning that Qiqi would be beheaded if Lv Ao discovered the truth. Wu Ji then placed a Bond Bell on Ling's wrist, which she found she could not remove, nor could she leave, as if bound by an invisible force. Back at the palace, Qiqi personally tended to Heng.

Noticing Qiqi's exhaustion, Lv Ao instructed Yinzi to deliver a bowl of tranquilizing soup to her, specifically adding that Qiqi should not know it was from him, otherwise she would refuse to drink it.

Episode 20 Recap

Wei Xun reported to Lv Ao that his investigation revealed the four bearers were not from the palace or connected to the temple, and there were no other clues in the surrounding area. Lv Ao concluded that the assassination attempt on Qiqi was a long-planned scheme. He believed the culprit was someone whose interests were threatened by Qiqi.

He ordered Wei Xun to thoroughly investigate everyone who was on the trip, specifically looking for anyone who left the group midway or had contact with the bearers. Wei Xun also reported that he had previously followed Lv Che to General Zuo's residence, where Lv Che seemed to be discussing marriage with General Zuo and his daughter, Yu Huan. Lv Ao dismissed this, saying, "That's not necessarily the case." Meanwhile, Lv Che angrily confronted General Zuo, demanding faster progress.

General Zuo explained that the court was under close scrutiny, and trustworthy individuals were scarce. Yu Huan, General Zuo's daughter, overheard this and asked her father if Lv Che was causing him trouble. Lv Che then told Yu Huan to stay out of his affairs and reiterated to General Zuo that he expected things to be handled diligently and swiftly, promising to take care of Yu Huan only if General Zuo fulfilled his part.

Lv Che then announced that he and Yu Huan would marry on the 15th of the current month, an auspicious day. General Zuo assured Lv Che he would take care of Yu Huan. Yu Huan, seeing her father's distress, offered to call off the marriage, but General Zuo told her it was none of her concern.

He confided in her that he was deeply committed to Lv Che's cause and could not easily withdraw unless their "boat is about to capsize." Confined in a room, Ling tried to escape but realized a magical restraint restricted her movement to within ten meters of Wu Ji. She recognized this as Witch Power and identified Wu Ji as being from the Witch Tribe.

She held a knife to him, threatening to remove the Witch Power by killing him, but Wu Ji remained still, knowing she wouldn't go through with it. He also assured her he could have avoided the blow if she hadn't stopped. Ling pleaded with Wu Ji to let her go, promising not to betray them.

However, Wu Ji refused, stating that her freedom was tied to Qiqi's safety and that she would have to stay with him for a while, a duration he wouldn't specify, nor would he allow her to send a message to her brother. Ling, frustrated, warned him not to regret keeping her. Wu Ji brought her a bowl of plain vegetarian noodles, which Ling found incredibly boring, complaining that eating should be an enjoyment, not just for hunger.

She asked what he ate, and he showed her fruits, confirming her impression of him as dull and uninteresting. Despite her disdain and declarations of rather starving, she eventually ate the noodles, noting they were cold. Still hungry, she asked for another bowl, but Wu Ji said there was none. She then asked to go hunting for wild game, but Wu Ji again refused, insisting she adapt to his habits since she was with him.

Ling retorted that she was a maverick and disliked conforming to others, to which Wu Ji simply replied, "Whatever." After two days of Qiqi's devoted care, Ah Heng finally woke up. Qiqi expressed her relief, admitting that two days ago she wished never to see Ah Heng again, but now she feared Ah Heng wouldn't wake up. Ah Heng, sensing Qiqi was still angry with His Majesty Lv Ao, spoke on his behalf, asserting that Lv Ao truly loved her.

She explained that Lv Ao had been forced to confine Qiqi to the West Yard, but he had secretly visited her many times when she was struggling, returning disturbed for days afterward. Ah Heng then revealed that after Qiqi left the West Yard, Lv Ao’s directive to her changed: her new mission was to protect Qiqi and ensure she faced no more danger.

Although Qiqi initially thought Lv Ao would always try to harm her, she reflected on Ah Heng’s words, concluding that perhaps everyone had their own hardships, and she quietly forgave Lv Ao in her heart. Meanwhile, Lv Ao stood in the courtyard, feeling immense guilt. He believed the attack on Qiqi and Ah Heng was his fault for having argued with Qiqi and letting her return alone.

He felt that Qiqi was wholly focused on Ah Heng and that his presence would only add to her distress, so he decided not to enter the room. He instructed Yinzi to stay and assist Qiqi and Ah Heng, but specifically ordered him not to reveal his visit, knowing Qiqi wouldn't appreciate his concern if she knew it came from him. After the doctor assured Qiqi that Ah Heng's condition was stable and improving, Qiqi was relieved.

She inquired about Lv Ao's earlier presence, learning from the doctor that he had been in the courtyard but didn't enter. Qiqi wondered why he wouldn't come in. The doctor then advised Qiqi to rest and eat to recover her strength, as she appeared weak. Lian Qiao brought Qiqi a bowl of porridge, but Qiqi, lacking appetite, tried to get Lian Qiao to drink it instead.

At that moment, Yinzi appeared, claiming he was there to meet Lian Qiao for dinner. The doctor then pointed out that the porridge contained medicinal herbs, describing its calming and nourishing properties, which piqued Qiqi's suspicion. She pressed Lian Qiao, who reluctantly admitted she only "asked about it" at the Royal Academy of Medicine, confirming Qiqi's realization that Lv Ao had sent it. Qiqi, despite Yinzi's plea, initially refused, suspecting it might be poisoned.

Yinzi assured her it was safe, as he had tested it. Eventually, Qiqi relented and drank the porridge. Later, Yinzi and Lian Qiao were chatting in the palace. Yinzi offered Lian Qiao some durian cake, remarking that he envied her ability to express emotions freely, crying and laughing as she pleased, unlike himself. He noted that Qiqi, the Ugly Lady, treated her servants well, doting on them, but frequently quarreled with Lv Ao.

Lian Qiao retorted that the blame lay squarely with Lv Ao. Both servants staunchly defended their respective masters, escalating into a heated argument about whose fault it was for the royal couple's disputes, with each insisting their master was blameless. Ling persuaded Wu Ji to take her to the country fair. While there, Wu Ji subtly showed a portrait, asking vendors if they had seen the woman, concerned that if she found Qiqi, it would be "terrible."

Ling noticed this and teased him about having "old flames" (including Qiqi) and new interests, but Wu Ji clarified that Qiqi was merely an old acquaintance and warned Ling that her loud exclamations could cause trouble for Qiqi. Ling eventually agreed to only use her mouth to eat and asked him to pay for a roast chicken she had requested. While Ling was captivated by a street performer, a young boy named Douzi secretly stole the roast chicken from her.

Ling chased him down, confronting him, and he confessed that his mother hadn't eaten for days and he stole the chicken for her. Ling initially disbelieved him, thinking he was lying, but upon following him home, she discovered their impoverished reality. Douzi's mother, despite their dire situation, offered Ling the last of their beans as a gesture of hospitality. Moved by their plight, Ling left the roast chicken for them and resolved to help.

She then started performing street tricks herself to raise money for them. In the midst of her performance, Wu Ji abruptly pulled her away. After returning, Ling felt unwell and vomited due to the variety of food she had eaten at the market. Wu Ji attended to her, reminding her about the importance of restraining desires. Seeing her clothes were soiled, he handed her a set of his own clothes and stepped out to allow her privacy.

Ling was surprised by his thoughtful gesture, perceiving a caring nature beneath his usual reserved exterior. She noted that the clothes had a faint scent of medicinal herbs. Wu Ji then prepared a bowl of stomach-nourishing porridge for her, advising her to eat bland food for a few days. Ling admitted that she was actually happy staying with him. Wu Ji promised to set her free soon, to which Ling felt a twinge of reluctance.

Ling then asked for rouge and powder from Yiqi, as she had never used it, and Wu Ji agreed. Yinzi arrived to report to Lv Ao, first apologizing for his earlier "improper etiquette" and offering to accept punishment, but Lv Ao urged him to speak. Yinzi reported that Ah Heng had woken up and was recovering well, and Qiqi was very happy, having had a long talk with Ah Heng.

Qiqi had asked Yinzi to invite Lv Ao to meet her at Gong Lake. Lv Ao acknowledged the message and, before dismissing Yinzi, asked about Qiqi's expression when she gave the message—was she happy or angry? Yinzi replied that she had "no expression," but after some thought, he added that Lian Qiao observed Qiqi was not angry, just "a bit worried."

Yinzi encouraged Lv Ao, assuring him that his relationship with Qiqi couldn't get any worse and that there was significant room for improvement. He advised Lv Ao to be honest during their meeting, emphasizing that their reconciliation hinged on this encounter.

Episode 21 Recap

At the lakeside, Mi Qiqi confronts Lv Ao, asking him to answer her questions truthfully. When she asks if he ever wanted to kill her, Lv Ao admits that he did in the past but asks her to trust the man he is now. He confesses that as a child hostage in Bei Cang, he was forced to ingest wolf poison. To protect the security of Yi Qi, this secret had to be kept at all costs.

When Qiqi accidentally discovered it, he caused her to fall into the lake. Fearing her memory would return, he initially planned to kill her but found he couldn't go through with it. Instead, he confined her to the West Yard, only to find himself secretly visiting her, realizing he had fallen in love. Hearing his confession, Qiqi decides to forgive him. They embrace, and Lv Ao promises to never hurt her again.

From a distance, Lv Che and Wu Ji witness their reconciliation. Qiqi brings Lv Ao back to her chambers and gives him Consort Yin's blank book, which she found in the West Yard. Lv Ao promises to compensate for all the suffering she endured. Qiqi playfully asks him to commit the rest of his life to treating her well, and he agrees before she gives him a surprise kiss.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince of Bei Cang, Jie, is furious that his sister, Ling, is still missing. Heartbroken after seeing Qiqi and Lv Ao together, Wu Ji rebuffs Ling's attempts to comfort him. He removes the Witch Power that restricts her movement, but she chooses to stay by his side. Later, Qiqi, overjoyed, encounters Lv Che in the palace. He informs her that he is getting married, and she sincerely congratulates him.

Lv Che warns her that a king's love is often fleeting, but Qiqi dismisses his concerns. Elsewhere, Consort Ling learns that Lv Ao will attend Lv Che's wedding in three days with only Qiqi. She sees this as a perfect opportunity, as the wedding falls on the night of the full moon—a time when Lv Ao's wolf poison is likely to flare up. Ling confronts Wu Ji about his feelings.

Annoyed, he uses his powers to immobilize her and leaves, deciding to speak with Qiqi directly. When he returns to his room to change clothes, Ling accidentally sees him and blushes. She then slips and falls, pulling him down onto the bed with her. In the moment, Ling admits that she thinks she has fallen for him, but Wu Ji remains oblivious and dismisses her.

Lv Che visits Lv Ao for a drink, stating he won't be able to visit as often once he is a married man. Lv Ao presents him with a wedding gift: the "Duan Qi San" poison, the very same one Lv Che had tried to use on Qiqi. Lv Ao makes it clear that he knows about Lv Che's past plot to elope with Qiqi and warns him to cherish his future wife. Later that night, a drunken Lv Che wanders through the palace, reminiscing about Qiqi.

Episode 22 Recap

Lv Che's marriage to Yu Huan proceeded as planned at the Ji King's residence. Yu Huan, dressed as a bride, felt a heavy mix of emotions at her family home. General Zuo, her father, cautioned her to be exceedingly careful in the Ji King's residence and to avoid outshining others to prevent envy, expressing his profound reluctance to see his daughter marry.

