My Divine Emissary Recap, Plot, Synopsis
My Divine Emissary Synopsis
Li Mengmeng, a modern-day underachieving girl lacking confidence and attention. She accidentally steps into a strange time and space called Qi Guo, where she transforms into a divine Emissary.
Despite her academic struggles in the modern world, she successfully rises to power in Qi Guo and becomes the mentor of the young and cunning Emperor Qi Yan. Together, they form a tacit partnership and work together to advance their careers.
My Divine Emissary Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Li Mengmeng was in class at Four Virtues School when she received a text message from her friend, Duo, asking her to meet at their usual spot after school because Duo had a surprise. The teacher, Mr. Lu, suddenly appeared behind her and told her to come to his office after class. After leaving Mr. Lu's office, Li Mengmeng found it was raining heavily. Her mother didn't arrive to pick her up, so she ran into the rain.
She met Duo, who showed her a signed photo of her idol, Bai Lian, which made Li Mengmeng very happy. Duo reminded her it was already 8:30 PM and asked if she was okay not going home. Hearing the time, Li Mengmeng quickly prepared to leave. Stepping outside, she saw a yellow Courtesy umbrella by the door and used it to head home.
Upon arriving home, Li Mengmeng had a heated argument with her mother, who criticized her for being out late with Duo, not studying, and only caring about her idol. Her mother contrasted Li Mengmeng's behavior with her father's academic achievements and successful career as a national-level conservator-restorer. Li Mengmeng retorted that she would rather be like her father than her mother, feeling that nothing she did was ever right in her mother's eyes. Li Mengmeng retreated to her room.
From outside the door, her mother received a call about a patient and had to leave for work, telling Li Mengmeng the food was in the fridge and she needed to heat it herself. Li Mengmeng grumbled about having to warm the food again and tossed her belongings onto her bed. Li Mengmeng left the house, taking the yellow umbrella. Looking at a photo of her father on her phone, she expressed how much she missed him.
She went to his tombstone under the rain, reminiscing about a time on the Linzhou Bridge where she asked her father to stop working on it because she missed him. She reflected on her perceived failures in life and how she felt useless, wishing her father was there to guide her. Standing on the Linzhou Bridge as the heavy rain continued, Li Mengmeng saw a vision of an ancient building.
She stepped into what appeared to be a puddle on the bridge but was in fact a deeper pool. Startled, she pulled her foot back. However, recalling her mother's harsh words and her feelings of inadequacy, Li Mengmeng thought that since she was so useless, she might as well disappear, and she jumped into the water.
The scene shifted to the ancient Qi Kingdom, where Emperor Qi Yan, the High Priest, and the people were holding a grand ceremony due to a severe drought. They prayed for rain, celebrating the era under the Emperor's rule as one where "Under the greatest Emperor, all things flourish and prosper." The Emperor had secretly arranged for artificial rain, but the mechanism broke, and the rain stopped after only a short period.
The High Priest urged the Emperor to try again. As Emperor Qi Yan turned to leave, there was a disturbance in a large water jar nearby. When Qi Yan approached to investigate, a pair of hands grabbed him. The guards cried out, believing it was an assassin, and prepared to kill the person emerging from the water – Li Mengmeng.
Li Mengmeng, realizing she had somehow traveled through time, quickly claimed she was a divine emissary sent by the heavens to bring rain. Li Mengmeng shouted to the sky, "I am Xiao, the divine emissary! Please bring us rain, oh mighty one!" She repeated the call. Thunder began to rumble, and rain started to fall heavily. The ministers and people were astonished and knelt in prayer, believing she was truly sent from above.
Seizing the opportunity while they were distracted, Li Mengmeng fled the scene. While running, Li Mengmeng overheard Emperor Qi Yan instructing his attendants that he suspected the divine emissary was a spy sent by Cui Anshi. He ordered that if the person was found, they should be executed immediately. Realizing the extreme danger, Li Mengmeng knew she had to find a way to escape the palace. She found ministerial robes and quickly changed into them, attempting to blend in.
She had a brief, awkward encounter with an attendant who mistook her for a minister late for the morning audience. Emperor Qi Yan held morning court in Wanshou Hall, asking if any minister had information about the divine emissary, promising generous rewards. Ministers discussed the drought and the emissary's appearance, suggesting it was an auspicious sign and urging the Emperor to quickly unite with the Noble Consort to produce an heir.
Emperor Qi Yan dismissed their advice and instead pressed for information on when the divine emissary might reappear. Li Mengmeng searched for her bag, which had traveled with her, but couldn't find it where she thought she had left it. She eventually discovered it in Emperor Qi Yan's personal chambers. Inside, Qi Yan and his eunuch were examining the bag, remarking on its weight and contents. As they debated opening it, Li Mengmeng's phone rang loudly, startling both of them.
The eunuch expressed concern about the strange object, suggesting Guard Kong should not have left it there. Qi Yan drew his sword, intending to destroy it, but Li Mengmeng burst in, shouting for him to stop. Qi Yan demanded to know who she was and who had sent her, listing potential conspirators like Cui Anshi and Gu Cheng. Li Mengmeng tried to explain, saying she was just a student from the future who had lost her phone.
She showed him the phone, calling it an "electronic chicken." The eunuch was outraged at her disrespect and ordered her to kneel, but Qi Yan was intrigued. The eunuch suggested the device was a signaling tool and she should be killed, but Li Mengmeng pleaded for her life, claiming she knew many things from the future, reciting scientific and mathematical concepts. To test her claims, Qi Yan presented her with a complex ancient mathematical problem involving a circular city.
Scholar Zhen, who was present, admitted that even with his learning as a former top scholar, it had taken him half a month to solve. Li Mengmeng immediately recognized it as an application of the Pythagorean theorem and provided the correct answer (80) in moments, astonishing Scholar Zhen. Li Mengmeng expressed surprise that they did not know such a fundamental concept and offered to give another problem. Qi Yan's eunuch suggested keeping her alive as she might prove useful.
Scholar Zhen took his leave in disbelief. Emperor Qi Yan decided Li Mengmeng could be valuable. He rewarded her with gold for her knowledge. He also decided to give her a new name. Li Mengmeng asked to be called "Li Mengmeng," which Qi Yan found acceptable. He ordered her to stay by his side and teach him the knowledge from her world. Li Mengmeng hesitantly agreed, warning him there was a great deal to learn.
Li Mengmeng began teaching Qi Yan, starting with the multiplication table. Meanwhile, in Qingyan Palace, Minister Gu and another discussed the "suspicious person" who had entered the imperial study and quickly gained the Emperor's favor, even appearing to join him in frivolous activities like "cockfighting" despite the severe drought. Minister Gu viewed this as the Emperor neglecting national affairs and ordered that the "little eunuch" be removed from the palace.
Back with Qi Yan, his eunuch voiced concerns about Li Mengmeng's unknown origins and strange behavior, fearing she was a spy planted by rivals like Prince He or Prime Minister Cui to expose the Emperor's secret plans. Qi Yan dismissed his fears, stating Li Mengmeng was special and he was curious to see what new tactics his rivals would employ.
Episode 2 Recap
Li Mengmeng found herself living in the eunuch quarters, a crowded place where men shared rooms. The constant snoring and mosquitoes made it impossible for her to sleep. Desperate, she climbed over the wall at night. She encountered a vendor named Zhou Quan, who was selling various items, including books like "Romantic Prince Heqin" and "His Majesty's Likes and Dislikes." Zhou Quan offered to answer one question for free since it was their first meeting.
Li Mengmeng asked what kind of person the Emperor was. Zhou Quan described Qi Yan as impetuous and unpredictable, young, and under the influence of Chancellor Cui and Prince Heqin. She claimed he preferred tinkering with new gadgets over state affairs, leading people to see him as a spoiled kid who was less popular than Prince Heqin. Zhou Quan asked for three taels for her book. Li Mengmeng admitted she had no money but offered a gold bean.
Zhou Quan accepted it and asked if Li Mengmeng was new, warning her that the eunuch quarters were difficult to navigate and that rumors suggested a new eunuch was sent by higher-ups to spy. She advised Li Mengmeng to be careful. Life in the quarters was tough. Li Mengmeng was targeted and cut in line when food was distributed, leaving her with only soup by the time it was her turn.
Hungry and scared at night, she held a doll her father had given her, wishing she could go home. Another eunuch in the room saw her and told her he also missed home when he first arrived but eventually got used to it. He asked to see her doll, and she showed it to him without hesitation. That night, while Li Mengmeng slept, the eunuch placed a paper with a talisman and needles inside the doll.
Li Mengmeng later wandered into the Imperial Study Room and fell asleep. When Emperor Qi Yan arrived and found her there, she claimed she had missed him so much the previous night that she couldn't sleep and had just fallen asleep as soon as she arrived. Her stomach then audibly growled.
Remembering Zhou Quan's secret advice that the Emperor was afraid of crying and would soften and compromise if someone cried, Li Mengmeng began to sob loudly, lamenting her difficult life in the quarters and her hunger. Qi Yan, visibly uncomfortable, asked what she wanted and offered compensation. Li Mengmeng continued crying, asking for the urn she had arrived in this world with. Qi Yan quickly agreed.
Soon after, the eunuch who had spoken to Li Mengmeng in the quarters appeared, holding her doll. He accused Li Mengmeng of practicing witchcraft and prepared to take her to the Empress Dowager. Li Mengmeng protested, saying it was just her doll, but other eunuchs claimed they saw her playing with it. Just as they were about to drag her away, Chancellor Cui Anshi arrived.
He dismissed the accusation as a minor matter involving a mere eunuch and ordered them to beat Li Mengmeng to death instead of bothering the Empress Dowager. Li Mengmeng cried out for the Emperor's help. Qi Yan arrived immediately, declaring Li Mengmeng was his person and forbidding anyone to touch her. Qi Yan demanded to see the doll. Li Mengmeng asked if she could examine the talisman.
She pointed out the ink on the left side of the writing, deducing that the person who wrote it must be left-handed. Based on this clue, Qi Yan was able to identify the framing eunuch, who immediately began begging for mercy. Qi Yan noted that Li Mengmeng was newly assigned to the Imperial Study Room, full of clever ideas, and made things to amuse him.
He told her that from now on she belonged to him and should report anyone who bullied her. He arranged for her to be moved to a room next to another eunuch named Lu Huan. Li Mengmeng asked how he knew she was in trouble, and Qi Yan replied that he knew everything in the palace. Seeing him as her rescuer, Li Mengmeng promised to fulfill any reasonable request he had.
It was later revealed that the framing eunuch and several others involved had been punished. Meanwhile, Chancellor Cui Anshi reported the incident to the Empress Dowager, expressing concern over Qi Yan's impulsiveness. He suggested that becoming a father might help him mature and urged the Empress Dowager to arrange the marriage between Qi Yan and Cui Wan'er soon. The Empress Dowager agreed to consider it. Li Mengmeng encountered Scholar Zhen Xu, who was meticulously calculating the approximation for the circumference.
She asked if he had finished. He shared his calculation. Li Mengmeng told him his answer was very close and then recited many more digits of pi, explaining that it was the wisdom of ancient Chinese mathematicians like Zu Chongzhi. Qi Yan arrived and was impressed by Li Mengmeng's knowledge. Li Mengmeng then showed Qi Yan her phone, explaining how it worked as a calculator using Arabic numerals.