Earlier, Lv Che had met with General Zuo, explicitly stating that his primary reason for marrying Yu Huan was political, warning of consequences should his goals not be met, and setting the wedding date for the fifteenth. Yu Huan had confided in her father that she felt she could no longer back out of the marriage, only able to do so if Lv Che failed in his ambitions.

After bidding her father farewell, Yu Huan departed for the Ji King's residence. However, on their wedding night, Lv Che did not come to her room, leaving her to shed tears alone. That night, Lv Ao, heavily intoxicated, was escorted to the Ugly Lady's (Qiqi's) chambers. In the midst of a wolfsbane attack, he inadvertently scratched Qiqi and consumed some of her blood. Concurrently, Jie’s forces infiltrated the palace, engaging in a skirmish with the guards.

Tai Fei and Ling arrived at the scene, finding Lv Ao kissing Qiqi, his wolfsbane attack completely quelled. Ling was puzzled by his sudden recovery. Wei Xun swiftly intervened, repelling Jie’s men, a testament to Lv Ao's prior anticipation and preparation for the attack. Qiqi, realizing that Lv Ao had used her all along for her blood's curative properties, felt utterly betrayed. Heartbroken by his manipulation, she fled the sleeping chambers in despair.

In the aftermath, Lv Ao secretly instructed his attendants to care for the Ugly Lady and keep a doctor on standby, explicitly asking them not to reveal his concern. Distraught, Qiqi focused on tending to Heng, who had also been injured during the attack. Qiqi expressed fear for Heng’s recovery, a stark contrast to her previous relationship with the maid.

Lian Qiao tried to console Qiqi, reassuring her that Lv Ao genuinely cared, had secretly visited her in the West Yard, and had changed Lian Qiao's mission to solely protect Qiqi. Lv Ao later visited Ranxi court but chose not to enter Qiqi’s room, believing his presence would only cause her further distress, and requested his visit be kept secret.

However, Doctor Wu, while confirming Heng's recovery and Qiqi's need for rest and tonics, inadvertently revealed Lv Ao’s concern and visit. Qiqi initially refused to eat porridge, fearing it might be poisoned, but was eventually persuaded by Lian Qiao to consume the nourishing meal prepared by Lv Ao. Wei Xun and Lian Qiao later engaged in a playful debate, each defending their respective masters regarding who was truly at fault.

Recalling Lv Ao’s exploitation, Qiqi used the messenger bird Wu Ji had left for her, resolving to leave Yiqi and asking him to come retrieve her. Meanwhile, Jie sought refuge in Ling’s chambers, where she attended to his wounds. Wei Xun arrived, leading a search for the assassin. Ling permitted only Wei Xun to enter her room.

When Wei Xun noticed blood on the floor, Ling quickly cut her own hand, feigning it as her own blood, thus successfully concealing Jie’s presence. Although Tai Fei publicly helped resolve Lv Ao's immediate crisis and thwarted the Beicang Tribe's plans, she secretly continued to hope for their success, believing it would pave the way for her own son's ascension to power. Ling and Wu Ji were inseparable. Wu Ji attempted to persuade Ling to return, explaining their incompatibility.

Ling dismissed his words, asserting that since they had shared intimacy, she would take responsibility for him, and slept on a cushion beside his bed. In a bustling town, Wu Ji, with Ling accompanying him, actively searched for Qiqi, showing her portrait to a vendor. Ling playfully teased him about his "old flame" Qiqi, prompting Wu Ji to warn her that shouting Qiqi's name could endanger her.

They later observed a street performance, where Ling, witnessing a boy steal food, intervened with compassion, leading to a heartwarming exchange with the boy's family. The next morning, Ling awoke to find Wu Ji gone, and the Witch Power that had previously bound her had also disappeared. Later, Wu Ji reunited with Qiqi, providing her with new clothes. Qiqi found comfort in his company and even requested Yiqi's fine cosmetics, which he agreed to provide.

She expressed her happiness to be with him, but he subtly hinted at her eventual freedom. Lv Ao learned Qiqi had left the city. Disregarding Wei Xun's warnings, he ventured out alone to find her. Ling, seizing the opportunity, deliberately informed Tai Fei of Lv Ao's departure, prompting Tai Fei to instruct Lv Che to ambush Lv Ao. Wu Ji and Qiqi encountered San Floral, and Wu Ji confronted her, urging Qiqi to escape.

In the outskirts, Qiqi was rescued by Lv Ao, but they soon fell into an ambush orchestrated by Lv Che. Wei Xun arrived just in time, allowing Lv Ao to take Qiqi and flee. They managed to evade their pursuers, but during an ensuing argument, Qiqi accidentally fell into a marshland.

Episode 23 Recap

Qiqi, trapped in a swamp, was held tightly by Lv Ao, who used his sword to brace against the sinking ground, but their descent continued. Qiqi wondered why Lv Ao, despite not loving her, would risk his life. Lv Ao declared he had never intended to use her and would sacrifice anything for her. Qiqi finally understood his true feelings, but it was too late, and they both vanished into the swamp.

For several days, there was no news of Lv Ao and Qiqi. Lv Che, enraged that his subordinate had lost track of Lv Ao, personally killed the man. He then noticed Yu Huan hiding and called her out. Terrified, Yu Huan emerged. Lv Che chided her, saying that as his woman, she should not lack such understanding. Lv Che then met with Chief Zuo, Yu Huan's father, to discuss his upcoming marriage.

Lv Che pressed Chief Zuo, stating his patience was wearing thin and demanding his promises be fulfilled. He announced his intention to marry Yu Huan on the 15th, an auspicious day, and Chief Zuo asked him to care for Yu Huan and remember his commitment. Later, Yu Huan confided in her father, offering to decline the marriage if it caused him trouble, acknowledging the difficulty of his alliance with the Lord of Ji.

She added that she was already deeply involved with Lv Che and could not back out unless he failed. Meanwhile, Ling, who commanded Witch Power, apprehended a woman and held her captive, stating the captive could only move within ten meters of her. When the captive tried to kill Ling to remove the Witch Power, Ling effortlessly dodged, confidently asserting that she knew the captive wouldn't strike and had ways to avoid any attack.

The captive pleaded for release, promising not to betray Ling, but Ling refused, citing Qiqi's safety as the reason for her continued captivity. The captive then questioned if Qiqi was the "Ugly Lady" and asked to send a message to her brother, which Ling denied. Ling provided the captive with simple vegetarian noodles, which the captive found unappetizing, calling Ling dull and old-fashioned for her minimalist lifestyle and fruit-only diet.

Ling insisted the captive would have to get used to her habits. Ling later supplied the captive with the Witch Tribe's herb of tranquility and new clothes. The captive, appreciating the gesture, requested rouge and powder, which Ling promised to procure, hinting at the captive's impending release. Fortunately, Wu Ji's bird witnessed Qiqi and Lv Ao's accident and promptly brought word, enabling Wu Ji to rescue them.

When Lv Ao awoke and saw Wu Ji applying medicine to Qiqi, he furiously demanded Wu Ji step aside and argued with him over who should tend to her. Qiqi then regained consciousness, overjoyed to see her senior martial brother and Lv Ao alive, and instinctively embraced Lv Ao. Wu Ji quietly retreated. Lv Ao, curious about Wu Ji, asked Qiqi for an explanation, but Qiqi feigned pain to avoid answering, prompting Lv Ao to tend to her wounds himself.

Lv Ao later questioned Wu Ji about his relationship with Qiqi. Wu Ji revealed they had grown up together as childhood sweethearts, explaining that Qiqi often came to his private school and called him "senior martial brother." Lv Ao, not to be outdone, proudly proclaimed that Qiqi had fallen deeply in love with him after her intelligence was restored, calling it their destiny. Around this time, Ling had her subordinates monitor Wu Ji's activities.

Upon discovering Wu Ji was with a woman, Ling became enraged. She confronted Wu Ji in the marketplace, accusing him of having an "old flame" (referring to Qiqi) and another woman. Wu Ji tried to dismiss Qiqi as a mere acquaintance and warned Ling that her public accusations could endanger Qiqi. Skeptical, Ling mockingly promised to use her mouth only for eating that night. Lv Ao and Wu Ji continued their rivalry, this time competing to feed Qiqi.

Qiqi first ate some of Wu Ji's fresh fruit, but, not wanting to disappoint Lv Ao, also tried his prepared food. After Wu Ji left to check on some medicine, Qiqi softly confessed to Lv Ao that she preferred him, making him immensely happy. Overhearing their affectionate banter, Wu Ji acknowledged his defeat. Qiqi asked Lv Ao to be more cordial to her senior martial brother, but Lv Ao scoffed that he never lost when vying for anything.

When Qiqi took offense at being compared to a "thing," Lv Ao softened his tone and called her his "treasure," which pleased her. They agreed to communicate openly and avoid arguments in the future, and their relationship grew more affectionate. That night, Lv Ao's wounds festered, causing him to cry out in pain. With Wu Ji temporarily absent, Qiqi bravely cut herself, using her own blood to treat Lv Ao. After he consumed her blood, Lv Ao suddenly fell unconscious.

The next day, Wu Ji returned and immediately noticed distinct signs of poisoning in Lv Ao's wound. He deduced that the weapon which injured Lv Ao had been laced with Yin Shi San, a poison that remains dormant initially but swiftly permeates the vital organs once activated. Wu Ji promptly applied silver needles to suppress the toxin. Within a day, Lv Ao showed significant improvement. However, Qiqi's face was visibly pale due to her blood loss.

Wu Ji, noticing her poor complexion, offered to examine her, but Qiqi declined, attributing it to a "special time for girls." As Qiqi pondered her unusually slow recovery, Wu Ji, now aware that Qiqi had used her blood to heal Lv Ao, became furious as he bandaged her wound, asking her if her love for Lv Ao was truly that profound.

Episode 24 Recap

Wu Ji discovered Qiqi using her own blood to treat Lv Ao's injuries and questioned her why she would joke with her own life. He asked Qiqi if she truly loved Lv Ao enough to risk her own life. Seeing Qiqi's deep affection for Lv Ao, he confessed that he had also fallen in love with Qiqi long ago, but Qiqi said she regarded him as an elder brother.

Wei Xun's subordinates found Qiqi's whereabouts and immediately brought people to invite Your Majesty and the Empress back to the palace. Qiqi thought that since Wu Ji had taken care of her for many days, she should bid him a proper farewell, and decided to leave with Lv Ao the next morning.

Qiqi wanted Lv Ao to give her Senior Brother a token for free entry and exit from the palace, but no matter how much she pleaded, Lv Ao would not agree. At night, Qiqi, while Lv Ao was sound asleep, quietly stole the token from under his pillow. In fact, Lv Ao was not asleep at all, and seeing Qiqi succeed, he quietly smiled. The next morning, Qiqi and Lv Ao left Wu Ji's residence.

Before leaving, she quietly gave the token to Wu Ji and told him to come to the palace to see her anytime. After returning to the palace, Lv Ao ordered Wei Xun to investigate who had set the trap in secret. Wei Xun reported that the people chasing Ugly Consort and the people chasing Your Majesty were not the same group, and that the people chasing Ugly Consort were definitely a group of masters.

After hearing this, Lv Ao ordered more personnel to thoroughly investigate the matter. Your Highness and Lv Che wanted to invite Lv Ao to a banquet to welcome him back. Lv Ao refused, citing ill health. Your Highness saw Lv Ao intentionally avoiding them, and wondered if she had revealed herself. Jie brought back a small rabbit, wanting to use it as a dish to go with wine.

Ling was already drunk; seeing the rabbit was cute, she insisted he not do it. The Crown Prince then listened to his sister's words. Ling heard that Wu Ji was now alone, so she took the rabbit to find him. Ling found that Wu Ji was also drowning his sorrows in wine and snatched the wine pot from his hand. Wu Ji mistook Ling for Qiqi and expressed his desire to take her away from Lv Ao.