She demonstrated how to input numbers and perform calculations like pi and exponents, explaining that fifty threes multiplied together resulted in a large number displayed on the screen. She also showed him division. While they were looking at the phone, Noble Consort Cui Wan'er arrived, sent by the Empress Dowager to pay her respects and bring broth for Qi Yan. Li Mengmeng was stunned, recognizing Cui Wan'er as her friend Duo from her own time.
She rushed forward to grab her, calling her Duo and asking if she had also come here. Cui Wan'er's attendant pushed Li Mengmeng away and threatened to punish her for offending the Noble Consort. Qi Yan intervened, reminding the attendant that Li Mengmeng was his person. Cui Wan'er then informed Qi Yan that the date for their marriage had been set by the high priest and the Empress Dowager expected him to be there at the auspicious time.
Qi Yan acknowledged this and dismissed her. Li Mengmeng was distraught, declaring that Qi Yan couldn't marry Cui Wan'er if there was no affection and warning that children born from such a marriage would suffer. She wondered if this Cui Wan'er was truly her friend Duo, but decided to focus on finding water for the urn so she could go home.
During a morning audience, Minister Gu reported that Prince Heqin (Qi Su) would arrive in the capital the next day. He argued that Qi Yan should personally greet the prince at the city gate given his military achievements. Chancellor Cui Anshi disagreed, saying it was inappropriate for the Emperor to lower himself for a prince and warning that the prince's battlefield "aura" might harm the Emperor. The ministers debated heatedly until Qi Yan abruptly dismissed the court.
After the audience, Qi Yan's subordinates interpreted Minister Gu's suggestion as an attempt to insult him. Qi Yan downplayed it but suspected Prince Heqin's sudden return with troops might have other motives. He then commented that the prince's return was convenient because Li Mengmeng had also arrived in the capital from Lu County, and he needed an excuse to go out and see her.
As people gathered at the city gate to welcome Prince Heqin, Li Mengmeng, who was complaining about the difficulty of finding water to fill her urn, saw Qi Yan trying to sneak out of the palace and was shushed by him. At the city gate, Qi Yan's officials announced the prince's arrival, but the Emperor was nowhere to be seen, causing confusion and whispers among the ministers and crowd about Qi Yan's disregard for protocol. The crowd cheered for Prince Heqin as he arrived.
Episode 3 Recap
Li Mengmeng saw Prince Heqin and was startled, realizing he looked exactly like her modern-day idol, Bai Lian. She thought to herself that both Lin Duo and Bai Lian were here, which made her very happy. She asked Qi Yan if the man she had just seen was Prince Heqin. Qi Yan asked if she had been outside for so long just to look at him.
Li Mengmeng confirmed it, asking if Qi Yan didn't think he was incredibly handsome; she felt just a few glances were enough to make her eyes feel massaged. Qi Yan responded by putting a pastry in her mouth to silence her and pulled her away to eat. Meanwhile, Cui Anshi met with Cui Wan'er, asking why she hadn't consummated her marriage with the Emperor after three months in the palace.
He mentioned Prince Heqin had returned and he didn't want her to have any further ties with him, reminding her that her actions affected the future of the Cui family. Since the Emperor seemed unwilling to 'merge', Cui Anshi felt they couldn't just wait passively. He gave Cui Wan'er some top-grade aphrodisiac powder from Xi Mi, instructing her to keep it safe as it would definitely be useful later.
At Prince Heqin's residence, his people complained about the Emperor's behavior, promising a welcome back but not showing up. Prince Heqin, whose given name is Huai'an, asked about Wan'er, learning she was made a Noble Consort three months ago. He was angered that he only received the news five days prior and vowed to make the Emperor answer for taking Wan'er despite knowing their mutual affection and for publicly humiliating him now.
Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng arrived at Taifeng Tavern for dinner. Upon seeing Cui Wan'er nearby, Qi Yan's attendant, Lu Huan, suggested they go somewhere else. Qi Yan agreed and instructed Lu Huan to find a way to send Li Mengmeng away so she wouldn't know their plan. Before they could act, Li Mengmeng spotted Cui Wan'er and excitedly called out "Lin Duo!" Qi Yan had no choice but to approach and invite Cui Wan'er to dine with them.
Soon after they were seated, Kong An arrived to inform Qi Yan that Lord Li had arrived. Qi Yan told Li Mengmeng to stay and dine with Cui Wan'er while he stepped out, assuring them he would be back soon. Li Mengmeng observed Cui Wan'er eating heartily. She asked if she ate a lot when she was unhappy, explaining that she had a friend who was just like that.
After sharing a few drinks, Cui Wan'er became visibly upset and quickly passed out on the table. Li Mengmeng helped her outside. As they were leaving, Cui Wan'er murmured that she didn't want to 'merge'. Just then, Qi Yan returned and asked what was happening. Li Mengmeng said there was a small accident.
Seeing Cui Wan'er's state, Lu Huan suggested to Qi Yan that this might be a good opportunity for him to 'merge' with the Noble Consort tonight, thus fulfilling the wishes of the Empress Dowager and Cui Anshi. Qi Yan thought it was a good idea and ordered that he would 'merge' with the Noble Consort that night. Hearing this, and remembering Cui Wan'er's whispered reluctance, Li Mengmeng rushed to Qi Yan's palace to stop him.
As she arrived, Qi Yan noticed someone eavesdropping outside his door. He decided to feign intimacy with Li Mengmeng. The eavesdropper, believing it was the Emperor and the Noble Consort together, quickly left to report the "great news" to the Empress Dowager and Cui Anshi, who were overjoyed. Li Mengmeng asked Qi Yan if he was just pretending.
The next morning, palace maids in Lihua Hall were gossiping about the Emperor and the Noble Consort having 'merged' the previous night after three months. Cui Wan'er overheard them. Her maid, Shitao, quickly reprimanded the maids for their loose talk. Cui Wan'er then encountered Prince Heqin (Huai'an/Qi Su). She recalled receiving a letter from him after she was commanded to marry the Emperor.
She had written to him hoping he would return quickly, but his letter had stated he would be at the frontier for three years with an uncertain return date and wished for her to find a good husband and not waste her youth waiting for him. Remembering this painful message, she walked past Prince Heqin without looking back. The Empress Dowager summoned Prince Heqin. She asked him for name suggestions for a future child of Qi Yan and Cui Wan'er.
Prince Heqin suggested the character "Ze," explaining its meaning related to nourishing all things and bringing blessings to the people, especially relevant during the current drought, hoping the child could bring rain and fortune to the Qi Kingdom. The Empress Dowager found the name "Ze" very fitting. Later, Lu Huan reported to Qi Yan that Prince Heqin had first gone to see the Empress Dowager and then intentionally detoured to Lihua Hall to meet with the Noble Consort.
Qi Yan found this perplexing, given that Prince Heqin was the one who had abandoned Wan'er via letter, and now he was seeking her out. Lu Huan suggested it was likely due to their childhood friendship. Shitao told Cui Wan'er that she looked beautiful that day, but Cui Wan'er felt she was merely a "caged bird," no matter how beautiful. Shitao tried to console her by saying everything would be better once she had a prince.
This brought tears to Cui Wan'er's eyes. She decided to leave the palace and went to a magnolia tree where she and Prince Heqin (Huai'an) had once carved their names and made vows of eternal connection. Recalling their promise that their bond, once rooted, could not be severed even if the tree was cut down, she wept. Prince Heqin arrived at the tree. Cui Wan'er interrupted him as he spoke her name.
She instructed Shitao to retrieve Prince Heqin's belongings and return them to him, stating that she was now married to the Emperor and from that moment on, they owed each other nothing. Prince Heqin responded by asking why she would return something that was unwanted. In the Imperial Study Room, Li Mengmeng was attempting to perform a rain prayer using a method from her hometown.
She recited chants asking the Rain King to appear and bring rain and peace, but also included a personal wish to return home soon. Qi Yan overheard her personal wish and questioned it. She quickly corrected herself, adding wishes for abundant crops and peace for the Qi Kingdom instead. She had stumbled upon a sketch of the aqueduct project among Qi Yan's documents earlier when she was startled by his sudden appearance while trying to pray for rain.
Later, Qi Yan discussed financial matters with Lu Huan. Lu Huan reported that the funds in the private treasury were nearly depleted due to the aqueduct construction, and Lord Li was urgently requesting money. Qi Yan decided to host a flower appreciation banquet for all ministers at Renxin Hall that night, instructing Lu Huan to ensure the ministers knew not to come empty-handed.
While preparing for the banquet, Li Mengmeng was helping Qi Yan arrange a picture or scroll, guiding him to move it up and down. After adjusting it for a long time, she grew impatient and asked him to look carefully before giving instructions, stating she had been doing this for almost two hours. Qi Yan reacted sharply, calling her words impudent and telling Lu Huan to slap her. Li Mengmeng protested that she wasn't being impudent, just offering a small suggestion. Qi Yan finally approved the placement.
Episode 4 Recap
Li Mengmeng was hanging lanterns when she nearly slipped. Qi Yan quickly caught her. He then seemed to reconsider and ordered Lu Huan to deduct her pay, causing Li Mengmeng to mutter that she would rather he hadn't caught her at all. When Prince Heqin returned to the capital, he planned to host a banquet for the ministers. Coincidentally, Qi Yan decided to host a flower viewing event on the very same day and also invited the ministers.
Qi Su suspected Qi Yan was doing this on purpose. He confirmed his own banquet preparations were complete, knowing that few, if any, ministers would attend Qi Yan's event. Qi Su mentioned a new eunuch who was much favored by Qi Yan and had caused trouble for their own people. He instructed Zhuiying to investigate the eunuch. Qi Su was determined to make Qi Yan pay and planned to ensure Cui Wan'er could return to his side openly.
Meanwhile, palace servants prepared for Qi Yan's banquet, feeling exhausted. Li Mengmeng also felt tired. Ministers discussed the conflicting invitations, noting that Qi Yan's banquets were frequent and primarily for receiving gifts, while Prince Heqin's return banquet was significant due to his military power. They decided to send gifts to Qi Yan's event but attend Prince Heqin's reception instead. At the hour of Qi Yan's flower viewing banquet, he was surprised to find no ministers present.
Lu Huan reported that while no ministers attended, their gifts had been sent. A large box was brought in, and Li Mengmeng emerged from it. Qi Yan, still confused about the ministers' whereabouts, ordered Li Mengmeng's pay deducted for slacking. Li Mengmeng offered to reveal where the ministers were if it meant her punishment would be waived. Qi Yan then arrived unexpectedly at Prince Heqin's lively banquet. The ministers who had feigned illness or absence were startled.
Qi Yan made pointed remarks about their sudden recovery and presence there, acknowledging Prince Heqin's popularity. Qi Su replied that Qi Yan might have lost their loyalty due to his frivolous behavior and disrespect. Qi Yan retorted, asking if the loyalty he lost had gone to Prince Heqin. He then calmed the ministers, stating his main purpose was to welcome Qi Su. Qi Yan suggested Prince Heqin perform to entertain the guests. Qi Su agreed and demonstrated his skilled swordsmanship.
After Qi Su's display, he challenged Qi Yan to perform. Qi Yan decided to test his archery skills by having Li Mengmeng hold an apple on her head as a target. Both Qi Yan and Qi Su shot arrows, and both hit the apple. Li Mengmeng exclaimed that Prince Heqin was amazing. Qi Yan praised Qi Su's skills, noting his success on the battlefield over the past three years despite his unauthorized return to the capital.
As a reward, Qi Yan presented Prince Heqin with a Fertility Guanyin statue, suggesting that since Prince Heqin was past the age of marriage and lacked a wife, he should quickly find a suitable match and have children. Qi Yan then announced he would return to admire the flowers and dismissed himself. Qi Yan instructed Lu Huan to tally the gift money and send it to Minister Li to ensure the aqueduct repair was not delayed.
Li Mengmeng commented on how good it was to be an emperor, receiving so much money, unlike in her hometown where large gifts were only given for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and new births. Hearing this, Qi Yan became visibly upset and left. Lu Huan explained to Li Mengmeng that it was the Emperor's birthday, which is why he reacted negatively.
Qi Yan sat alone, reflecting on his past birthdays as the Crown Prince, which he spent alone, restricted from doing what he wanted. Li Mengmeng found him and presented him with a 'birthday cake' she made from fruit. She explained the tradition of making three wishes and blowing out candles for the wishes to come true. Qi Yan, skeptical, asked if she could grant his wish for the moon in the sky.
Li Mengmeng then retrieved her camera, calling it another 'device' from her hometown, and took a photo of Qi Yan with the moon. Qi Yan was very pleased with the gift and the unique 'cake', stating he hadn't celebrated his birthday since he was eight because the person who celebrated with him had passed away. Qi Yan promised to celebrate all her future birthdays, but reminded her she owed him a favor related to the aqueduct drawing she saw.
Li Mengmeng admitted she saw the draft of the aqueduct works. She explained that in her geography books, aqueducts in dry areas are built underground to prevent water loss, unlike the surface design depicted in Qi Yan's draft. Underground canals (similar to Qanats or Kanerjing) utilize the natural slope of mountains to bring ice and snow meltwater to the surface. Interested, Qi Yan asked her to draw how it looked.
Li Mengmeng struggled to recall the specifics for drawing a Qanat and feigned a sudden stomach ache. Qi Yan gave her one more day, threatening to deduct her salary if she failed, but also promising a substantial reward if the drawing was good. Later, something got into Qi Yan's eye, and Li Mengmeng leaned in to help by blowing on it.
Lu Huan saw this and, misunderstanding the situation, was shocked by Li Mengmeng's boldness, asking if the Emperor's mouth was alright. Qi Yan clarified it was his eye and Li Mengmeng had helped. He dismissed Lu Huan and said he was tired. Qi Yan then thanked Li Mengmeng for celebrating his birthday earlier.
Meanwhile, Zhuiying reported to Prince Heqin that he found no background information on the favored eunuch by Qi Yan's side, only noting strange behavior like carrying a basin around late at night. Minister Gu arrived and informed Prince Heqin that the Empress Dowager planned to arrange a marriage for him, which Prince Heqin understood as a test of his feelings for Cui Wan'er. He resolved to accept the marriage to avoid making the Empress Dowager suspicious.
Later, Li Mengmeng was trying to use a basin in a water tank, attempting to return to her own world, but the water level was too low. She decided to try again. Prince Heqin appeared and saw her. He quickly realized she was a woman. When Steward Huang arrived, Prince Heqin made an excuse about following a cat and sent the steward away.
He then spoke to Li Mengmeng, telling her he wouldn't expose her but warning her to be cautious as the palace had many watchful eyes. Zhuiying was surprised Prince Heqin didn't expose her, but Prince Heqin explained that since she was a woman and trusted by Qi Yan, they might be able to gain information from her in the future. He ordered Zhuiying to keep her under surveillance.
Still struggling with the aqueduct drawing, Li Mengmeng decided to draw a rough sketch of the Qanat, hoping it would suffice. At court, ministers, including Minister Gu and Prince Heqin, discussed the severe drought causing famine and refugees in areas like Lu and Guan Counties. Minister Gu suggested sending Prince Heqin to inspect Lu County. Qi Yan dismissed their concerns, stating he would resolve the food shortage in one month but refused to elaborate on his plan.
Prince Heqin interjected, reminding Qi Yan that the people were the foundation of the country and losing their loyalty would mean losing the kingdom, implying Qi Yan's handling of the situation was risking his reign. Qi Yan challenged Prince Heqin, suggesting he desired the throne, which Qi Su quickly denied. Qi Yan then ended the court session, saying he was tired. Outside court, ministers complained about Qi Yan's increasingly absurd behavior. Lu Huan reported Li Mengmeng was likely slacking again.
Qi Yan sent Lu Huan away and Li Mengmeng arrived with her drawing. Qi Yan found the method depicted unlike any he had seen but noted the lack of specific numerical data. Li Mengmeng explained she was not a professional and suggested consulting an expert like Scholar Zhen to complete the blueprint. Later, Zhou Quan told Li Mengmeng about palace gossip. Because Qi Yan had not been intimate with Consort Wan, rumors circulated that he preferred men.
Recently, eunuchs saw Li Mengmeng with the Emperor in the Imperial Garden, fueling speculation that "she" was the male favorite. Zhou Quan implied that if Qi Yan didn't know she was a woman, perhaps he truly did like men, which could explain his lack of heirs and the rumor about him using a drug on Consort Wan. Zhou Quan also mentioned a popular book, "Why Must the Emperor Marry Me?"
, about an emperor who loved a female eunuch disguised as a man, who was eventually killed for deceiving the Empress Dowager. Hearing this, Li Mengmeng realized how dangerous her situation was and became determined to find water to return to her own world as quickly as possible.
Episode 5 Recap
Upon receiving Li Mengmeng's proposed method for the aqueduct, Qi Yan and Zhen Xu drew up the detailed plans. Qi Yan instructed Zhen Xu to immediately deliver the drawings to Minister Li. He then sent Lu Huan to summon Li Mengmeng. Lu Huan cautiously asked if Qi Yan had been spending too much time with Li Mengmeng lately, mentioning palace gossip about their unusual closeness.
Qi Yan, however, dismissed such talk, stating that a great person does not dwell on trivial matters like rumors, and ordered Lu Huan to hurry. When Li Mengmeng arrived, Qi Yan told her to follow him. She asked where they were going, and he teased if she didn't want to go with him. Li Mengmeng quickly assured him she would follow him anywhere, even through "knife mountain and fire sea."
Qi Yan then turned and cornered her against a cabinet, asking if she was being serious. He commented that they had known each other for some time and he found her to be a very special person. Li Mengmeng, feeling awkward, quickly crouched down. Qi Yan then pushed the cabinet aside, revealing a hidden passage. The two descended underground into what Qi Yan revealed was his secret base, the Secret Research Pavilion.
He introduced Zhen Xu as the core member and mentioned other branches (implied to be Lu Huan and Kong An). Li Mengmeng observed a map of Qi Kingdom's canal system displayed on the wall. She questioned why, if the late emperor had already built the canal system, they weren't simply using it. This brought up the sensitive history of the canal project, which had been abandoned after a severe drought and became a court taboo, leading to Qi Su's banishment.
Qi Yan seemed disappointed, questioning if Li Mengmeng had spread information about his efforts to the Empress Dowager. Li Mengmeng denied this. Qi Yan explained that dredging the canal could solve irrigation problems and establish vital watercourse transport, asking if these benefits should be abandoned because of rumors. Li Mengmeng interjected, suggesting he shouldn't bring up the canal issue again, to which Qi Yan retorted that it was none of her business and that she asked too many questions.
Qi Yan then revealed his new plan: to tap into groundwater to supply the canal and make it navigable again, with the immediate priority being the construction of the aqueduct. He praised Li Mengmeng, stating that her method for the aqueduct was a real revelation and that she deserved a lot of credit. He presented her with a golden token, calling it priceless and assuring her that with it, she could travel freely throughout Qi Kingdom. Li Mengmeng thanked him.
Back in her quarters, Li Mengmeng held the golden token, wondering if Qi Yan truly liked her and worrying about the implications if he did. The next morning, long before sunrise, Lu Huan arrived to wake her, explaining that Qi Yan had officially appointed her as a counselor in the Secret Research Pavilion and required her presence before dawn to maintain secrecy.
Li Mengmeng complained about the early hours, joking that she thought joining the pavilion would make her life easier, and called the strict schedule "gaslighting at work" (or workplace PUA). Lu Huan dismissed her complaints, reminding her of her duty to the Emperor and her honor in serving him. Upon arriving at the pavilion, Qi Yan teased her about her late arrival on her first day.
Li Mengmeng, flustered, explained she was nervous about working with him and didn't sleep well. Qi Yan quickly got to the point, explaining the severe drought in Lu County and the need to complete a finalized model of the aqueduct within two days to be sent there, emphasizing its importance for demonstrating the aqueduct's benefits to the court and public for the future opening of the canal. They immediately set to work. Their efforts were successful within the two-day deadline.
Qi Yan dismissed Zhen Xu and Lu Huan to rest. He noticed Li Mengmeng asleep at her desk. As he gently reached to remove the brush from her hand, she woke up. Qi Yan acknowledged her hard work over the past couple of days and told her to go back and rest.
Later, Qi Yan asked Lu Huan, Zhen Xu, and Kong An if they looked forward to coming to the Secret Research Pavilion and if they found Li Mengmeng's teachings beneficial. They all responded positively, saying they were excited to be there, found her lessons interesting, and continued to think about what they learned even after work. Hearing this, Qi Yan was relieved, realizing he wasn't the only one who eagerly anticipated Li Mengmeng's presence and teachings.
Soon after, it was time for payment. Li Mengmeng, expecting twenty taels, was shocked to receive only eight. The person distributing the wages hinted she should know why, leaving Li Mengmeng feeling it was workplace PUA again.
Later, Zhou Quan approached Li Mengmeng, telling her the annual kickball tournament was approaching and suggesting she place a bet, implying it could be a way to win some money, especially as Prince Heqin was rumored to be participating this year, making the outcome less certain. Li Mengmeng went to Qi Yan and asked if he could raise her wage if she helped successfully build the aqueduct.
Qi Yan questioned why she needed so much money, but she was hesitant to reveal her plan to bet on Prince Heqin. She told him it was better if he didn't know. When Qi Yan declined to raise her wage, she jokingly asked him who was better at kickball, him or Prince Heqin, and if he could lose on purpose and split the winnings with her, a suggestion Qi Yan immediately dismissed. The kickball tournament began.
Qi Yan asked Lu Huan about Li Mengmeng's whereabouts, then spotted her talking to Prince Heqin. Walking over, seemingly annoyed, he threw his outer garment at Li Mengmeng, telling her to hold it for him. He remarked pointedly that Prince Heqin was quite diligent, even practicing where Li Mengmeng was. Prince Heqin quickly clarified they had just met and exchanged pleasantries.
As Qi Yan started to leave, Li Mengmeng hesitated, caught between her job serving the Emperor and her personal admiration for Prince Heqin. Qi Yan, noticing her hesitation, questioned her, saying she had claimed serving him was her life's honor, and asked if she had found a new honor so quickly. Li Mengmeng tried to explain it was a misunderstanding. Despite wanting to cheer for Prince Heqin, she loudly declared her belief that Qi Yan would win.
The match proceeded, with the score tied for a while before Qi Yan scored a goal, winning the match with a final score of three to two against Qi Su. Li Mengmeng felt conflicted, initially happy about Qi Yan's victory but then remembering her bet. After the match, Cui Wan'er approached Qi Su, asking about his injury and offering to check it, but Qi Su politely reassured her he was fine and excused himself.