After recognizing the person in front of him, Wu Ji became even more despondent. Ling originally wanted to turn and leave, but still couldn't bring herself to do it. Qiqi gave the Blood Jade to Lv Ao and told him that combining the Blood Jade with the Blood Drinking Sword would grant him power over the world.

As the two tried to merge them, Luo Jiuchen stopped them and recounted the story that if the Blood Drinking Sword were activated, chaos would engulf the world. For the peace and stability of his people, Lv Ao gave up on combining the two. After Wu Ji woke up, he found Ling right beside him, so he chased her out the door and told her not to come see him again. Ling was suddenly kidnapped outside the door.

Wu Ji heard her cry for help and rushed out to rescue her. Ling was injured by the kidnappers, and Wu Ji anxiously picked her up. Recalling everything they had experienced together, he promised he would never chase her away again. Before he finished speaking, Ling suddenly woke up and said that she had heard what Wu Ji had just said, and then kissed him.

Consort Ling and Qiqi both brought soup to Your Majesty, but Your Majesty only drank Qiqi's. Qiqi said if Your Majesty liked it, he should learn to make it himself. Your Majesty said he couldn't bear to let her work in the kitchen. Seeing Consort Ling lose face in front of Your Majesty, Lian Qiao felt greatly relieved. Afterwards, Qiqi and Lian Qiao brought pastries to visit Aunt Zhao in the West Yard.

The three of them had a pleasant conversation. Qiqi remembered that after Consort Yin arrived at the West Yard, her health initially improved significantly, but subsequently, her condition worsened with treatment. She believed there was another hidden reason.

Episode 25 Recap

Qiqi recalled that Consort Yin’s health had initially improved after moving to the West Yard, but then deteriorated, making her suspect a hidden truth. She decided to question Aunt Zhao again. San Floral, having overheard Qiqi’s intentions, transformed to look like Qiqi and went to Aunt Zhao’s room. There, San Floral discovered a portrait of Consort Yin, realizing that Consort Yin was Lanyu, whom she had long been searching for.

Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager learned of Qiqi’s visit to Aunt Zhao and worried that Qiqi might uncover damaging information that could reach His Majesty. She instructed Yun Jin to handle the matter discreetly, cautioning her not to involve too many people. As San Floral, still in Qiqi’s form, left Aunt Zhao’s room, she was ambushed by Yun Jin. Displaying exceptional skill, San Floral utilized her Witch power to kill Yun Jin.

At the same time, the true Qiqi was with Lv Ao, enjoying the moon. Lv Ao found himself thinking of his late mother, Consort Yin. Qiqi comforted him, assuring him that even though he never met Consort Yin, her love for him was profound when she passed away. Qiqi silently vowed to uncover the truth behind Consort Yin’s death to help alleviate Lv Ao’s emotional burden.

Determined to unravel the mystery, Qiqi gathered palace maids who had served for many years and asked them to recount stories of the late king and Consort Yin. After a day of finding no useful clues, she sought out the medical officers. They informed her that Consort Yin had endured a life-threatening childbirth to bring Lv Ao into the world.

They also revealed that a newly assigned medical officer, who had treated Consort Yin in the West Yard, had since disappeared, leading Qiqi to suspect a connection to Consort Yin's passing. The medical officers, however, refrained from drawing any conclusions. Meanwhile, Chief Zuo reported Qiqi's investigation to Lv Ao, calling it inappropriate and requesting her punishment. Furious that a minister was interfering in his family affairs, Lv Ao dismissed him.

He then confronted Qiqi, pulling her into her chambers and warning her to stop investigating for her own safety. Qiqi apologized for keeping her actions secret, and Lv Ao told her to simply be his consort, promising to protect her. Concerned for Qiqi after her long day of investigations, Lv Ao wished to visit her chambers, but Yinzi subtly deterred him, citing the late hour.

Earlier, Lv Ao had shown his concern by secretly sending Qiqi a bowl of tranquilizing porridge, insisting she consume it. Qiqi, initially suspecting it might be poisoned, was reluctant to drink it but eventually finished it. Later, Yinzi informed Lv Ao that Heng, who had saved Qiqi’s life, had recovered. Qiqi was pleased and invited Lv Ao to the lake. Lv Ao, still hesitant to visit Qiqi directly, inquired about her mood, learning she was more worried than angry.

Yinzi encouraged Lv Ao to be honest with Qiqi to improve their relationship. Subsequently, Lv Ao visited Qiqi’s courtyard, expressing his concern for both Heng and Qiqi to a servant. However, he chose not to enter and requested his visit remain a secret so as not to add to Qiqi's worries. The Empress Dowager grew anxious over Yun Jin's disappearance and ordered a search.

Consort Ling then approached the Empress Dowager, presenting Yun Jin's bracelet and whispering a threat before departing. Learning that Lv Ao was furious with Qiqi over the investigation, Consort Ling saw an opportunity. She visited the Empress Dowager again, this time presenting a letter written by Yun Jin that implicated the Empress Dowager in Consort Yin's poisoning. Consort Ling used this as leverage to propose an alliance to eliminate their common enemy, Qiqi, an offer the Empress Dowager readily accepted.

Meanwhile, Ling found herself confined by Wu Ji, who held her for Qiqi’s safety after she discovered his Witch power. Ling challenged Wu Ji’s methods and complained about the unappetizing vegetarian food he provided, although she eventually ate it. When she asked to hunt, Wu Ji refused, insisting she adapt to his habits.

Despite his stern demeanor, Ling found Wu Ji surprisingly kind when he cleaned up after she felt ill and provided her with a Witch Tribe herb for tranquility and new clothes. Ling admitted she was "quite delighted" to stay with him, but Wu Ji reiterated his promise to "soon set her free." Ling then cheekily asked if he would buy her rouge and powder, to which he agreed, within reasonable limits.

Episode 26 Recap

Your Majesty learned that several ministers who had raised objections against the Ugly Lady in court a few days ago gathered at General Zuo's private residence last night, and Ji Wang also participated. In addition, the Ugly Lady's assassination outside the city was also inseparable from Ji Wang. Lv Ao decided to wait for more fish to take the bait before catching them all in one go. The weather was extremely hot. Qiqi was holding ice to cool down.

Lian Qiao reminded her not to touch cold things, as this would cause lasting health problems and even prevent her from conceiving a little prince. Qiqi was very shy, saying that she had never thought about having children with Lv Ao. Qiqi thought that Lv Ao was also very sensitive to heat on ordinary days, so she decided to find a way to help him cool down. Qiqi came to the ice cellar to get ice for Lv Ao.

Qiqi walked into the ice cellar first, and suddenly the door of the ice cellar was locked. Qiqi kept calling for help, but no one responded. She gradually lost her strength and consciousness. Heng noticed something was wrong and went to the ice cellar to look for Qiqi. She asked Lian Qiao to inform Your Majesty. Your Majesty came to the ice cellar and ordered the guard to open the ice room where the Ugly Lady was getting ice.

Unexpectedly, that person also locked Your Majesty inside the ice room. Lv Ao and Qiqi were trapped inside the ice room. Lv Ao held Qiqi tightly, warming her and calling her name. Qiqi had already fallen into a coma at this time. Heng discovered the signal sent by Your Majesty and quickly came to rescue them. Unexpectedly, she was ambushed and severely wounded. Enduring the pain, she opened the lock of the ice room. Wei Xun arrived with his men.

Your Majesty and Qiqi were rescued, but Heng never woke up again. Qiqi felt extremely guilty, believing that Heng had lost her life because of her. She remembered how she had once misunderstood Heng and cried uncontrollably. Lv Ao embraced Qiqi, promising to properly bury Heng. A body suddenly appeared in the lake within the residence. Upon investigation, it was precisely the person who had locked Qiqi that night.

That person had clearly been injured before, but there were no wounds on the body. Lv Ao remembered a strange art he had heard of before, but this art was only possessed by the Witch Tribe people. He presumed that a person from the Witch Tribe had appeared in the palace and ordered a thorough investigation of all palaces and courtyards. Wei Xun and Qiqi personally led people to search Ling Fei's bedchamber. Qiqi walked into Ling Fei's room.

She found that Ling Fei's demeanor was somewhat similar to San Floral's and requested to see Ling Fei's right leg. Ling Fei's right leg had no wounds, so Qiqi had nothing more to say and could only return disappointed. In reality, Ling Fei had a maid hide in her quilt beforehand, using the maid's leg to escape. Since the maid already knew Ling Fei's secret, Ling Fei personally killed her.

The assassin with a wounded right leg could not be found within the palace. Lv Ao was determined to investigate this matter thoroughly. Ling Fei wanted to form an alliance with Your Highness. Your Highness felt that her sincerity was insufficient because she had only killed one maid. Ling Fei suggested that if Lv Ao knew his mother was harmed by Your Highness, the consequences would be unimaginable. Your Highness thought that Ling Fei had no evidence, and Lv Ao would not believe her words based on just a few sentences, so she dismissed Ling Fei with disdain.

Episode 27 Recap

Lv Ao is deeply concerned about Qiqi's recovery after her recent ordeal, secretly ensuring she receives care and instructing a doctor to be on standby. He also continues to investigate the assassination attempt on her, deducing that the attack was planned by someone whose interests were threatened by the Ugly Lady. He tasks Wei Xun with finding out who left their travel group midway and contacted the carriage driver.

Wei Xun also reports that Lord of Ji visited Chief Zuo's residence, possibly to discuss a marriage alliance. Lord of Ji, meanwhile, pressures Chief Zuo to solidify their alliance through marriage, expressing his impatience and warning of consequences if things do not proceed as planned. He announces his upcoming marriage to Huan on the 15th, an auspicious day, reminding Chief Zuo of a past promise.

A woman, seemingly Lord of Ji's fiancée, expresses her willingness to turn down the marriage if it is problematic for her father, but ultimately concedes it is impossible unless Lord of Ji fails. Elsewhere, Yun Jin finds herself mysteriously confined within a ten-meter radius by Witch Power, realizing her captor belongs to the Witch Tribe. Her captor, Wu Ji, states that the more she knows, the less likely he can release her.

She attempts to stab him, believing it will break the power, but he remains still, confident she will not kill him and stating he has means to evade her. She pleads for release, promising not to betray him, but Wu Ji refuses, citing Qiqi's safety and asking her to stay with him for a while. He denies her request to send a message to her brother, and she reluctantly agrees, warning him not to regret it.

Wu Ji later brings her plain vegetarian noodles, which she finds dull and unappetizing, complaining that he eats only fruits and that she will die of boredom with him. She attempts to refuse the food and even asks to hunt for animals, but Wu Ji insists she must adapt to his habits. Qiqi maintains a worried vigil by Heng's bedside, reflecting on their complex relationship and her fear of losing her. Heng eventually regains consciousness and thanks Qiqi.

She reveals that Lv Ao's decision to confine Qiqi to the West Yard was a desperate measure and that he often visited Qiqi in secret, returning distressed each time. Heng also shares that her new mission is to protect Qiqi from danger. Outside, Lv Ao expresses guilt over an argument that led to his maid and Heng being in peril.

He decides not to enter Qiqi’s room to avoid causing her more distress, but instructs his attendant to ensure Heng receives the best care and to keep his presence a secret from Qiqi. A doctor later confirms Heng's recovery and mentions Lv Ao's concern, surprising Qiqi. Lv Ao's attendant delivers nourishing porridge to Qiqi, which she reluctantly consumes after Lian Qiao, her maid, insists that Lv Ao ordered her to watch Qiqi finish it.