Meanwhile, Li Mengmeng discovered a stroke of luck. Zhou Quan explained that when Li Mengmeng had asked her to place a gold ingot bet on Prince Heqin, it had somehow rolled onto Qi Yan's side of the betting board, resulting in Li Mengmeng winning a large sum of money. Zhou Quan, however, had bet on Prince Heqin and lost everything.
Zhou Quan teased Li Mengmeng, suggesting her love for the Emperor was less than her love for money, to which Li Mengmeng readily agreed, stating her career was the most important thing.
Episode 6 Recap
Li Mengmeng told Zhou Quan that naturally, her career was the most important thing, and His Majesty Qi Yan could only rank after money. Qi Yan overheard this and instructed Lu Huan to confiscate all the silver Li Mengmeng had. Seeing this, Zhou Quan quickly fled the eunuch quarters. Kong An saw her running and instinctively chased after her. Zhou Quan, frightened, tripped and fell.
Kong An rushed over to help her up, but she told him to stop pretending and asked why he was chasing her. Kong An explained he chased because he saw her running out suspiciously. Noticing her hand was bleeding, he gave her the healing ointment His Majesty had granted him, saying it was very effective. Back with Qi Yan, Li Mengmeng tried to soothe his anger, asking why he was still upset since he had already confiscated her money.
She reminded him she had even cheered for him in court until her voice was hoarse, though Qi Yan suspected she was only cheering for her money bag. Li Mengmeng apologized and offered to make him a delicious delicacy from her hometown to help him feel better. Li Mengmeng then prepared a dish, explaining that soaking the powder in cold water would make the noodles smoother and more elastic.
When she opened the pot, Qi Yan smelled it and recoiled, asking why it smelled like feces if it was a delicacy from her hometown. Li Mengmeng told him it was called snail rice noodles and, despite the smell, it was very fragrant and delicious when eaten. Qi Yan was reluctant, calling it feces, but Li Mengmeng dared him to try it. He took a bite and immediately fainted on Li Mengmeng's bed.
Li Mengmeng tried to wake him, panicking and thinking she would surely be beheaded this time. She thought about trying to return using the water tank. Standing by Qi Yan's side, she confessed that when she first met him, she truly disliked him because he always threatened her with beheading. However, after spending time together, she realized he wasn't a tyrant. She apologized, blaming the snail rice noodles for his apparent demise at such a young age.
She told him goodbye and said she hoped to compensate him in an afterlife before jumping into the water tank. Qi Yan immediately rose from the bed and pulled her out, revealing he was just playing a prank on her because she always made him angry. Li Mengmeng was furious, saying nobody jokes about someone's life. Qi Yan countered, asking if only she was allowed to lie to him.
She insisted joking about life was unacceptable and that the prank wasn't funny. Just as she finished speaking, Qi Yan collapsed again, this time genuinely fainting onto the floor. He barely managed to tell her to quickly summon an imperial physician. It turned out Qi Yan was severely allergic to peanuts, a fact Li Mengmeng was unaware of when she prepared the food. When Qi Yan woke in Qingyan Palace, he asked for Eunuch Li.
Lu Huan arrived and told Qi Yan that Eunuch Li was a traitor, alleging he was instructed by Prince Heqin to feed His Majesty food containing peanuts, thus harming him. Qi Yan dismissed this, showing Li Mengmeng items that Lu Huan had found in her bag. Among them was a picture that Lu Huan insisted looked like Prince Heqin, though Li Mengmeng claimed it was someone from her hometown called Bai Lian.
He also showed her a packet of powder, calling it something amazing the Noble Consort had asked Li Mengmeng to keep for her when she left the palace. Not knowing what it was, Qi Yan ordered Li Mengmeng to open it. As she opened it, they both leaned in to smell the contents. The powder entered their noses, and Li Mengmeng felt it happening again before they both lost consciousness and collapsed.
While they were unconscious, Li Mengmeng removed her outer layer of clothing. Qi Yan, coming to slightly, saw this and realized with surprise that she was a woman. The next morning, Li Mengmeng was mortified by what had happened during the night, wondering how she could ever face Qi Yan again.
Guards arrived to remove the water tank and other items from her room on His Majesty's orders, claiming the tank was unlucky and unsafe and that it was to prevent Eunuch Li from attempting suicide again. Li Mengmeng protested, insisting she wasn't trying to kill herself but merely trying to prevent others from using the water. She also demanded her scissors back. Meanwhile, the half-yearly eunuch assessment for new recruits began.
Li Mengmeng observed the assessment, which included height checks, and wondered why eunuchs needed to be assessed. An official explained it was necessary because someone had recently disgraced their name. Li Mengmeng saw the High Priest who had conducted the rain praying ceremony and worried about being recognized.
In the Imperial Study, Zhen Xu was attempting to brief Qi Yan on matters concerning taxes and canal construction for Lu County, but Qi Yan was clearly distracted, his mind preoccupied with Li Mengmeng and the ongoing issues in Lu County. Qi Yan asked Lu Huan why Li Mengmeng was absent, and learned she was participating in the eunuch assessment. Qi Yan remarked that it was perhaps good for her to experience some hardship and learn discipline.
The assessment included a body examination as the final item. Li Mengmeng, fearing her female identity would be revealed, tried to claim a stomach ache to escape but was ordered back. Qi Yan, reflecting that the eunuch assessment served him, decided he should go observe it himself. As Qi Yan was about to leave for the assessment, Qi Su intercepted him.
Qi Su stated he wanted to see how Qi Yan would react to the body check portion of the assessment, which he noted was a new addition. He pointedly asked if Qi Yan wasn't interested in learning more about Eunuch Li. Qi Yan immediately ordered Lu Huan to bring Li Mengmeng to the Imperial Study to await him.
At the same time, the High Priest, recognizing Li Mengmeng from the rain praying ritual, showed a picture of her to Chancellor Cui Anshi, identifying her as the disappeared Emissary Xiao. They questioned why the Emissary was hiding by the Emperor's side as an eunuch. Chancellor Cui went to inform the Empress Dowager. Cui Wan'er was with the Empress Dowager, who informed Chancellor Cui that a physical examination had confirmed Cui Wan'er had not consummated her marriage with Qi Yan.
The Empress Dowager blamed herself for spoiling Qi Yan. Chancellor Cui blamed Li Mengmeng, whom he called a "demon" for bewitching Qi Yan and preventing the consummation, arguing that the drought persisting after Emissary Xiao's appearance proved he was a fake. Granny Sun added that Eunuch Li had been present in the inner palace on the day of the scheduled consummation and was seen coming out. The Empress Dowager ordered Eunuch Li to be brought to her.
At the eunuch assessment, as Li Mengmeng was about to undergo the body check, Granny Sun arrived and announced she was there on the Empress Dowager's orders to summon Eunuch Li, taking Li Mengmeng away. Qi Su spoke to Qi Yan, implying Li Mengmeng was being targeted just as "Minister Li" had been, and questioned Qi Yan's intentions.
Qi Su stated his concern was that Qi Yan was allowing a woman of unknown origin by his side when he had not yet had a child with the Noble Consort Cui Wan'er, especially since Qi Yan knew Qi Su and Cui Wan'er cared for each other before he married her and made her a laughingstock. Qi Su warned that if Qi Yan continued this "ridiculous act," he would not be kind to the little eunuch.
Qi Yan asserted that Li Mengmeng was his person and it was none of Qi Su's concern. Li Mengmeng was brought before the Empress Dowager and Chancellor Cui. The Empress Dowager immediately addressed her as Emissary Xiao and showed her items related to the ritual, asking why she had faked being a divine emissary and was now hiding by the Emperor's side as an eunuch, demanding to know her true intentions. Li Mengmeng claimed she was innocent.
She explained she had hidden her identity because on the day of the ritual, she had perceived a "bad aura" around His Majesty and chose to stay to help him dispel misfortune. Chancellor Cui dismissed this as utter nonsense, calling her an ominous demon trying to bewitch the Empress Dowager as she had bewitched Qi Yan. He argued that His Majesty, being the Son of Heaven, could not possibly have a bad aura and demanded proof.
Li Mengmeng offered to demonstrate if His Majesty was brought there. Chancellor Cui accused her of trying to use the Empress Dowager to summon Qi Yan to save herself. He declared that impersonating a divine emissary, misleading people, and obstructing the imperial marriage was a capital offense. He recommended she be immediately imprisoned, personally interrogated by him to uncover the truth, and executed without delay. The Empress Dowager agreed to Chancellor Cui's proposal.
Li Mengmeng was taken and interrogated, likely by Chancellor Cui or his subordinates. They demanded to know who had instructed her to appear at the rain ritual and to obstruct the imperial marriage. She repeatedly insisted that she had not been instructed by anyone. Her interrogators called her stubborn and threatened her with torture.
They described the method of "lingering death," explaining it involved using a small knife to cut off pieces of flesh bit by bit, a fate worse than death. They warned they would start with her face if she didn't confess. Li Mengmeng demanded to see His Majesty, but they told her she could not see him just because she wished to. As they prepared to begin torturing her face, someone ordered them to stop.
Episode 7 Recap
Cui Anshi had Li Mengmeng tied to a cross, demanding to know who was behind her actions. Li Mengmeng insisted there was no mastermind. Unconvinced, Cui Anshi prepared to use a small knife to disfigure her face, threatening her with Lingchi, cutting flesh piece by piece. Li Mengmeng cried out to see the Emperor. Just as Cui Anshi was about to start, Qi Yan arrived.
Cui Anshi told him the dungeon was a filthy place and advised him to leave to protect his sacred body. Qi Yan ordered him to move aside. Cui Anshi resisted, stating he was acting on the Empress Dowager's orders to interrogate the "demon." Qi Yan shouted at him to get out of the way. Qi Yan approached the weak Li Mengmeng, holding her and preparing to leave.
Cui Anshi protested again, calling Li Mengmeng a demon who practiced sorcery and could threaten the Emperor's life, reiterating his orders from the Empress Dowager. Qi Yan firmly declared that Eunuch Li was his person and the Empress Dowager's orders didn't matter. He stated that from then on, no one was allowed to touch her without his permission. At Qingyan Palace, an imperial physician examined Li Mengmeng and reported she had no internal injuries but several external wounds.
He prepared to treat them. When the physician moved to undress her, Qi Yan immediately stopped him and ordered him and all servants to leave, stating Li Mengmeng was merely startled and perhaps hadn't slept well, now resting peacefully. He left the medicine and intended to apply it himself. Li Mengmeng woke up just as he was about to start. Qi Yan saw she was awake and told her to apply the medicine herself.
Li Mengmeng asked if he now knew she was a girl. Qi Yan nodded. She then asked if he was the one who sent Steward Lu Huan to save her, and he confirmed it. Li Mengmeng touched his face, needing to confirm he was real and she wasn't dreaming again. As they spoke, the Empress Dowager arrived. Qi Yan knew he couldn't let the Empress Dowager see Li Mengmeng there.
He quickly moved Li Mengmeng into the bed and tried to hide her, claiming he had a cold and didn't want to infect her. The Empress Dowager was suspicious and pulled back the covers, revealing Li Mengmeng. Upon seeing her, the Empress Dowager was so startled she fainted. Cui Anshi seized the moment, insisting Li Mengmeng was a "demon" who had used "sorcery" to harm the Empress Dowager.
Qi Yan, however, countered that Emissary Xiao was a divine emissary sent by heaven, reminding the Empress Dowager of the day of the rain prayer when the emissary brought rainfall. He claimed he stopped Cui Anshi from harming the emissary earlier to prevent the heaven's retribution.