Lian Qiao and Lv Ao's attendant engage in a lighthearted argument over whether Qiqi's temper or Lv Ao's actions are the cause of their strained relationship. The Dowager Consort confronts Consort Ling, having discovered her leg injury and realizing she is the assassin who attacked the Ugly Lady.

The Dowager Consort attempts to threaten Consort Ling, who in turn reminds the Dowager Consort that she and Lord of Ji have more to lose if the Emperor were to uncover the Dowager Consort's past actions against Consort Yin. Left without recourse, the Dowager Consort cannot act against Consort Ling. Qiqi is drawn to the West Yard, but those who see her react with fear, as if she were a ghost.

She fails to meet Aunt Zhao and notices burnt traces on Aunt Zhao's windowsill. A fire had consumed the West Yard, and Aunt Zhao tragically died in it, her body disfigured. Rumors spread in the West Yard that the fire was connected to the Ugly Lady, with a palace maid claiming to have seen the Ugly Lady leaving the West Yard alone shortly before the blaze. Qiqi suspects someone used a shapeshifting technique to frame her.

That night, Qiqi dreams of Heng and Aunt Zhao appearing alive, bringing her joy. However, in her dream, they transform into Consort Ling, waking Qiqi in terror. The next day, Lv Ao notices Qiqi's dark circles and asks if she rested well. Qiqi, misinterpreting his concern, thinks he fears she's becoming ugly, then that he's scolding her for overthinking. Lv Ao takes Qiqi for a walk, revealing a garden he filled with sunflowers, knowing they are her favorite.

During their walk, Consort Ling happens to pass by. Lv Ao observes her limping and grows suspicious, ordering her to reveal her right leg. Consort Ling's right leg indeed bears an injury, which she claims was caused by overturning a candle the previous night. Lv Ao makes no further comment. The Dowager Consort agrees to an alliance with Consort Ling.

Consort Ling warns that their time is short; if Lv Ao acts against Lord of Ji or herself first, their chances of retaliation will be difficult. The Dowager Consort assures her that all preparations are complete, awaiting only the opportune moment. The annual Yiqi Grand Feast is approaching, which the Dowager Consort declares will be their strongest opportunity. Ling, out in the market, inquires about Qiqi using a drawing.

She encounters Wu Ji, who clarifies that Qiqi is merely an old acquaintance and warns Ling against drawing attention to her. Ling, witnessing a poor child, Douzi, attempting to steal food for his mother, eventually provides them with a roasted chicken after performing a magic show for the crowd. After the show, Ling, feeling unwell, is cared for by Wu Ji, who cleans her and provides fresh clothes, including his own, which carry a faint scent of medicinal herbs.

Ling, finding Wu Ji unexpectedly kind, expresses her delight in his company and requests rouge and powder. Wu Ji promises to procure them and reassures her he will soon set her free. Meanwhile, Lv Ao's attendant informs him that Qiqi, no longer angry but merely worried, has invited him to meet by the lake. Encouraged, Lv Ao decides to attend, with his attendant advising honesty to potentially mend their relationship.

Wu Ji prepares to depart, citing his responsibilities to the Witch Tribe prevent him from staying. Ling expresses her desire to accompany him, but Wu Ji, grateful for her feelings, states he cannot reciprocate as his heart already belongs to someone else. Distraught, Ling presses him about her place in his heart, only to receive his apologies. As Wu Ji prepares to leave, the Princess's subordinates emerge to block his path.

Ling intervenes, shielding Wu Ji and ordering her subordinates not to harm him, allowing him to leave. Ling watches Wu Ji's retreating figure, tears silently falling. Wu Ji inwardly acknowledges the perilous nature of his departure and refrains from making promises to Ling, hoping she will not resent him. Wei Xun discovers an unconscious person in the East Yard woodshed. Upon hearing this, Lv Ao remarks that the time is right and quietly instructs Wei Xun to continue his actions.

Curious, Qiqi decides to investigate herself. Meanwhile, Wu Ji enters Yiqi with a token, followed secretly by Ling, who mistakenly believes he is going to his beloved, leaving her disheartened. Qiqi finds the motionless person in the woodshed, who turns out to be Yun Jin, shocking her greatly. Wu Ji arrives to meet Qiqi and senses that Yun Jin is under the influence of Witch Power. Qiqi then recalls her discovery of Dark Witch Power on Aunt Zhao's charred body, connecting the two incidents.

Episode 28 Recap

Wu Ji used Witchcraft to awaken Yun Jin, who had been discovered earlier in the wood shed. Upon seeing Qiqi, Yun Jin reacted with intense fear. Wu Ji, sensing the terror, questioned Qiqi about what she might have done. When Qiqi couldn't explain, Wu Ji used Witchcraft to enable Yun Jin to speak directly. Yun Jin then revealed that it was San Floral, disguised as Qiqi, who had attacked her in the West Yard, leaving her in her current state.

She explained that she had gone to the West Yard on Consort Dowager Gao's orders to kill Qiqi, as the Consort Dowager feared exposure after Qiqi began investigating Consort Yin's past. Qiqi, surprised by the mention of Consort Yin, clarified that Consort Yin, also known as Saintess Lan Yu, was Lv Ao's biological mother. Yun Jin recounted how Consort Dowager Gao had once pressured the late king by falsely accusing Consort Yin of being a spy from another tribe.

To protect Consort Yin and address a failing war, the late king had ultimately compromised with Consort Dowager Gao, sending Lv Ao as a hostage to Beicang. Qiqi intended to bring Yun Jin to Lv Ao to hear this revelation, but Lv Ao had already arrived and overheard the entire conversation, visibly distraught.

He then stepped forward and directly questioned Yun Jin, demanding to know what else had been kept from him and, most critically, how his mother, Consort Yin, had truly died. Lv Ao, his voice trembling with emotion, pressed Yun Jin for the truth about Consort Yin's death. Yun Jin confessed that after a difficult labor, Consort Yin's health had steadily declined.

Although the late king had brought a divine doctor to treat her in the West Yard, and she initially showed signs of recovery, her condition had soon worsened. Yun Jin admitted her own culpability, revealing that she had secretly steeped poison in Consort Yin's medicine pot. She explained that long-term consumption of this poison would infest one's organs, causing excruciating pain upon activation, akin to being slowly dismembered.

Furthermore, Consort Dowager Gao had instructed Yun Jin to deliberately inform Consort Yin that Lv Ao was being sent to Beicang as a hostage. This devastating news, coupled with the poison's effects, caused Consort Yin to suffer a fatal Qi-blood rush from which she never recovered. Overwhelmed with rage and grief, Lv Ao drew his sword and, without hesitation, killed Yun Jin on the spot.

Following Lv Ao's command, Wei Xun led soldiers to raid Lv Che's mansion at midnight, arresting Lv Che and disbanding his faction. The next day, Lv Che, kneeling before Lv Ao's palace, sent a subordinate to ask Qiqi to intercede for Consort Dowager Gao. Qiqi refused, stating that the matter was a personal grievance between His Majesty and Consort Dowager Gao and she had no right to interfere.

Consort Dowager Gao then entered the palace, passing Lv Che, who watched her with profound sorrow. Inside, she knelt before Lv Ao, admitting her past wrongs and claiming years of genuine repentance. Knowing Lv Ao would not forgive her, she pleaded for Lv Che's life, offering to become a nun, praying for Lv Ao and Consort Yin, confining herself to the temple, and forsaking all worldly affairs.

Lv Ao responded that such a fate sounded more torturous than a swift death. He assured her he would not take Lv Che's life, but declared that while the death penalty was waived, punishment was inevitable: Lv Che would be permanently forbidden from participating in any state affairs, severing all ties between them from that day forward. Consort Dowager Gao, with a heavy heart, thanked His Majesty.

San Floral, having observed the downfall of Consort Dowager Gao, realized she could no longer rely on external support and resolved to act independently, unaware that Wu Ji had been secretly observing and following her. Wu Ji confronted San Floral, urging her to return to the Witch Tribe, reminding her of her duties as its Chief, and questioning her continued pursuit of Qiqi despite previous claims of Qiqi's death. San Floral accused him of trying to protect Qiqi.

Wu Ji clarified that Qiqi was now living her own life and was no longer an obstacle for San Floral. San Floral, however, insisted that Qiqi possessed something she desired and therefore "has to die." Wu Ji challenged her, declaring she would have to get through him first. They engaged in a fierce battle, but Wu Ji was no match for San Floral's powerful dark Witchcraft and was severely injured. Fortunately, Ling arrived and rescued him, allowing them to escape.

Shortly after, Wei Xun and his guards, alerted by the commotion, searched the area, but San Floral skillfully feigned ignorance. Realizing that Wu Ji had discovered her true identity and that she could be exposed at any moment, San Floral resolved to act immediately. Qiqi was distressed when she couldn't find Wu Ji.

She went to his room, only to be confronted by a jealous Lv Ao, who grabbed her arm, chastising her for entering another man's room as his concubine. Qiqi tried to explain their long-standing relationship, but Lv Ao firmly forbade her from meeting Wu Ji alone, even with prior permission.

Qiqi, exasperated by his "mean" behavior, explained that Wu Ji had left without a word and she was worried, asking Lv Ao to help find him, emphasizing that Wu Ji had once saved his life. Softened by her plea, Lv Ao promised to send his men to search for Wu Ji, and Qiqi, relieved, agreed to dine with him. Meanwhile, Ling had taken the severely wounded Wu Ji to a secluded spot.

She suggested they go to the city for medical treatment, but Wu Ji warned that San Floral would undoubtedly send people to search for them, making the city too dangerous. Despite Wu Ji's critical condition, he urged Ling to leave him to avoid entanglement. Ling, however, was resolute, vowing to kill San Floral for hurting him and make her pay.

Wu Ji, concerned for Ling's safety, warned her against risking her life for him, reiterating that San Floral was dangerous and she should stay far away. As they spoke, Wu Ji's severe injuries overcame him, and he collapsed unconscious, leaving Ling to desperately call his name. San Floral then met with Jie, instructing him to accelerate their plan to avoid further complications.

Jie provided her with a potent poison, explaining that if added to Lv Ao's food, it would hasten the onset of the wolf venom already in his system. Later, San Floral, in her guise as Consort Ling, visited General Ling Wanshan, her father. Despite his initial rebuke for her unauthorized visit, she claimed she could help him regain military power. She then revealed a significant secret: Lv Ao was a "monster" unfit to be the King of Yiqi.

She warned that Lv Ao viewed the Ling family as a threat and would eventually seize the rest of Ling Wanshan's military power, leaving them utterly vulnerable. Ling Wanshan acknowledged her sentiments but expressed concern about confronting Lv Ao with his limited forces, fearing accusations of treason and benefiting others. San Floral then shrewdly suggested allying with Lv Che, citing his considerable influence and his past favors to Ling Wanshan, a proposal which Ling Wanshan considered.

Finally, San Floral asked her father to help find two assassins for a more urgent matter. Desperate to save Wu Ji, Ling captured a local fortune teller, demanding he heal the unconscious man. The frightened fortune teller, claiming to be merely a "half-immortal" and not a doctor, eventually drew an amulet, infusing it with what he called "magic power."

He instructed Ling to burn the amulet and mix the ashes with water for Wu Ji to drink, assuring her it would cure him. Ling, after letting the fortune teller go, attempted to follow the instructions but accidentally stumbled, spilling the ashes. Overcome with frustration and sadness, Ling sat by Wu Ji's bedside, blaming herself for messing up their last hope.

She tearfully confessed her enduring presence for him, then, remembering his unrequited feelings for Qiqi, she murmured that perhaps he wouldn't want her by his side anyway. She then tragically expressed that if he didn't wake up, she would take his ashes to Qiqi but keep his bracelet as her own memento. As Ling wept beside him, the unconscious Wu Ji stirred, having heard her cries.

Episode 29 Recap

Ling sat by Wu Ji's bed, distraught and in tears, convinced he might not wake up. She promised to stay by his side forever, and if he truly passed, she would take his ashes to Qiqi. Ling then thought of keeping something for herself, deciding to keep his bracelet as a lasting memory. Just then, Wu Ji opened his eyes. Having heard her despairing words, he reassured her that he would not die and told her to calm down.

Overwhelmed with relief and fearing she had lost him, Ling broke down in tears. Wu Ji gently wiped her tears and gave her a medicinal prescription, instructing her to fetch the herbs carefully without exposing their identities. Meanwhile, two Lings' Army officers, under Consort Ling's orders, searched for Ling and Wu Ji. They arrived at a tavern where Jie happened to be drinking.

Upon seeing a drawing of his sister, Ling, Jie intercepted and abducted the two officers, demanding to know who they worked for. After learning they were in Consort Ling's employ, Jie ruthlessly killed them and the tavern owner to silence them, wondering aloud why Qiansi was searching for Ling. Ling went to a pharmacy to fill Wu Ji’s prescription.

The pharmacist informed her he lacked Umbilicaria Esculenta, explaining that the herb grows on perilous cliffs and is rarely needed, advising her to try other apothecaries. Later, as Ling spoon-fed Wu Ji his medicine, she initially intended to wipe his mouth but hesitated, mindful of the impropriety between a man and a woman. Wu Ji, feigning an inability to lift his arm, subtly encouraged her to continue. He then noticed a cut on Ling's hand.

She claimed it was a minor injury from chopping firewood, but Wu Ji, seeing it was clearly a scratch, was filled with concern. He took the bowl from her and drank the remaining medicine himself. Afterward, Ling prepared to sleep in an outer room. She explained to Wu Ji that since she believed he was deeply in love with Qiqi, she needed to distance herself to avoid falling for him any further and would leave for good once he recovered.

Unbeknownst to her, Wu Ji had already fallen in love with her and was concerned about the cold, but she remained resolute. Elsewhere, San Floral, impersonating Ling Qiansi and dressed as a man, accompanied her father, Ling Wanshan, to a brothel. Inside, Jie and Lv Che were discussing their plans. Jie confidently stated that Lv Ao's wolfsbane poisoning was incurable, predicting that the upcoming feast would be "splendid."

He revealed that Beicang's royal family and Lv Che's mother, the Dowager Consort, had a long-standing private alliance to support Lv Che's ascent to the throne, in exchange for a portion of the land ceded to Beicang. Lv Che, internally recognizing this as inviting disaster, feigned agreement, intending to break the pact once he secured the throne. He then requested military support to counter Lv Ao's loyal forces.

Ling Wanshan and Ling Qiansi (San Floral) then entered the room, offering to lend Lv Che an army. After their discussion, Jie detained Ling Qiansi (San Floral) while Ling Wanshan and Lv Che departed. Jie immediately questioned her motives for searching for Ling. San Floral claimed she sought to rescue Ling, alleging that Wu Ji, an operative of the Witch Tribe and an old acquaintance of Qiqi's, had previously attempted to assassinate her, using Ling as a human shield.

Enraged that his sister was in danger, Jie vowed to find them and prevent Wu Ji from disrupting their plans. He then attempted to persuade San Floral to stay the night, but she firmly declined, emphasizing the importance of Yiqi's customs and insisting on waiting until after their marriage. Ling ventured alone to a precarious cliffside to collect the rare Umbilicaria Esculenta for Wu Ji.

When she returned, Wu Ji saw the herb and realized this dangerous task was how she had injured her hand. He pulled her into a warm embrace, thanking her. Ling, still maintaining her distance, dismissed it as a gesture between friends. Wu Ji asked why she was being distant, prompting Ling to confess her strong feelings for him.

However, she stood firm on her principles, stating that if he couldn't move past Qiqi, he shouldn't emotionally entangle others, and that she intended to forget him over time. Wu Ji then clarified his relationship with Qiqi, explaining that he had mistaken his long-standing habit of protecting her for love, a realization that only came when he saw Lv Ao with her. Ling, upon hearing Wu Ji's true feelings, was filled with joy.

Meanwhile, Qiqi woke with a jolt from a terrifying nightmare of being burned. She found Lv Ao in her bed, who playfully assured her he had done nothing, explaining he had simply come to see her after his morning meeting and she had clung to his hand in her sleep. As they shared a tender moment, Wei Xun urgently requested an audience, compelling a reluctant Lv Ao to leave.

Wei Xun then reported a murder at a tavern where Ling Wanshan's guards were among the casualties. Images of Wu Ji and Ling were discovered at the scene, indicating Ling Wanshan was also searching for them. Wei Xun noted that the unique flying knives used in the killings were not from Yiqi, suggesting Beicang involvement. Lv Ao, perceiving the situation as more intricate than initially thought, suspected the involvement of other forces and decided to wait before acting.

Ling Qiansi (San Floral) and Lv Che visited the Dowager Consort. There, San Floral removed her human skin mask, revealing her true identity. The Dowager Consort was shocked to discover that the woman she believed to be Ling Qiansi was, in fact, San Floral.

Episode 30 Recap

Antelope sat anxiously by Wu Ji's bedside, apologizing for her helplessness and for seemingly ruining their last hope. She vowed to always be with him, even promising to take his ashes to Qiqi if he were to die, though she then decided she would keep his bracelet as a memento for herself. At that moment, Wu Ji regained consciousness, startled by her talk of ashes. Antelope was overcome with relief, expressing how she had almost gone mad with worry.

Wu Ji apologized, explaining his injuries were caused by Dark Witch Power and couldn't be healed by local doctors. He wrote a prescription, cautioning Antelope to be discreet when filling it. Meanwhile, soldiers from the Lings' Army were actively searching for Wu Ji and Antelope, displaying their likenesses in public. Jie, Antelope's brother, encountered these soldiers at a tavern. Upon recognizing his sister's image, he confronted them, demanding to know who sent them.

When they revealed they were dispatched by Lady Ling, Jie and his men killed them and the tavern owner to silence them, wondering why Qiansi wanted Antelope. Antelope visited a local pharmacy with Wu Ji's prescription. The pharmacist was unfamiliar with the complex ingredients and inquired about its purpose. He informed her that all the herbs were available except "Umbilicaria Esculenta", a rare ingredient found only on dangerous cliffs. Unbeknownst to her, she would have to procure it herself.

Back at their hideout, Antelope gave Wu Ji his medicine. When he feigned inability to raise his arm, she carefully wiped his mouth. Wu Ji noticed scratches on her hand, which she lightly dismissed as injuries from chopping firewood. He took the bowl from her, realizing she had risked herself to get the medicine.

Later, Antelope prepared to sleep outside, reasoning that it was improper for them to share a room since she believed Wu Ji still harbored feelings for Qiqi. She explained that to avoid falling deeper in love, she needed to keep her distance and planned to leave once he recovered, going "to a place without him." Wu Ji was taken aback by her words. Jie, Antelope's brother, and Lv Che were discussing political matters in a brothel.

Jie was certain that Lv Ao's wolfsbane poisoning was incurable, predicting that the upcoming feast would be quite eventful. He revealed that the Beicang royal family had long maintained private contact with Lv Che's mother, the Empress Dowager, and would support Lv Che in his bid for the throne. In return, Beicang demanded land. Lv Che, though understanding the danger of such an alliance, feigned agreement, secretly planning to renege on the promise once he seized power.

He mentioned Lv Ao's loyal forces and his need for a troop to counter them. At this opportune moment, Ling Qiansi, disguised by San Floral, entered with her father, Ling Wanshan, and offered the use of her army. After their discussion, Ling Qiansi sent her father and Lv Che away. Jie then confronted Ling Qiansi, questioning why she was looking for his sister.

Ling Qiansi claimed she was trying to save Antelope, asserting that Wu Ji, a Witch Tribe member and a close acquaintance of Qiqi's, had once attempted to assassinate her, using Antelope as a human shield. Ling Qiansi stated she allowed Wu Ji to escape to protect Antelope. Enraged by the perceived threat to his sister, Jie declared he would handle the matter.

Jie desired Ling Qiansi to stay with him that night, but she insisted on adhering to Yiqi's customs and waiting until after their marriage. Jie found Yiqi's customs hypocritical compared to Beicang's lifelong commitment to one partner, but ultimately relented, letting her leave. Back with Wu Ji, Antelope revealed she had to climb a dangerous cliff to collect the "Umbilicaria Esculenta" for his medicine, explaining how she got the scratches on her hand.

Wu Ji was deeply moved by her sacrifice and embraced her. He noted her growing distance, but Antelope maintained they were just friends and that her efforts for him were natural. She confessed her feelings for him but also stated her boundaries; since he couldn't forget Qiqi, he shouldn't lead her on. Antelope expressed her intent to eventually forget him and marry someone else, hoping to have many children. Wu Ji, touched, declared he would be responsible for her.

He then clarified his feelings for Qiqi, explaining they grew up together and he had mistaken habit for affection until he witnessed her interactions with Lv Ao. Antelope was visibly relieved to hear this, and they embraced. Qiqi awoke from a nightmare of being burned by an angry mob. She found Lv Ao in her bed, who claimed he had come to see her after his morning meeting and that she had held his hand while dreaming.

After some playful banter, Lv Ao affirmed their mutual love and closeness. Their intimate moment was interrupted when Wei Xun arrived with an urgent report. Lv Ao reluctantly left Qiqi to address the matter. Wei Xun reported on the tavern murders and revealed that Ling Wanshan was also searching for Wu Ji and Antelope. Lü Ao suspected a more complex conspiracy with other factions at play. Meanwhile, Lv Che met with the Empress Dowager.

He informed her that while Wu Ji remained unfound, Ling Wanshan was also seeking him. Lv Che explained the tavern incident, where Ling Wanshan's guards were killed, and drawings of Wu Ji and Antelope were found. The Empress Dowager deduced Antelope was a Beicang princess and questioned why both she and Wu Ji were wanted. Lv Che admitted he hadn't identified the killers but noted the non-local knives and the killings of the tavern staff, suggesting foreign involvement.

He then confronted the Empress Dowager, asking if she now believed that "Ling Qiansi" was not herself, pointing out her changed demeanor. He confirmed his suspicion, revealing that the "Ling Qiansi" before them was actually San Floral, the Witch Tribe leader. San Floral then removed her mask, confirming her identity to the Empress Dowager.

San Floral told the Empress Dowager that she was in Yiqi to capture the Witch Tribe traitor, Qiqi, who would reveal her true form at the upcoming feast. She proposed an alliance with Yiqi, and Lv Che, anticipating his future enthronement, promised to repay her support. Meanwhile, Lv Ao secretly planned to announce Qiqi as his consort at the feast, instructing Wei Xun to maintain secrecy as they also schemed against Beicang and Ling Wanshan.

Wu Ji revealed to Antelope that Ling Qiansi was an imposter—the Witch Tribe leader, San Floral. Alarmed for her brother, Antelope decided to warn him. However, Jie and his men suddenly surrounded their house. Jie ordered Wu Ji's capture, but Antelope shielded him, declaring she would marry no one else. Believing his sister was bewitched, Jie refused to listen when she tried to expose the fake Ling Qiansi.

Enraged that she would "slander" his beloved, he slapped Antelope and had both her and Wu Ji detained, planning to deal with them after his coup succeeded. As the feast approached, the Empress Dowager invited Qiqi to go with her. Qiqi sent Lian Qiao to inform Lv Ao, but Lian Qiao was abducted upon leaving. San Floral, now impersonating Qiqi, delivered a bowl of porridge to Lv Ao.