Cui Anshi challenged this, proposing that if Li Mengmeng (as Emissary Xiao) could cure the Empress Dowager within three days, he would believe her divine status; otherwise, she should be charged with deceiving the Emperor and executed. Qi Yan agreed to the challenge, much to the dismay of his loyal servant who doubted Li Mengmeng's ability to heal anyone. Qi Yan accepted responsibility, saying he failed to protect those around him. He then sent Lu Huan on another task.
The Noble Consort also arrived, expressing concern for the Empress Dowager and suggesting a method related to the Empress Dowager's anger over the Emperor not having shared intimacy with her. Qi Yan stopped her from saying more, attributing his actions to a fear of future regret. Later, Zhou Quan, tasked with delivering clothes to the Noble Consort, faked a sprained ankle in front of Guard Kong An outside the Noble Consort's palace.
Feigning pain and urgency about the delivery, she persuaded Kong An to deliver the clothes for her while she supposedly guarded the door. This allowed Zhou Quan to sneak inside and find Li Mengmeng, who was hiding and lamenting her fate, having gone from divine emissary to eunuch and now labeled a demon.
Zhou Quan informed her that the entire palace knew she had scared the Empress Dowager unconscious and that she had only three days to cure her illness or face beheading. Li Mengmeng was terrified, admitting she knew nothing about treating illnesses. Zhou Quan urged her to escape. Just then, Kong An returned. Zhou Quan quickly pretended her ankle still hurt, asking Kong An to help her walk back, creating another diversion for Li Mengmeng to flee.
As Li Mengmeng left, she had a pair of sneakers hanging around her neck. Zhou Quan was curious about the shoes, and Li Mengmeng explained they were from her hometown and would help her run faster if pursued, marveling at their ability to accelerate and expressing a desire to visit Li Mengmeng's hometown.
Li Mengmeng went to a restaurant to eat and overheard two men criticizing the Emperor as incompetent and immoral, even suggesting he had cursed the late Emperor and was now cursing the Empress Dowager. Unable to stand by, Li Mengmeng slammed her hand on the table and verbally defended the Emperor, arguing with the men and citing legal repercussions for slander. The men became aggressive, but Qi Su appeared and intervened, fighting them off.
Afterwards, Qi Su asked Li Mengmeng about her future plans. She expressed a strong desire to return to her hometown, where she could comfortably watch movies, eat snacks, and binge-watch dramas. Qi Su asked if her home was truly that good, and she confirmed the comfortable life there. He suggested she could live comfortably as an imperial consort, but Li Mengmeng rejected this, stating it wasn't the life she wanted. Qi Su found her very special.
Li Mengmeng, however, saw herself as a "deserter" from her hometown, always trying to escape problems. As they spoke, they heard royal heralds posting imperial notices, offering a reward of a hundred taels for a physician who could cure the Empress Dowager. The description of the symptoms—dizziness, headache, difficulty standing—reminded Li Mengmeng of her mother's cervical spondylosis. Recalling Qi Yan's kindness and how he had saved her, she felt she couldn't abandon him.
Stepping forward, she took down the imperial notice, accepting the challenge. Qi Yan saw that the person who had accepted the imperial invitation was Li Mengmeng. He approached her and asked if she had anything to explain. Li Mengmeng confessed that the Empress Dowager had fainted because of her, and since Qi Yan had saved her, she couldn't abandon him. She admitted she was very afraid of failing and being executed but believed Qi Yan would protect her.
Knowing time was short, she stated she needed to consult with the imperial physicians about the Empress Dowager's condition and find the book depository. In the book depository, Li Mengmeng researched the symptoms described by the imperial physician, confirming cervical spondylosis along with vomiting and diarrhea, which she suspected might be a symptom of cold and deficiency based on something her mother had mentioned.
Consulting medical texts, she found that ginger could warm the middle and prevent vomiting and considered adding it to her moxibustion treatment. While she was there, the Noble Consort arrived. The Noble Consort said Li Mengmeng felt like a good friend. Li Mengmeng asked if the Noble Consort loved the Emperor. The Noble Consort replied that as the Noble Consort, she "naturally had to like him." Li Mengmeng questioned this idea of having to like someone.
The Noble Consort confided that when she was drunk last time, she kept calling out "Huaian" (Qi Yan's nickname) and asked Li Mengmeng to keep this secret. Meanwhile, somewhere else, individuals discussed how everything was proceeding as planned, mentioning they had gained the trust of the "little eunuch" and would use this proximity to target Qi Yan by destroying what he loved most, making him experience the pain of loss.
Li Mengmeng returned to Qi Yan, announcing she had figured out a treatment method. She showed him a human anatomy chart she had drawn, explaining parts of the body like the stomach, intestines, and heart, demonstrating the heart's location and how it pounds when one meets someone they like.
She then pointed to the cervical vertebrae, explaining how ancient people's habits like sleeping on high pillows and wearing heavy hair ornaments could cause issues that affect blood supply to the head, leading to dizziness and nausea like the Empress Dowager was experiencing. Qi Yan asked if she had a cure. Li Mengmeng acknowledged that chronic illnesses were difficult to cure quickly but suggested cupping and moxibustion might be effective.
She asked if they had glass, and lacking it, asked for bamboo instead. She then crafted bamboo cupping tools. The Noble Consort also sent a package to Emissary Xiao. Li Mengmeng prepared to try the tools, first testing them on Qi Yan. Qi Yan noticed her dark circles and brought her food, urging her to eat for energy. As they ate, Li Mengmeng reiterated her point about the heart beating for someone you like. Qi Yan internally questioned why he felt such stirrings for Li Mengmeng, finding the idea impossible. He suddenly got up and left, with Li Mengmeng following after him.
Episode 8 Recap
After much effort, Li Mengmeng finally devised a method to treat the Empress Dowager. She decided to test it first, starting with Steward Lu Huan. Although highly reluctant and finding the treatment method unheard of, Lu Huan felt compelled to agree due to Qi Yan's presence. When Li Mengmeng instructed him to remove his clothes, Qi Yan intervened, suggesting he handle it himself and letting Lu Huan leave. However, when it came time to undress, Qi Yan became shy.
Li Mengmeng urged him to hurry, emphasizing the importance of treating the Empress Dowager. She then pressed him onto a bed, telling him to take off his upper garment. Using a technique similar to modern cupping, Li Mengmeng applied it to Qi Yan. He felt a warming sensation on his body, which Li Mengmeng confirmed was the correct feeling. Meanwhile, Kong An saw Zhou Quan selling the healing ointment he had given her.
He stopped her, questioning why she was selling something he had provided. Caught, Zhou Quan returned the ointment, but Kong An demanded the money she had earned. Zhou Quan immediately feigned poverty and helplessness, claiming she had lost her father young and her family was poor. Kong An stated he would not be fooled again, reminding her she had previously tricked him into helping Li Mengmeng sneak out of the palace. Zhou Quan began to cry dramatically.
Unable to deal with her tears, Kong An gave her some silver and told her to leave. Seeing the red cupping marks on Qi Yan's back, Lu Huan exclaimed in shock. Qi Yan ordered him to immediately fetch Li Mengmeng. However, Li Mengmeng had fainted from exhaustion. Qi Yan quickly placed her on a bed, instructing her to rest as she had a fever.
When Li Mengmeng woke, she explained that the red marks on his body were a normal reaction and would disappear in a few days. Qi Yan told her he trusted her, noting he already felt much better, and entrusted the Empress Dowager's treatment to her. Li Mengmeng was delighted and attempted to high-five Qi Yan, commenting that he didn't even know how to high-five. Li Mengmeng proceeded to treat the Empress Dowager, enlisting the help of Noble Consort.
When the Empress Dowager's granny saw the red marks on her back, she became enraged, accusing Li Mengmeng of using dark arts to harm the Empress Dowager. Cui Anshi immediately ordered guards to arrest Li Mengmeng. Qi Yan stepped forward, declaring that no one would dare touch her while he was present, stating he had the same marks which were normal.
Cui Anshi insisted Li Mengmeng was using witchcraft and needed to be dealt with to prevent future trouble, urging the guards again. Amidst the commotion, the Empress Dowager called out for Qi Yan. She reported that her headache was much better and intended to thank Cui Wan'er. Cui Wan'er informed her that Emissary Xiao had devised the moxibustion method. Qi Yan confirmed he had tested the method on himself first and found it effective.
Li Mengmeng added that the method originated from her hometown's ancestors and thanked Noble Consort and the imperial physicians for their help. The Empress Dowager was surprised that someone in the palace understood medicine better than Cui Wan'er, acknowledging Li Mengmeng's capability. Li Mengmeng suggested the Empress Dowager needed long-term care and offered to continue the treatments with Noble Consort. Separately, Cui Anshi told Cui Wan'er that he would not be at peace until Emissary Xiao was removed.
He asserted that anyone who hindered Cui Wan'er's path to becoming Empress would be eliminated, suspecting Li Mengmeng might have enchanted the Emperor as he had changed since her arrival. Cui Wan'er argued that Emissary Xiao was unrelated to the matter, but Cui Anshi stressed the urgency of her union with the Emperor for the Cui family's future, warning her not to be willful. The Empress Dowager felt Li Mengmeng was extraordinary.
She also noted that Li Mengmeng had made her a buckwheat pillow and brought items she had never seen before, which must be from her powerful hometown. Considering Li Mengmeng's abilities, the Empress Dowager decreed that she should move from the Eunuch Quarters to the Lingtai Pavilion to better serve the kingdom. Qi Yan objected, arguing that Li Mengmeng had been by his side since entering the palace, helping him resolve difficulties, and he would be unaccustomed to her absence.
However, the Empress Dowager insisted that as a Divine Emissary with capability, Li Mengmeng should be utilized for the kingdom's benefit and ordered her granny to convey the decree for Li Mengmeng to move immediately. Zhou Quan learned of the news and quickly informed Li Mengmeng, asking her not to forget her once she became rich. Zhou Quan complained that Kong An was watching her, severely impacting her business. She mentioned selling things in the palace was against the rules.
She showed Li Mengmeng a headband belonging to Prince Heqin (Qi Su), lamenting that even such items were hard to sell now. Li Mengmeng saw the name "Huaian" on the headband and mistakenly thought it was Qi Yan's nickname. Zhou Quan corrected her, revealing that Huaian was Prince Heqin's nickname.
Li Mengmeng then realized that Huaian, the name Cui Wan'er had called out while drunk, was actually Prince Heqin (Qi Su), finding the situation ("uncle falls in love with his nephew's wife") quite dramatic. The Empress Dowager, feeling better, spoke with Cui Wan'er. She expressed her hope that Qi Yan and Cui Wan'er would have a son, which would cure her illness. She then asked for Cui Wan'er's help regarding Prince Heqin (Qi Su).
The Empress Dowager noted that Prince Heqin, the late Emperor's younger brother, was older than Qi Yan and still unmarried, a matter that troubled her. She mentioned Prince Heqin had agreed to choose a consort and asked Cui Wan'er to handle the selection process, feeling too old to do it herself. Cui Wan'er hesitated, citing her status, but the Empress Dowager insisted, pointing out that Prince Heqin himself had no objections. Cui Wan'er agreed to follow the Empress Dowager's arrangement.
Lu Huan arrived at the Eunuch Quarters to deliver the Empress Dowager's decree: awarding Li Mengmeng a hundred gold taels (to be kept by Qi Yan) and ordering her to move to Lingtai Pavilion immediately. The decree stated she could bring one trusted attendant. Li Mengmeng acknowledged Zhou Quan's accurate information. She chose Zhou Quan, reminding her of their earlier agreement.
Zhou Quan was grateful but insisted she was honest, not a thief, and her business involved gossip, books, and discarded items, feeling Li Mengmeng misunderstood her slightly. Li Mengmeng accepted her explanation and they left. Arriving at Lingtai Pavilion, Li Mengmeng appreciated the spacious and bright room, feeling it was the treatment she deserved. She anticipated Qi Yan's visit, but instead, the attendant Jing arrived with snacks.
Li Mengmeng asked if Qi Yan had visited, but Jing said he had not. Back at Qingyan Palace, Qi Yan found his rooms unusually quiet without Li Mengmeng and felt unaccustomed to it. He wondered how she was doing at Lingtai Pavilion. Lu Huan assured him she was well cared for. Qi Yan spotted her phone and used it as an excuse to visit her, claiming he was bringing it to her.
At Lingtai Pavilion, Li Mengmeng was giving fortune readings to some maids, advising them about their love lives. A high priest also seemed interested in her advice. Qi Yan arrived and dismissed everyone. Li Mengmeng asked if he had come to see her. Qi Yan reiterated he was delivering her phone, which he called her "chicken." Li Mengmeng, slightly disappointed, said she had been working but was still thinking of him. Qi Yan then suggested taking her somewhere.
He led her to a beautiful spot where they could see the Milky Way. Li Mengmeng was amazed, having never seen it before. She pointed out what looked like two people in the stars and asked Qi Yan to look. Holding her hand, she explained that in her hometown, stars had names and personalities like people.
Qi Yan asked about his star personality, and Li Mengmeng described him as proud, confident, and a strong leader, refuting his self-description as a tyrant. She praised his inventions and efforts for the people, calling him a benevolent emperor. She added, however, that he might need a wise and knowledgeable confidant to achieve his ambitions. When Qi Yan asked where this confidant was, Li Mengmeng indicated herself. Qi Yan accepted her assistance, calling her his confidant, to which Li Mengmeng playfully replied that he should treat her better in the future.
Episode 9 Recap
The Empress Dowager hosted Qi Yan, Prince Heqin (Qi Su), and Noble Consort Wan (Cui Wan'er) for tea, observing the warm relationship between Qi Yan and Noble Consort Wan. She expressed her wish for Prince Heqin to also marry and start a family soon, reminding him that his concubine selection was in two days and he should be grateful to Noble Consort Wan for her efforts in arranging it. Prince Heqin thanked Noble Consort Wan profusely.
After Prince Heqin left, Noble Consort Wan followed him, asking if he still cared about her. Prince Heqin quickly distanced himself, warning her they were in the Imperial Garden and the Empress Dowager had eyes everywhere, urging her, as Noble Consort, to mind her behavior. She pressed him, asking if he was truly willing to see her arrange his concubine selection, just as he had neglected her in the past. Before he could answer, the Empress Dowager arrived.
She asked what they were doing. Noble Consort Wan quickly explained that she had accidentally tripped and Prince Heqin had helped her up. The Empress Dowager expressed concern, eager to hold a grandchild, and advised her to be more careful. Prince Heqin later visited Li Mengmeng at Lingtai Pavilion, feeling troubled and seeking someone to talk to. Li Mengmeng asked what was bothering him.
He explained that he grew up with Qi Yan, sharing everything, but upon returning from the Northern Frontier, he found the Emperor changed. He described the Emperor before as being young but dedicated to the people, unlike now, when he seemed negligent and acting absurdly. Li Mengmeng suggested Prince Heqin might have misunderstood the Emperor, stating that while she once thought being Emperor was wonderful, she now saw it was a difficult and financially constrained position.
Prince Heqin was surprised to hear the Emperor was poor. Li Mengmeng advised that if he truly wanted to help, he should give the Emperor more money, but she could not explain why. Prince Heqin also asked about her thoughts on the concubine selection and suggested she herself would be a good candidate, but she dismissed it as a joke, reminding him they were friends.
Prince Heqin subsequently instructed a subordinate to investigate what happens to the money collected from the Emperor's banquets. On the day of Prince Heqin's concubine selection at his residence, Noble Consort Wan requested the dress gifted by the Empress Dowager, emphasizing the importance of dressing formally for the occasion, despite having previously considered it too extravagant. Qi Yan arrived, asking if he had missed anything interesting.
Noble Consort Wan informed him the selection had not yet begun, and they commenced the proceedings. During the presentations, Noble Consort Wan revealed that while she was hosting, the Empress Dowager favored Zhang Yiran, the second daughter of the Zhang family. She asked Li Mengmeng to help disrupt the selection. Li Mengmeng then appeared, impersonating Zhang Yiran, and performed a modern dance. Prince Heqin recognized her and, amused, declared that she should be his consort.
Both Noble Consort Wan and Qi Yan immediately opposed this. Seizing the opportunity, Li Mengmeng quickly fled. The real Zhang Yiran then arrived late, revealing the impersonation. Guards were ordered to find the intruder. Li Mengmeng ran and hid in a room, which turned out to be Prince Heqin's study. On the floor, she found and picked up a portrait of Noble Consort Wan. Qi Yan entered the study from behind her, startling her.
He quickly pulled her behind some shelves to hide. Moments later, Prince Heqin entered his study, having heard a noise. He saw Qi Yan already inside and commented on their similar tastes, especially concerning women. Qi Yan countered, playfully suggesting Prince Heqin was overstepping. Prince Heqin then asked Qi Yan what he thought about the dancing girl, whom the Empress Dowager had favored, proposing her as a potential consort for himself.
Qi Yan responded that as long as Prince Heqin liked her, it was fine, but warned him not to go back on his word and ruin the girl's prospects. Qi Yan then left. Qi Yan summoned Li Mengmeng to the Secret Research Pavilion and questioned her presence at Prince Heqin's residence, suspecting she was there for the selection. He seemed jealous and pressed her to choose between him and Prince Heqin.
During their conversation and a brief struggle, Li Mengmeng's sleeve was torn. Just then, Lu Huan, Zhen Xu, and Kong An entered. Qi Yan immediately ordered them out. He instructed Li Mengmeng to think carefully about his question and give him an answer later, before allowing the three officials to re-enter. Lu Huan reported that there were problems with the Qanat channel excavation in Lu County, and the project was behind schedule.
Qi Yan felt he needed to go to Lu County personally but worried about leaving the palace and being discovered by those with ill intentions. Li Mengmeng offered to devise a plan for him to leave secretly. She met with the Empress Dowager and claimed to have found a method to expel bad luck from the Emperor.
She explained that the Emperor and she needed to seclude themselves in a Buddhist temple located a hundred li northwest of the capital for three days to cleanse themselves, which would also ensure the Emperor and Noble Consort Wan would have many descendants. The Empress Dowager was pleased and readily agreed, insisting that such an important matter for the Emperor required her and other royal relatives to accompany them to the temple for prayer.
Later, Li Mengmeng explained her elaborate plan to Qi Yan: she would paint him black so she could demonstrate her ability to 'drive away bad luck' by making the black marks disappear once they entered the temple and started the ceremony, thus ensuring the Empress Dowager's trust and cooperation. Qi Yan found this amusing but went along with it. They teased each other as she painted his face, turning him into what she called a "panda," a "national treasure."
Meanwhile, Prince Heqin was tending to his beloved horse when Qingluo approached him. She revealed she knew much about him from Noble Consort Wan, even recalling details about when he won the horse. Prince Heqin noted her young age at the time. Qingluo observed that the horse seemed restless because it was confined and needed to run freely. Prince Heqin agreed, and in a moment, suggested they could travel together with the horse after they were married.
Qingluo was surprised, asking who said they were getting married. Back at the palace, the Empress Dowager commented to Noble Consort Wan and others that Qingluo and Prince Heqin seemed well-matched, noting that she had brought Qingluo specifically with matchmaking in mind. Noble Consort Wan listened without visibly reacting. Upon arriving at the temple, Li Mengmeng hosted the ceremony.
She instructed everyone that they had five flowers (pomegranate, crepe myrtle, everblooming rose, albizia, and jasmine) representing the essence of heaven and earth. These were to be placed in an incense burner at the Zi hour and burned. From Zi hour onwards, they were to remain in their rooms for three days of secluded meditation, copying scriptures 666 times while inhaling the fragrance.
When asked what she and the Emperor would do while others prayed for him, Li Mengmeng stated they would be together, reciting scriptures to expel the Emperor's bad luck. Qi Yan questioned the "scripture" she had just taught everyone, recognizing it as a simple alphabet song. Li Mengmeng admitted she just said it to set a time, and she had forgotten what time the Zi hour was anyway, suggesting they rest from their journey.
Later that night, in their room, Qi Yan found it too warm and told Li Mengmeng she could have the bed. He remarked that she reminded him of a "domineering CEO," a term unfamiliar to him. She described this character as a good person who often acted cold and aloof, showing jealousy, performing 'kabedons,' and dedicating his life to others.
When Qi Yan asked if this was a friend from her hometown or someone from her dreams, she replied it was the dream man of all girls in her hometown. He then asked if she ever dreamed of him, and she initially said only nightmares, but then corrected herself, saying she often dreamed of him giving her lots of money and a luxurious carriage like his. He chuckled, calling it truly a dream.
Elsewhere, Prince Heqin received a report from his subordinate confirming the Emperor's private funds were going to Lu County and the canal project had issues. Suspecting the Emperor's upcoming trip was related, Prince Heqin ordered more men sent to monitor the situation in Lu County.
Back in their room, Li Mengmeng noted it was almost time for the others to begin their seclusion and the eunuch guarding the door seemed to have left, suggesting Qi Yan disguise himself before leaving to avoid detection. Later that night, Noble Consort Wan came out of her room, claiming to be hungry due to the limited and plain food. Prince Heqin also emerged for the same reason.
They encountered Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng, who were outside, supposedly admiring the moon. Qi Yan invited them to join. As they sat together, Noble Consort Wan asked Prince Heqin when he intended to marry. Li Mengmeng interjected, remarking that if Qi Yan were as interested in governance as he was in his wife, things would be better. Noble Consort Wan commented on how well Prince Heqin and her cousin, Qingluo, seemed to get along earlier.
Prince Heqin stated that he was satisfied with Miss Cui, who is the Noble Consort's cousin and the second daughter of the Cui family, seeing it as a good match and intending to find a suitable day to marry soon, fearing complications if he delayed. Li Mengmeng advised him that marriage was a major life event and he should think carefully. Prince Heqin confirmed his sincerity in his intention to marry Miss Cui.
Episode 10 Recap
Qi Yan, Qi Su, Cui Wan'er, and Li Mengmeng were talking when Qi Su commented that being with Qingluo wasn't bad and would make their families even closer. Cui Wan'er's cousin, Cui Qingluo, overheard this and asked Qi Su if he was serious. Qingluo presented Qi Su with a handkerchief she had embroidered to thank him for helping her by the stream previously.
Cui Wan'er noted that she, Qi Yan, and Prince Heqin had grown up together and were happy that Prince Heqin had found the right person. She promised a grand gift for their wedding, mentioning a pair of high-quality red coral bracelets from the West in the style of twin lotus flowers, perfect for newlyweds, stating they could each wear one forever, wishing them a long and lasting union. After this, Cui Wan'er left.