After he consumed it, the wolfsbane poison in his system intensified, leaving him incapacitated. San Floral then disguised herself as Lv Ao and signaled Jie, who mobilized his troops to storm the royal palace. Lv Che, who had been reflecting on his sword, had also made his own arrangements.

As he spoke with his fiancée Yu Huan about their upcoming marriage, San Floral, in her disguise as Lv Ao, approached them and cryptically told Yu Huan that her true "fortune" was still to come. At the feast, San Floral, still disguised as Lv Ao, seated Qiqi beside him. Qiqi noticed his unusual behavior but remained unaware of the deception. San Floral then used witchcraft, transforming Qiqi into a horrifying figure with white hair and a terrifying face.

The horrified ministers at the banquet cried out, calling her a demoness. The Empress Dowager ordered Qiqi's arrest. At that moment, the real Lv Ao, transformed into a wolf-like creature by the poison, burst in and shielded Qiqi. The Empress Dowager publicly declared that Lv Ao was afflicted with wolfsbane poison, stating it could only be cured by human blood. The ministers, unwilling to accept such a ruler, moved to depose him.

Lv Ao, ignoring them, fled with Qiqi, but they were soon surrounded by Ling Wanshan's army. Jie, having stormed the palace with his forces, found Lv Ao and ruthlessly stabbed him, sending Lv Ao collapsing to the ground. As San Floral (still disguised as Ling Qiansi) approached Jie, he believed his future with his beloved was secure. However, San Floral, in a shocking betrayal, murdered him in her embrace.

As Jie lay dying, San Floral revealed her true face, telling him he could now find the real Ling Qiansi. Recalling Antelope's earlier warnings, Jie died in bitter regret. Lv Che approached the scene, stating he would eventually grow accustomed to Qiqi's transformed appearance. However, Qiqi was entirely focused on the unconscious Lv Ao, ignoring Lv Che. Lv Ao, in a moment of lucidity, whispered his profound love for Qiqi before losing consciousness entirely.

Lv Che attempted to claim Qiqi, but she fiercely insisted on taking Lv Ao with her. Overwhelmed with sorrow, Qiqi let out a powerful scream to the sky, and then, unleashing a surge of Witch power, vanished with Lv Ao from the sight of everyone present.

Episode 31 Recap

In a dilapidated house, Qiqi tended to a wounded Lv Ao, cutting her hand to draw blood for his healing. Recalling Lv Ao’s words before he lost consciousness, Qiqi was determined to save her beloved. Lv Ao eventually woke up, but Qiqi was already gone, having decided to leave. He discovered fruits and water left outside the door, realizing they were from Qiqi. He called out for her, but she did not respond.

Meanwhile, Wei Xun, witnessing the turmoil in the palace, pledged his allegiance to Tai Fei. Little Yinzi, who had been knocked out by San Floral, awoke and rushed to Wei Xun, urging him to save Lv Ao and Chou Niangniang. However, Wei Xun had Yinzi thrown into prison, declaring his loyalty to the new King. In prison, Yinzi was surprised to find Lian Qiao in the adjacent cell, and mixed emotions filled them both.

San Floral realized that combining the Blood Jade with the Blood Drinking Sword would grant ultimate power. She remembered that Qiqi still possessed the Blood Jade and resolved to capture her. Ling grew anxious to find her brother. Wu Ji, who was wounded by Dark Witch Power, was being cared for by Ling. She had retrieved difficult-to-find herbs for him, injuring her hand in the process. Wu Ji suggested that Jie being with San Floral could be dangerous.

Jie's subordinates, under his orders, prevented Ling from leaving. Black Cloud, noticing Ling's distress, sent Black Feather to scout for news of Jie. During their time together, Ling tried to maintain distance from Wu Ji, believing he still harbored feelings for Chou Qingli. Wu Ji, however, confessed his strong affection for Ling, explaining that while he had grown up protecting Qiqi (Chou Qingli), he realized after seeing Lv Ao and Qiqi together that he had mistaken habit for affection.

Ling remained skeptical, believing his feelings were only pity and sympathy. Lv Che successfully ascended the throne. San Floral, still impersonating Ling Fei, was instructed by Tai Fei to continue doing so until Lv Che announced Ling Fei's suicide. Afterward, she could resume her true identity as the Witch Tribe leader and formally visit Yiqi. San Floral informed Lv Che that he had already been recognized by the Witch Tribe as Yiqi's new monarch.

She then expressed her hope that Lv Che would capture Qiqi within Yiqi territory. Lv Che, though showing a moment of hesitation, agreed to her demand. Black Feather returned with devastating news, informing Ling that Jie and his comrades had been killed. Ling initially refused to believe him, dismissing it as a lie. She ran out of the room to find her brother, only to discover Jie's body hanging for public display at the city gate.

Only then did she accept the tragic truth. Ling remembered her brother’s comforting words, lamenting that no one would pamper her anymore. As citizens began to throw vegetables at Jie’s body, Ling ran forward to intervene, but Wu Ji quickly intercepted her to protect her and prevent their identities from being exposed. Later, Wu Ji promised to comfort Ling even better than Jie had.

However, Ling reiterated her belief that Wu Ji only felt pity and sympathy for her, not love, and insisted he leave and no longer care for her. When Wu Ji refused, Ling provocatively claimed she only pursued him out of a desire for conquest and would soon grow bored. Wu Ji saw through her pretense and passionately kissed her, declaring he would never leave her. That night, Wu Ji awoke to find Ling gone.

He deduced she had gone to retrieve Jie's body and quickly went to the city gate. Ling had already used a flying knife to kill the soldiers guarding the body. Wu Ji arrived, telling her the body was a fake, a ploy to lure Beicang people into a trap. He damaged the mask on the body to prove it. The real Jie's body, meanwhile, was hidden in San Floral’s room.

San Floral remarked that she would give him a grand burial once she became the ruler of the world. Lv Che, observing her, noted that she appeared to be a compassionate person. San Floral dismissed this, saying she merely couldn't bear to leave an acquaintance unburied. She then inquired about Lv Che’s coronation ceremony. Lv Che stated it would be inappropriate to hold it so soon after his royal brother’s recent death.

Meanwhile, Tai Fei advised Lv Che to secure his succession by having children, suggesting he take more consorts. Lv Che agreed, asking her to select women from influential families who could help stabilize his rule.

Episode 32 Recap

Lv Che was informed that a mechanism had been discovered in the Ambergris Palace, but the Blood Drinking Sword was not found there. His subordinate reported that Luo Jiuchen had previously sought out the Emperor, Lv Ao, and after that, the Emperor had never worn the Blood Drinking Sword again. Luo Jiuchen had left a month ago and had not returned even for the feast. Lv Che immediately ordered his men to find Luo Jiuchen.

Later, Lv Che noticed that Yu Huan looked pale. She explained that she was merely a little unaccustomed to the busy days and not feeling well. Lv Che then asked if she was unhappy because his mother intended for him to marry a side concubine. Yu Huan humbly replied that it was her fortune to marry His Highness, and she dared not wish for him to have only one woman.

Impressed by her docility and acknowledging her father's assistance, Lv Che promised that the title of Princess Consort would definitely be hers. As he spoke, he glanced at the lakeside pavilion in the manor and was reminded of his past with Qiqi. Feeling troubled by these memories, he ordered his subordinate, Xiao Lizi, to have the pavilion demolished, stating that he found it irritating to look at. Meanwhile, Qiqi secretly brought food to Lv Ao.

Lv Ao, seeing her, deliberately feigned a relapse of his wolfsbane poison. Qiqi immediately rushed to his side, offering her blood to save him. Lv Ao caught her hand, observing the scars on it, and realized her self-healing ability was gone. Distraught, Qiqi tried to hide her face, not wanting Lv Ao to see her current appearance, calling herself a "demoness" unfit for him.

She feared that while he might not say anything now, he would eventually grow to despise her, causing her even greater pain. Lv Ao, however, pulled her closer, telling her to look at him and reaffirming his unwavering love for her, no matter how she appeared. He vowed to spend his entire life proving his oath and embraced her tightly.

Once Qiqi had calmed down, she asked Lv Ao if he truly intended not to return to Yi Qi, noting that everyone believed him dead and Lv Che was soon to be enthroned. Lv Ao responded that he only wished to be with her, and returning now would jeopardize his life. He explained that he had long uncovered Lv Che's secret collusion with barbarians and his formation of factions, implying Lv Che's involvement in the recent feast.

Qiqi questioned this, pointing out that Lv Che had always seemed to keep away from court affairs, but Lv Ao dismissed it as a mere facade. Back at their dwelling, Qiqi suddenly smelled a strong scent of alcohol. Lv Ao lifted a straw mat, revealing Luo Jiuchen hiding beneath.

After Lv Ao poured out his alcohol to wake him, Luo Jiuchen explained he found the Emperor's shadow guards at the Fu'an restaurant in West City, and they confirmed seeing His Majesty. Qiqi then realized Lv Ao had fully recovered long ago and had been feigning weakness to trick her into bringing him food. She expressed her frustration, but Lv Ao thanked her for her help and for staying by his side.

Qiqi then revealed her true identity, stating her real name was Mi Qiqi and she was not Chou Qingli. To her surprise, neither Lv Ao nor Luo Jiuchen seemed astonished. Lv Ao admitted he had suspected she wasn't Chou Qingli and had investigated, but found no conclusive results. He mentioned that only people from a legendary cursed village called Xueyin Village possessed magical blood similar to hers.

Luo Jiuchen handed Qiqi a map, advising her to seek Xueyin Village to uncover the mystery of her origins. Luo Jiuchen then departed, promising to return when Lv Ao had reclaimed his rightful power. Meanwhile, San Shenghua, without the Blood Jade, used her Witch Power to extract the Blood Drinking Sword. When she attempted to wield the sword with her Dark Witch Power, she found it was consuming her power instead, causing the ground to shake.

She realized the sword was capable of backlashing against her. Later, she dispatched messengers with gifts for Yi Qi's new king. She expressed her ambition to rule the world, stating that she did not care for Lv Che and intended for the Witch Tribe to reintegrate with the mainland. She then instructed her subordinate that she would be dedicating herself to practicing her Witch Power and should not be disturbed unless there was news of Qiqi.

In Yi Qi, Lv Che ordered his subordinate, the Grand Governor, to send a message to Chou Hu, falsely claiming that Chou Qingli and Lv Ao had been killed by the Beicang Prince during the feast. His aim was to incite Chou Hu to attack the Beicang Tribe in retaliation. Ling Wanshan approached Lv Che, reminding him of how the Emperor, Lv Ao, had stripped him of his military power.

He asked Lv Che to acknowledge his contributions upon his enthronement and offered Ling Qiansi's cousin as a side concubine. Lv Che, while inwardly resolving to eliminate Ling Wanshan once his position was secure, outwardly accepted the offer, promising him greater power and status after his ascension. Believing she would be a burden to Lv Ao and hinder his return to Yi Qi, Qiqi decided to leave him. While he appeared to be asleep, she quietly slipped away.

However, Lv Ao had not been asleep and discreetly followed her. In a village, Qiqi was recognized as a wanted "demoness" and was attacked by the locals. Lv Ao intervened, rescuing her from the crowd. He sternly warned her never to leave his side again, emphasizing that she could not survive without him, just as he could not survive without her, and vowed to protect her.

Episode 33 Recap

Qiqi lamented that she and Lv Ao were now like "rats crossing the street" due to being wanted by the authorities, forcing them to travel under the cover of night. A dog's bark startled Qiqi, making her jump, to which Lv Ao teased her about her small courage, especially considering her intention to go to Xueyin Village alone. They came across a wonton stall. They only had enough money for two bowls, but Qiqi accidentally broke hers.

Lv Ao gave her his bowl. The stall owner, seeing their predicament, gave them another bowl. Qiqi claimed they were ill and were heading to Cangwu Mountain to find a renowned physician. The owner informed them that all the villagers in that area had moved away eighteen years prior. She recounted a tale of outsiders entering the mountains, angering the mountain god, which led to incessant cloudy weather and frequent floods, forcing the inhabitants to abandon their homes.

As morning dawned, Lv Ao and Qiqi sought an inn to rest, but their purses were empty. Suddenly, the same group of bandits who had tried to capture Qiqi earlier appeared, demanding their money and threatening to turn them over to the authorities. Lv Ao swiftly disarmed and subdued them, taking their money. They found an inn and rented a room. Lv Ao wanted to share a bed, but Qiqi resisted, still uncomfortable with her altered appearance.

Qiqi, lamenting their predicament, asked Lv Ao if he truly intended to return to power. She had heard villagers speaking of King Ji's impending ascension, suggesting that if he did not return soon, he might lose his chance. Lv Ao, however, asserted his desire to remain with her, fearing for his life if he returned to court now. He revealed that Lv Che had long been secretly colluding with barbarians and forming factions, suggesting he was behind recent events.

Later, as Qiqi still fretted over her appearance, Lv Ao reassured her, reaffirming his love and commitment regardless of her looks. Elsewhere, Ling received a letter from her father, Yihe, in the Beicang Tribe, stating his decision to send envoys to Yi Qi for the new king's coronation. The letter confirmed that Beicang intended to seek peace with Yi Qi.

Though Ling understood this was likely the most pragmatic decision for Beicang, she was deeply distressed, remembering her brother's tragic death at the hands of Yi Qi. The thought of not avenging him, and instead seeking peace with their enemies, pained her greatly. Meanwhile, Lv Che, nearing his ascension to the throne, had yet to locate Ugly Lady, and ordered his men to continue their diligent search.

Despite the arduous journey through mountains and rivers, Lv Ao remained committed to accompanying Qiqi to Xueyin Village, the location marked on her map. They eventually found what appeared to be the entrance, a cave filled with strange winds and swirling mist. Lv Ao led Qiqi through it, emerging into a wide-open area dotted with dilapidated houses. To their surprise, there was no one in sight.

Lv Ao observed signs suggesting a hasty, temporary evacuation rather than permanent abandonment, noting money bags left behind and prepared meals still in the houses, as if the villagers had vanished in an instant. On one of the walls, Qiqi discovered ancient writings detailing the village's tragic past. It explained that many years ago, a devastating plague and rampant hunger had claimed the lives of numerous villagers and their loved ones.

The few who survived were afflicted with a curse, yet this curse also bestowed upon them a unique, self-healing blood. This special ability, however, turned them into targets, as they were aggressively hunted and captured to be used as living medicine. San Floral suspected that the Beicang Tribe was being deceptive, believing that Yihe's offer of peace was merely a tactic to buy time.

She advised Lv Che to feign acceptance of their peace offer to lower their guard, creating an opportunity to launch a decisive attack and conquer the entire Beicang region. In Xueyin Village, Lv Ao discovered barbarian knives scattered in one of the houses, indicating that the Beicang Tribe had been there. He pondered what dark events had transpired. Qiqi then stumbled upon a discarded earring, and upon touching it, experienced a vivid, almost magical vision of the past.

She saw her mother, the former leader of Xueyin Village, confronting foreign raiders. Determined not to let her people lose their freedom, her mother utilized a powerful puppet art taught by the Witch Tribe's master. With Luo Jiuchen's help, she entrusted her infant daughter, Qiqi, to him to be taken to Wuxun Island. Having secured her daughter's escape, Qiqi's mother then led all her remaining villagers in a final, defiant stand, choosing to perish alongside their captors rather than surrender. In the vision, Qiqi absorbed a surge of energy and briefly reverted to her original appearance.

Episode 34 Recap

As the magical power from her late mother's earring coursed through her, Mi Qiqi's original appearance was restored, along with her Witch Power. San Floral sensed this resurgence of Witch Power and was astonished. Simultaneously, Wu Ji also felt it and realized, "It's her Witch Power." He declared they needed to find Qiqi before San Floral did and promptly set off with Ling. Meanwhile, Qiqi herself felt her power return, exclaiming, "I've got my Witch Power back."

Lv Ao, witnessing her transformation, affectionately called her "Qingli." After reburying the villagers of Blood Village, Qiqi thanked Lv Ao. He playfully called her a "little fool" and, considering himself the son-in-law of the village, promised to often return with her in the future. Soon after, Qiqi was surprised to see Ba, her messenger bird, and asked how it found them. Lv Ao explained that Ba was sensitive to Witch Power, having detected Qiqi's restored abilities.

He then urged Qiqi to move quickly, as something was amiss. Meanwhile, in prison, Yinzi and Lian Qiao had been on a hunger strike. A jailer brought them food, but Yinzi, upholding his "backbone," declared he would die for his master before eating. However, Lian Qiao, overcome with hunger, began to eat, admitting she was "starving." She pointed out the surprisingly good prison food, which included an egg and a chicken drumstick.

Yinzi, seeing the unusual meal, panicked, believing it was a "last meal" before their execution. Both grew terrified, with Lian Qiao crying that she didn't want to die. They questioned the jailer, who explained that their meals were special because Lord Wei Xun had instructed him to give them "special treatments" due to their persistent fasting. Prompted by Ba, Qiqi and Lv Ao reunited with Wu Ji and Ling.

Qiqi excitedly embraced Wu Ji, but Lv Ao, in a fit of jealousy, pulled them apart, wondering if he was "dead." Ling, overjoyed to see Lv Ao, tried to hug him, only to be stopped by Wu Ji and Qiqi. Ling complained about the unfairness, but Wu Ji urged them to focus on "business." Ling then offered to use the Wolfhorn to heal Lv Ao's wolfsbane.

After playing the horn, she asked Lv Ao if he felt excited, itchy, or manic—typical reactions for wolfsbane victims. Lv Ao calmly replied "No." Ling was astonished, noting he should be deeply poisoned. Wu Ji suggested Lv Ao's poison might already be detoxified, though Ling insisted there was no known cure. Ling blew the Wolfhorn again, which caused Hei Yun and Hei Yu, Ling's guards, to rush over, fearing Lv Ao might harm Ling if his poison recurred.

After this second attempt, Ling confirmed that Lv Ao's wolfsbane was "totally detoxified." She realized Qiqi's healing blood from Blood Village must have cured him, marveling at its power. Lv Ao then confessed to Qiqi that saving him was "worth it," as she had regained her identity and Witch Power. He promised to never let her suffer again, vowing to "obey" her every word.

Annoyed by their public display of affection, Ling attempted to show similar intimacy with Wu Ji, but Hei Yun and Hei Yu interrupted them once more. Lv Ao then sought Ling's help to reclaim his throne, promising genuine peace between Yiqi and Beicang. Hei Yun and Hei Yu warned Ling against him, reminding her of his past actions as Yiqi King. Ling, asserting her authority, silenced her guards and questioned Lv Ao, mentioning Lv Che's recent truce offer.

Lv Ao countered that Lv Che's offer was merely a ploy for a good reputation before his coronation, implying future betrayal. He warned that if Yiqi and the Witch Tribe allied, Beicang would have no chance against them. Lv Ao pledged that if he regained control of Yiqi, he would persuade the Emperor not to initiate war with Beicang and would open trade and communication between their lands.

Ling, recalling Lv Che's broken promises, dismissed Lv Ao's words as just another lie for power. Lv Ao then called her bluff, stating they would part ways that night if she wouldn't help. Sensing he held more leverage, Ling asked him to be completely honest about his plans. Lv Ao agreed, suggesting they discuss it privately. While Lv Ao and Ling conversed, Qiqi playfully teased Wu Ji about his blushes, noticing his clear affection for Ling.

After their private discussion, Ling ordered her guards to halt their journey and rest, stating they were "in no hurry." Lv Ao then asked Qiqi if Ba, known for its speed, could deliver a message for him, to which Qiqi readily agreed. At ShanZe Palace, Your Highness the Tai Fei was overseeing a lavish renovation, ordering new furnishings, ground, and ceiling for the entire palace.

A servant expressed concern about the enormous cost, citing the strained treasury due to military and disaster relief expenses. Your Highness dismissed the concern, asserting her authority and recalling how Lv Ao had previously rejected her renovation requests. She complained that her life as Tai Fei was worse than when she was a concubine and vowed to rectify it. Your Highness then asked San Floral about the Witch Tribe, curious about its differences from Yiqi.

San Floral explained that the Witch Tribe inhabited a small island, with resources far inferior to Yiqi, and that their chosen dwelling was "our ancestors' decision." Your Highness mused that a small territory was easier to manage, unlike Yiqi with its "so many people and matters," and expressed concern for Lv Che, who was about to succeed the throne.

Internally, San Floral scoffed at this, determined that she would take over the continent in the future, and Your Highness would not need to worry about Lv Che. Later, Lv Che and San Floral celebrated their alliance over a meal. Lv Che, still awaiting the peace document from Beicang, voiced his concern. San Floral reassured him, stating that Beicang's ambition meant they might submit for now due to circumstances, but he should not let down his guard.

She proposed that when the time was right, they should join forces to "annihilate Beicang" to ensure their long-term security. Lv Ao and Qiqi had been waiting for three days. Lv Ao playfully teased Qiqi about becoming "arrogant" since regaining her Witch Power. Qiqi, impatient, expressed her desire to immediately go to Yiqi and subdue San Floral.

Lv Ao suggested she stay behind, promising to return for her once his affairs were settled, as the journey was dangerous and he didn't want to risk her life again. Qiqi adamantly refused, insisting she had her own revenge to seek and wouldn't have peace otherwise. She refused to let him make decisions for her and declared he couldn't leave her. Lv Ao relented, playfully vowing to "obey" his wife.

Qiqi promised not to be a burden, highlighting her years of Witch Power training. Lv Ao playfully mocked her, asking if her training involved "dolls or paper figures," prompting Qiqi to challenge him to a fight to prove her strength. Before their match, Qiqi explained her protective attire was to prevent San Floral from sensing her Witch Power, adding that this was her first chance to fully test her new body.

She warned Lv Ao not to cry if he lost, to which he retorted, "Cut the crap." As they sparred, Lv Ao asserted, "You're no match for me." Ling, observing their fighting, initially wondered what was wrong with them, but Wu Ji explained it as "the delight of a couple." Ling, however, called it a "fistfight" and expressed surprise at Qiqi's strength.

Wu Ji confirmed that Qiqi, despite not being from the Witch Tribe, was highly talented and diligent in learning Witch arts, and was originally destined to become the next saintess. He admitted that in terms of combat, Qiqi was the strongest among their master's disciples, speculating that her fierce style was due to suppressed emotions.

Later, Wu Ji questioned Ling's decision to defy her father by delaying their journey and helping Lv Ao, asking if she truly didn't need to report it to him. Ling confessed her worry that her choices might bring disaster to Beicang. Wu Ji comforted her, reminding her that there's no perfect decision in life, and she should simply "follow her heart."

Episode 35 Recap

Ling expressed her deep gratitude to Wu Ji for his continuous companionship. She shared her concern about defying her father's orders by delaying their journey and siding with Lv Ao, fearing it might bring disaster upon the Beicang Tribe. Wu Ji reassured her, saying that no decision is foolproof and advising her to simply follow her heart. Meanwhile, Qiqi and Lv Ao were engaged in an intense sparring match.