Li Mengmeng followed Cui Wan'er, asking if she liked Prince Heqin. Cui Wan'er reminded Li Mengmeng that she had heard her call him Huai'an that day and asked why she married the Emperor then. Cui Wan'er offered to share a small story. She explained that from a young age, she knew a daughter from the Cui family would marry into the palace to become Empress.
Initially, the plan was for her older sister to marry the Emperor and her to marry Prince Heqin, which was considered the best arrangement. However, just days before the wedding, her sister died suddenly. Her father kept it secret and had Cui Wan'er secretly take her sister's place for the marriage. Her own happiness was insignificant compared to the family's fortune. Li Mengmeng asked why Prince Heqin didn't stop her.
Cui Wan'er revealed that she was preparing to write to him, hoping he would arrive before the wedding to take her away, but instead, she received a letter from him first, telling her not to wait and wishing her luck in finding another suitable partner. Li Mengmeng suggested there might be a misunderstanding, questioning if the letter was truly from him, as handwriting could be faked. Cui Wan'er insisted she wouldn't mistake his handwriting, as they grew up together.
Li Mengmeng mentioned that when Prince Heqin was selecting his consort, she had accidentally entered his study and seen Cui Wan'er's portrait, arguing he wouldn't keep it if he didn't love her. Later, Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng prepared to secretly travel to Lu County to inspect the aqueduct project. Li Mengmeng was dressed in women's clothing.
Lu Huan commented on her 'disguise', saying her crossdressing looked quite convincing, prompting Qi Yan to reveal that Li Mengmeng was indeed a woman. Qi Yan told Lu Huan that Li Mengmeng was a genuine woman. Meanwhile, Qingluo found Cui Wan'er, saying she couldn't sleep and asked if Cui Wan'er would walk with her. Cui Wan'er offered to call Shitao to join them, but Qingluo said she wanted to speak with Cui Wan'er alone.
Qingluo led Cui Wan'er to a secluded spot and asked if she still harbored feelings for Prince Heqin, revealing she had overheard Cui Wan'er's conversation with Li Mengmeng. Qingluo confessed that she had admired Prince Heqin since their first meeting and had waited a long time for this day. She pointed out that Cui Wan'er was already married to the Emperor and asked her not to obstruct her and Qi Su (referring to Prince Heqin).
Cui Wan'er stated that Prince Heqin was free to marry whomever he wished and that if he truly liked Qingluo, he would marry her. Cui Wan'er then decided to leave. Qingluo grabbed her, pleading with her to promise not to interfere and to forget the past. In their struggle, Cui Wan'er fell over a cliff edge. Qingluo cried out that she didn't push her. In Lu County, Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng met Minister Li.
Li Mengmeng was astonished to find that Minister Li looked exactly like her father from her original world. She mused that perhaps the reason she time-traveled was to meet her father again. Minister Li, addressing Li Mengmeng as Emissary Xiao, expressed surprise at her youth, noting that Qi Yan had spoken highly of her. Qi Yan added that Li Mengmeng had also devised the method for the underground aqueduct.
Minister Li praised the aqueduct design as ingenious and wise, calling Li Mengmeng a true talent, which made her happy, feeling as if her own father were praising her. Minister Li agreed to show them the aqueduct project. Back at the temple, Shitao reported Cui Wan'er's disappearance to Qi Su. Qi Su asked who else knew. Shitao said she had tried to find the Emperor but couldn't and immediately came to him.
Qi Su instructed her not to publicize the matter, emphasizing that it concerned Cui Wan'er's reputation. Qi Su then went searching and found Cui Wan'er unconscious in the mountains. When Cui Wan'er woke up, Qi Su expressed how worried he was, saying he thought about her constantly and was terrified something had happened to her. Cui Wan'er, still a little disoriented, called him "Huai'an" and asked why he didn't tell her his feelings sooner.
Qi Su was relieved she was alright. Li Mengmeng found Minister Li's resemblance to her father comforting and longed to spend more time with him. As she hesitated whether to approach him, Minister Li appeared. Li Mengmeng, looking at him, asked if she could give him a hug, explaining it was a custom from her homeland. Minister Li, initially hesitant about the impropriety, agreed, admitting his unfamiliarity with the custom.
Li Mengmeng then told him that he looked very much like someone she knew back home, someone very important—her father. She expressed how much she missed him but could no longer see him, forever. Minister Li acknowledged the difficulty of being alone in a foreign land and believed anything was possible, even different worlds. Meanwhile, Cui Anshi's scout reported that Emissary Xiao was a woman and had accompanied the Emperor to Lu County.
Cui Anshi immediately suspected this was the reason the Emperor had not consummated his marriage with Cui Wan'er. He ordered his men to go to Lu County and eliminate Emissary Xiao cleanly, considering it a small warning to the Emperor. Later that night, Li Mengmeng and Qi Yan took a walk in Lu County. Li Mengmeng sighed, thinking about how much faster travel was in her world compared to the long journey from the capital to Lu County now.
She regretted not appreciating the convenience she had. Qi Yan asked about high-speed trains and planes, and Li Mengmeng confirmed they were much faster. Qi Yan expressed a desire to visit her homeland someday. Li Mengmeng wished she could show him but didn't know how to return. Observing the quiet, drought-stricken town, Qi Yan lamented his responsibility for the people's suffering.
Li Mengmeng, seemingly distracted, pointed out the relationship between light and shadow, then revealed she had an idea for the aqueduct construction. She explained that by placing a light at the bottom of the vertical passage and having workers dig with their backs to the light, always facing their own shadow, they could ensure they dug in a straight line, preventing deviations. Qi Yan and Minister Li were impressed by her brilliant method.
Minister Li estimated that, with the new method and workers starting immediately, the remaining section could be completed by noon the day after tomorrow, only needing less than five days to meet the one-month deadline initially mentioned in his letter. However, he noted the workers had just rested. Qi Yan initially suggested there was no rush, but Minister Li, eager for the project's success and knowing the workers felt the same, proposed pushing forward.
Qi Yan agreed and entrusted the task to Minister Li. Meanwhile, Qi Su had taken Cui Wan'er to a safer location and was preparing food. Cui Wan'er, awake, commented that he had fixed her broken hairpin and asked if it looked nice. Qi Su replied that she was the most beautiful. She asked why he came to save her if he had abandoned her. Qi Su was confused, asking what she meant by abandoning her.
Cui Wan'er brought up their long friendship, which he ended with a letter. Qi Su was shocked, saying he had traveled five days non-stop from the northern border after hearing about her marriage to Qi Yan and couldn't possibly not care about her. Cui Wan'er insisted she received a letter from him a few days before the wedding, with his handwriting, telling her not to wait and find another match.
Qi Su denied sending any such letter and wondered if someone else was responsible. Cui Wan'er clarified that it wasn't Qi Yan, who only learned he was marrying her on the wedding day, implying Qi Yan had planned to let her go. Feeling she had nowhere left to go after receiving the letter she thought was from him, she married the Emperor. Qi Su called her silly and reaffirmed he would never not want her.
Cui Wan'er then asked if he still wanted her to leave with him now. He confirmed that he did, stating that identity and status were less important than being by her side.
Episode 11 Recap
Qi Yan knocked on Li Mengmeng's door but found the room empty, wondering where she had gone so early. He went to the construction site and discovered her pouring water for the workers. She also brought a towel for Minister Li to wipe his sweat. Qi Yan called out to her, asking why she was up so early and remarking on her energy.
As Li Mengmeng was about to put down the water for Qi Yan, he quickly took it and drank it. Seeing his irritation, Li Mengmeng later asked Minister Li if she had done anything wrong, to which he replied he didn't think so. She then hurried to catch up with Qi Yan. Li Mengmeng asked Qi Yan if he hadn't slept well.
Qi Yan responded by questioning why she was acting like Minister Li's shadow, following him everywhere and listening to everything he said. Li Mengmeng explained that it was because Minister Li strongly resembled her father, who had passed away when she was eight years old. Being with him felt like being back in her childhood when her father was still alive, which made her feel particularly close to him.
Hearing this, Qi Yan's irritation faded, and he told her he hadn't known. Li Mengmeng assured him it was alright, adding that she believed her father was watching over her from somewhere, and that was enough. Qi Yan agreed he definitely would be. Meanwhile, Qi Su was informed that Miss Cui from the Cui family had been found and admitted that she had accidentally pushed Noble Consort Wan off the cliff.
Although she had injured Wan, Qi Su decided that since she was Wan's cousin, he would send her to an abbey. His subordinate also reported that Qi Yan was in Lu County repairing a canal. Qi Su realized he had misunderstood Qi Yan. The subordinate further mentioned that another group of highly skilled individuals was following Qi Yan, making it difficult for their men to investigate closely. Upon hearing this, Qi Su declared he needed to go to Lu County.
Li Mengmeng and Qi Yan were on a mountain path. Knowing Minister Li suffered from shoulder strain, Li Mengmeng expressed a desire to gather some herbs to make an ointment for him. Qi Yan was surprised she knew about such things. Li Mengmeng explained that she was quite mischievous as a child and often got injured, giving her some knowledge of herbs.
She also mentioned how convenient her hometown was, with various ready-made ointments available with just a touch of a finger, unlike having to gather herbs here. Qi Yan asked if she regretted coming here. She admitted she did at first because it was so different, but now she had gotten used to it and had met him, Lu Huan, Kong An, and Wan. However, she added that she still needed to return someday.
While searching for herbs, Li Mengmeng spotted the ones she wanted but twisted her ankle. Qi Yan quickly helped her, rubbing her ankle, and then offered to carry her. Li Mengmeng asked if she was the happiest person in the world, having the Emperor rub her foot, take off her shoe, and carry her down the mountain. Qi Yan replied he couldn't just leave her there alone.
She then asked if he would do the same for anyone else, and he responded that he wouldn't accompany just anyone to pick herbs. She noticed his heart was beating fast. As they neared their destination, Li Mengmeng asked Qi Yan to put her down, citing the custom that men and women shouldn't be too close. Qi Yan playfully refused, saying he would take responsibility and joking about who would dare marry her if they saw them.
Back at his residence, Qi Yan pondered whether Li Mengmeng liked him, unaware that she had indeed felt her heart race while he carried her. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager, concerned about Qi Yan, decided to visit him despite being in seclusion. Lu Huan discovered she was coming and frantically told Kong An to impersonate Qi Yan. Kong An pushed him forward, so Lu Huan reluctantly agreed. The Empress Dowager arrived, calling out to Yan.
Lu Huan played a voice recording of Qi Yan that 'Emissary Xiao' had prepared. The recording initially seemed to satisfy the Empress Dowager. However, the final recorded sentence, "It's windy outside, please return," made her look around. Seeing no wind, she grew suspicious and questioned why 'Emissary Xiao' wasn't with Yan as he had claimed. Just then, wind suddenly picked up, and a bell rang. Kong An suggested it was a prediction by the emissary.
Believing 'Emissary Xiao' was with Qi Yan, the Empress Dowager decided not to enter but instructed them to inform her immediately if anything was wrong with Qi Yan. Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng were celebrating the near completion of the canal when they were suddenly attacked by men in black. Fortunately, Qi Su arrived in time and told Qi Yan to leave quickly with Li Mengmeng and the others, while he would handle the attackers.
However, Qi Su was quickly injured. Qi Yan fought off the remaining attackers. Later, at the Lu County Office, Qi Su was treated by a physician who used anesthesia for his wounds. He woke up and told Qi Yan that Wan had explained everything to him and he realized he had previously misunderstood Qi Yan. Qi Su stated that once he recovered, he planned to take Wan back to the northern frontier.