Two of Ling's guards watched them, growing tired of the prolonged fight. Lv Ao complimented Qiqi's skills. Qiqi, feeling the match was undecided, suggested another round, but the guards intervened, urging them to stop fighting and resolve any differences later, though Qiqi clarified they had no grudge. A shopkeeper approached them, complaining about damaged goods, which Lv Ao promptly paid for with gold.

The shopkeeper then mentioned a new guest had left an item for a "master surnamed Wang," a coded message that Lv Ao immediately understood. The message was from Wei Xun, who soon arrived and greeted both Lv Ao as "Your Majesty" and Qiqi as "My Lady." Wei Xun reported that everyone in the city was preoccupied with Lv Che's coronation, so his presence went unnoticed. He confirmed that all of Lv Ao's instructions had been carried out as planned.

Wei Xun also brought Chou Hu, the Marquis of the North. Seeing Chou Hu, a Beicang Tribe guard, Hei Yu, became enraged, recalling Chou Hu's past actions against their people. Ling quickly stepped in to restrain Hei Yu, while Lv Ao urged everyone to set aside their past grievances for the moment. Chou Hu informed Lv Ao that Lv Che had kept the coronation a secret from him, and he was only alerted thanks to Wei Xun's messenger.

Chou Hu revealed he had brought three thousand elite soldiers, now secretly stationed outside West City and monitoring Ling Wanshan's camp, confidently asserting his troops' superiority. Qiqi then directly asked Chou Hu if he knew she wasn't his daughter, and Chou Hu affirmed, having recognized it upon seeing her. He acknowledged it was a complicated matter but prioritized current affairs.

Discussing their entry into the city for the coronation, Wei Xun explained that Lv Che's and Taifei's forces would be guarding the city gates, making entry difficult. Ling proposed that Lv Ao and his group could enter disguised as part of her Beicang delegation. Lv Ao initially expressed concern about the high risk involved, but Ling pressed him for alternative solutions.

Accepting the necessity, Lv Ao agreed and thanked Ling for her help, promising to remember her kindness regardless of the outcome. Later, Lv Ao and Qiqi discussed San Floral, realizing she came to Yiqi because she sensed Lan Yu's Witch Power, likely seeking the Blood Drinking Sword. Lv Ao shared that Lv Che had also been searching for the Blood Drinking Sword without success, suggesting it might be in San Floral's possession.

He surmised that San Floral's ambitions extended beyond merely helping Lv Che ascend the throne. Wu Ji voiced his suspicion that she might be aiming to unify the entire world, emphasizing the need to stop her. Before departing, Chou Hu left Qiqi a bag of sweet dried beef, the former Chou Qingli's favorite. Qiqi found the sweet taste childish but was touched by the gesture. On the day of Lv Che's coronation, Ling's procession approached the city gates.

Coincidentally, San Floral and her Witch Tribe delegation arrived shortly after. San Floral requested Ling to descend from her sedan, but Ling refused, feigning dizziness from the journey. Suspicious, San Floral cited that Ling's brother, Prince Jie, had recently attacked Yiqi and insisted on a thorough inspection. She pointed out the sedan's large size and the bearers' difficulty, suggesting someone might be hidden inside.

When Ling's guards tried to prevent the inspection, San Floral used her Witch Power to stop the sedan and personally opened the curtains. Inside, she found two naked men playfully pretending to be Ling's consorts. Ling defiantly asked if San Floral was interested in her "men," causing San Floral to apologize and allow the sedan to pass.

This ruse allowed Lv Ao and Qiqi, disguised as gift bearers, and Wu Ji, acting as a sedan bearer, to pass through the gates while Wei Xun skillfully guided them to avoid detection. The coronation ceremony began with Lv Che, dressed in regal attire, about to take the throne. Suddenly, Wei Xun disrupted the proceedings by throwing a flying knife, striking the crown just as it was about to be placed on Lv Che's head.

At that moment, Lv Ao entered the grand hall. The assembled ministers, recognizing their true monarch, immediately knelt in reverence. Taifei furiously denounced Lv Ao as an imposter, claiming the real king had died before their eyes and that Lv Che was the rightful ruler.

To prove his identity, Lv Ao publicly recalled private, often embarrassing, details about several ministers, such as Lord Chen's burning of ancient books, Grand Commandant Yan's submission of erotic poetry as a state document, and Grand Preceptor Li's financial troubles. The ministers, astonished by his knowledge of their secrets, were convinced of his authenticity. Taifei remained unconvinced, insisting that no one could return from the dead. At this moment, Qiqi stepped forward, declaring that she had saved Lv Ao.

She explained she was a descendant of Xueyin Village and had used her healing blood to revive him. Ling corroborated Qiqi's story, stating that the Beicang Tribe had once discovered Xueyin Village and witnessed the healing power of its blood.

San Floral then accused Qiqi, claiming a woman from the Witch Tribe, expelled for practicing Dark Witch Power and using illusions to corrupt minds, had once been publicly exposed in the Yiqi King's residence and implied that Qiqi was this "sinner." Lv Che, still believing Qiqi to be Chou Qingli, offered her everything as the new king.

San Floral insisted that the Witch Tribe's traitor must be handled by her, prompting Qiqi to challenge her to a fair duel using Witch Power in a different location. Lv Ao intervened, reminding Lv Che that his wolf poison had been detoxified and urged him to surrender for his betrayal. Lv Che, however, revealed his contingency plan and commanded his guards to kill all the ministers to eliminate witnesses and secure his throne.

Just as his men moved, another contingent, loyal to Lv Ao, swiftly entered and subdued Lv Che's forces. Lv Che was further shocked to learn that his army outside the city had already surrendered to Chou Hu, who, he mistakenly believed, was still stationed at the border. Lv Che and Lv Ao then engaged in a fierce duel.

During their fight, Wei Xun aimed an arrow at Lv Che, but Yu Huan suddenly stepped in front of him, taking the arrow and sacrificing her life. Dying in Lv Che's arms, Yu Huan expressed her enduring love and lack of regret. Lv Ao pressed his sword against Lv Che, giving him one last chance to repent. Lv Che, facing utter defeat, lamented that he did not care for the throne or Yiqi, but only for Chou Qingli. Realizing he had lost everything and everyone he truly cared for, Lv Che, in a fit of grief and despair, tragically took his own life.

Episode 36 (Ending) Recap

As Lv Ao challenged Lv Che, demanding his surrender, Lv Che defiantly declared that he had no use for the title of the King of Yiqi, nor did he covet it. He accused Lv Ao of having everything while he had nothing, only desiring Qingli. In his final moments, a doll Qingli had made for him lay at his feet.

He looked at it, recalling their past: Qingli offering him the doll she made as a token of gratitude, asking him to call her casually when alone. He remembered telling her she was special and different, envying her free spirit, and asking if she would leave with him if he could take her. He also remembered her confusion and his own insistence that he never meant to harm her.

Overwhelmed with the thought that he still ended up with nothing, Lv Che lamented why he was pushed to such an extent, then committed suicide in the court. As San Floral's followers rushed to her aid, Wu Ji intercepted them. One of the followers, recognizing Wu Ji, questioned why he was with the Beicang Tribe. Wu Ji accused San Floral of betraying their master and draining the Witch Power from their fellow members to cultivate Dark Witch Power.

He challenged them, asking if they truly wished to serve such a person as their leader. The followers, however, expressed their fear of San Floral's immense Dark Witch Power, claiming they had no choice but to obey. Wu Ji rebuked them, warning that without the courage to resist, they would forever live in fear. Qiqi confronted San Floral, who expressed surprise that Qiqi had recovered her Witch Power.

Qiqi demanded San Floral return to the Witch Tribe for punishment, but San Floral refused, vowing to send Qiqi to join her master in the afterlife. The two engaged in a fierce battle, San Floral employing her powerful Dark Witch Power. When San Floral attempted to seize the Blood Jade, Qiqi swiftly destroyed it, infuriating San Floral, who then injured Qiqi. Lv Ao intervened, protecting Qiqi and pushing San Floral back.

San Floral, in turn, unleashed the formidable Blood Drinking Sword, declaring that its possessor would rule the world. Lv Ao attempted to stop her, but San Floral wounded him, causing him to cough blood, and then used the sword's power to attack everyone. To prevent further destruction, Qiqi made a desperate choice. She leapt forward, seizing San Floral and the Blood Drinking Sword, declaring her intention for them to perish together.

San Floral frantically tried to break free as her Dark Witch Power was consumed by the sword. Her face contorted, and she vanished, while Qiqi fell from the sky, only to be swiftly caught by Lv Ao. With the grand battle concluded, Lv Ao ordered the dismissal of all concubines from his royal harem, choosing to keep only Qiqi as his sole wife.

The High Consort, distraught over Lv Che's death and blaming herself, descended into madness and was confined to ShanZe Palace for the remainder of her life. Meanwhile, Ling Wanshan and General Zuo, who had conspired in the rebellion, faced the severe penalty of having their entire families executed. Life gradually settled back into a semblance of peace. One day, while Qiqi was enjoying a swing, she accidentally got injured.

She intended to return to her room for treatment, but Lian Qiao anxiously insisted she visit the Royal Academy of Medicine to prevent scarring. Noticing Lian Qiao's odd behavior, Qiqi feigned compliance but then discreetly returned to her room. There, she discovered Lv Ao, who had transformed the room into a beautiful bridal chamber, complete with a phoenix crown and exquisite wedding robes. Lv Ao, who had been planning a surprise re-proposal, was startled by her early return.

He asked if she would marry him again, explaining that their previous marriage didn't count since she didn't remember it, and he too had little recollection. As Qiqi admired the wedding attire, Lv Ao presented her with a consort's stamp, promising to hold a coronation after their wedding. He playfully suggested she might be agreeing only for the stamp, urging her to reconsider. Qiqi, however, quickly snatched the stamp back, declaring, "I said yes because I love you."

The palace buzzed with joy as Lv Ao and Qiqi’s wedding ceremony recommenced. During the festivities, Lian Qiao and Yinzi took their opportunity to relentlessly ply Wei Xun with alcohol, settling old scores from when he had imprisoned them. Wu Ji, after entrusting Qiqi to Lv Ao and making him promise to treat her well, also engaged in conversation with Lv Ao.

As Lv Ao, quite drunk, decided to retire to the bridal chamber, Ling arrived at the wedding, having recently ascended to the throne of Beicang. Wu Ji approached her, noting her new royal status. Ling, in her characteristic proud manner, declared that he was unworthy of her, but Wu Ji questioned why she still wore the Bond Bell they shared.

She casually claimed she was used to it and too lazy to remove it, a statement an attendant quickly debunked by revealing how much she cherished it. Wu Ji then suggested that with trade now open between their lands, frequent meetings would be beneficial for both, to which Ling reluctantly agreed for the sake of their regions' development. Wu Ji directly asked if she had missed him, a question Ling chose not to answer directly.

Ling then decided to "crash" the bridal chamber to learn about getting married. Inside, Lv Ao, despite his intoxication, became instantly alert upon entering the room. He lifted Qiqi's bridal veil. Qiqi playfully pretended to be scared, exclaiming "Ghost!" and then acted disoriented, repeatedly asking for "light." Lv Ao grew genuinely concerned, asking what was wrong and urging her to look at him, thinking she might be unwell.

Qiqi then burst into laughter, revealing her prank and teasing him for being so easily fooled despite his usual cleverness. Lv Ao, admitting she had indeed scared him, gazed at her lovingly and promised to always fall for her tricks as long as it pleased her. Amidst their laughter, the couple celebrated their renewed union.