Qi Yan told them to go and be together. Reflecting on how quickly Li Mengmeng might leave now that the canal was almost finished, Qi Yan decided he needed to confess his feelings to her soon. Qi Yan thought about Mengmeng and her eventual departure, deciding he must express his feelings quickly. Later, Li Mengmeng playfully covered his eyes, asking him to guess who she was. Qi Yan easily recognized her, saying no one else would dare.
He began to speak, seemingly preparing to confess, but Li Mengmeng interrupted, saying he looked like he needed sleep and she would go to bed first. As she left, Li Mengmeng cautioned herself not to be misled by Qi Yan's handsomeness, remembering that she had to return home one day. Minister Li's wife frantically searched for their daughter, Wanwan, saying she hadn't seen her since the morning. They searched the courtyard and the house but couldn't find her.
Worried, they decided to look elsewhere. They eventually found Wanwan near the bridge. Wanwan explained she had gone out to buy candy-coated haws for the injured uncle (referring to Qi Su). Her mother was immensely relieved. Li Mengmeng witnessed the scene and reflected on how worried parents are about their children, thinking about her own mother who must be worried about her being away for so long. This made her miss home.
Li Mengmeng then noticed the unfinished bridge, noting it was called Linzhou Bridge, the same name mentioned with the urn she possessed. She wondered if the key to going home was actually the bridge, not the urn. She asked a worker how long it would take to finish the bridge, and he replied it would be ready in three days. After three days, Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng prepared to leave.
Li Mengmeng gave Minister Li (Li Ming) the herbal ointment she had made for his shoulder, and he thanked her for her thoughtfulness. They said goodbye and rode away. Back at the temple, a fire broke out in the kitchen. The Empress Dowager was informed that the fire was extinguished and far from Qi Yan's room. Despite assurances, she insisted on going to see Yan immediately.
Episode 12 Recap
The Empress Dowager arrived, anxious to see Qi Yan. Someone reported that the divine emissary had given instructions that this was the critical final moment for expelling evil spirits through scripture recitation for His Majesty, and absolutely could not be interrupted. Despite this, the Empress Dowager insisted on entering, accusing them of repeatedly blocking her and hiding something. Kong An and Lu Huan stood in her way.
The Empress Dowager told Lu Huan he was blocking her and making her head hurt. Qi Yan, hearing the commotion, instructed Lu Huan to let her pass. Seeing Qi Yan, the Empress Dowager was relieved. She explained she was worried because there had been a fire outside. Assured he was fine, she told him to continue his recitation and left. Lu Huan commented it was a close call and praised his own cleverness, which Qi Yan called bootlicking.
Qi Yan acknowledged that the successful completion of the aqueduct in Lu County was thanks to their efforts. He invited Lu Huan, Li Mengmeng (referred to as Emissary Xiao in the subtitles), and Kong An to sit and have a drink with him. Lu Huan initially hesitated, but Li Mengmeng immediately made him sit down. As they ate, Lu Huan mentioned Li Mengmeng's "chicken" (referring to her phone), saying it suddenly died.
Li Mengmeng looked at it and explained it was nothing serious, he might have accidentally pressed the lock button. Qi Yan, curious about Li Mengmeng's other abilities, asked if she knew anything else he didn't. She claimed she could recite poetry. Encouraged by Qi Yan to recite an impromptu poem with the moon and wine present, she attempted a few famous lines but failed to complete them or they were deemed unsuitable for the context (wrong season, drought).
After several failed attempts, she admitted she couldn't continue. During the meal and drinks, Li Mengmeng eventually became drunk and leaned against Qi Yan. Later, the period of Qi Yan's confinement ended. At court, Qi Yan announced his successful recovery thanks to the divine emissary. Officials presented green seedlings from Lu County, proof that the aqueduct had brought water to the dry land and could solve the drought. Ministers congratulated Qi Yan on the aqueduct's success, calling it a masterpiece.
Qi Yan announced his plan to implement the aqueduct project nationwide. He appointed Zhen Xu, who was knowledgeable about aqueducts, as the Vice Minister of Public Works, responsible for the national rollout. Li Mengmeng observed Qi Yan, believing he would become a wise king. Cui Anshi congratulated Qi Yan on his safe return and the good news from Lu County, emphasizing Li Mengmeng's indispensable contribution. The Empress Dowager also praised Li Mengmeng and offered her a reward.
Li Mengmeng requested a reward, but instead of asking for something, she produced her camera and asked a eunuch to take a group photo with everyone, explaining how it worked and instructing them to pose and smile. Li Mengmeng began distributing gifts, explaining she was leaving and thanking everyone for their care. She told Zhou Quan she was going home but didn't know when she would return, or if she would even be able to.
She gave Zhou Quan a photo of Kong An, calling it a "photograph" and high technology from her hometown. Zhou Quan found it very realistic but didn't want Kong An's photo, saying it was too ugly to sell but she would keep it. Li Mengmeng laughed, understanding Zhou Quan's feelings for Kong An. Kong An was sitting on a rooftop watching Zhou Quan when Qi Yan found him.
Qi Yan correctly guessed Kong An was watching Zhou Quan and told him his thoughts were obvious. Kong An admitted he liked Zhou Quan but didn't think she knew. Qi Yan advised him to just tell her directly, saying it wasn't difficult. Kong An then asked if Qi Yan had told Li Mengmeng he liked her, and Qi Yan said no, accusing Kong An of trying to trick him.
The next day, Kong An bought many things and gave them to Zhou Quan, telling her he liked her. Zhou Quan responded that she didn't know what liking someone felt like, and Kong An said he would wait until she understood. Li Mengmeng visited the group at the Secret Research Pavilion with many gifts. Lu Huan asked if she was moving. She reiterated the gifts were to thank them for their care.
She gave Kong An an "expressionless swordsman, iron-hearted and ruthless" description and an invisibility cloak, explaining it was made with Zhou Quan and he could wear it to watch Zhou Quan from rooftops without being seen. She gave Zhen Xu a "strongest support, promising future" description and a neck rest for reading. She gave Lu Huan a "wholeheartedly, a bootlicker" description, which he protested strongly against, and a pair of dumbbells, urging him to exercise for health.
They were suspicious, asking if she had caused trouble or needed help. Li Mengmeng insisted she didn't need anything, only hoping they would remember her when they used the gifts. Lu Huan commented that since they see each other every day, there was nothing to remember, though he later added they would remember her even without the gifts. Qi Yan arrived, attracted by the commotion, and asked where his gift was.
Li Mengmeng said she hadn't thought of what to give him yet, leaving him disappointed. Lu Huan tried to comfort him, suggesting she must be preparing a special mysterious gift. Qi Yan became hopeful, but Lu Huan then reported that Li Mengmeng had gone to see Cui Wan'er. Hearing this, Qi Yan was disheartened. Li Mengmeng met with Cui Wan'er in Lihua Hall.
She described her home as being far away, using the metaphor of stars and the light taking years to reach them, implying a vast distance in time or space. Cui Wan'er didn't fully understand the metaphor but realized Li Mengmeng was leaving and expressed her sadness. Li Mengmeng also expressed reluctance to leave, saying she felt useful there but would be useless compared to people back home.
Cui Wan'er countered by listing Li Mengmeng's skills, such as medical knowledge, dancing, and making delicious things like bubble tea. Li Mengmeng appreciated Cui Wan'er's kindness, and they decided to have another drink. Later, while playing ball at night, Qi Yan called Li Mengmeng over, asking if she was secretly planning to leave without telling him. Li Mengmeng confirmed her intention to leave, saying her reasons were in a letter she had written.
Qi Yan saw it as a farewell letter and forbade her from leaving, saying she was not allowed to go. Li Mengmeng explained she missed her home and mother, who would be very sad if she didn't return. Qi Yan countered that he would be sad if she left. He confessed that he didn't know when it started, but his mind was constantly filled with thoughts of her.
He added that when she was present, no matter how many people were around, he only saw her, and when she was absent, he still thought of her. Li Mengmeng said she had thought he kept her around only because she was useful.
Qi Yan admitted that was true at first, he saw her only as useful, but then he remembered she had taught him that when you like someone, your heart flutters, and he told her his heart fluttered for her. He said he liked her and didn't need an immediate answer but reminded her she still owed him a gift. Li Mengmeng asked what he wanted, and he said he wanted her.
She apologized to him and repeated that she had to go back, asking for his forgiveness for saying goodbye this way. She described her time there as a dream, feeling lucky to have come and met him, Lu Huan, Zhen Xu, and others, from whom she learned a lot. She admitted she wasn't actually that great, and things like the qanat design, calculations, acupuncture, and cupping were cultural treasures left by ancestors in her hometown.
She regretted avoiding studying and being playful in the past and vowed to study hard and face problems bravely in the future to become a person useful to society. She left him a drawing of the moon she made, which he remarked looked like a panda, though she saw it as a representation of him as a good emperor. She told him she was reluctant to leave him and everything, but she was destined to go.
She urged him not to be sad, to take care, and promised she would also work hard in her home to become a better person. Meanwhile, Cui Anshi's investigation along the aqueduct revealed that the secret channel connected to the canal, realizing Qi Yan's ultimate goal was to reopen the canal. He also discovered that Li Ming, who had previously been demoted for advocating for the canal's reconstruction, was the current commissioner of Lu County.
Cui Anshi saw this as Qi Yan having done many things behind their backs and looked forward to seeing who was more strategically skillful. The Empress Dowager, hearing that Li Ming had again persuaded Qi Yan to reopen the canal, expressed disbelief at his boldness and questioned how her "sister" (likely Cui Anshi's sister, implying Cui Wan'er) had taught him.
She recalled not punishing him severely before out of consideration for him being a former minister of the late emperor but was surprised he persisted. She ordered her edict to be passed to Prince Heqin, trusting he would know how to handle the matter. Early the next morning, palace staff reported to Qi Yan that Li Mengmeng had left the palace.
She left him a message containing her phone number and address, asking him to find her if he ever came to her place (Spring Garden). She also left behind small inventions she could remember, hoping they would help him. She wrote that she thanked him for a good dream, but it was time to wake up. Suddenly, news arrived that Prince Heqin and Cui Anshi had gone to Lu County to apprehend Minister Li.
Qi Yan immediately ordered his horse prepared to go to Lu County and instructed Lu Huan to remain in the palace to report any developments concerning the Empress Dowager. In Lu County, Li Mengmeng passed by the county office, seeing vendors selling sugar-coated hawthorn berries. She considered saying goodbye to Minister Li but decided not to disturb them. She completed her preparations, saying her final goodbyes to the Qi Kingdom and Qi Yan, thanking him for everything, before departing.
Episode 13 Recap
Li Mengmeng stood by Linzhou Bridge, attempting to return home by creating a small pool of water with sand. She repeatedly jumped into the water, hoping it would work, but nothing happened, leaving her disappointed and fearing she might never go back. While sitting by the bridge, she saw officials apprehending Minister Li, acting on a decree. This made her suspect that the Empress Dowager had discovered Qi Yan and Minister Li's project to repair the canal.
She hurried to the Lu County Office to help Minister Li. Guards stopped her at the entrance. She claimed to be an emissary ordered from above to catch a ghost, explaining that Minister Li was possessed, causing him to become obsessed with building the canal. The guards were skeptical until she used her "demon-spotting mirror," which was actually her phone with a filter effect, to take their picture.
Seeing their distorted images on the screen, they believed her and allowed her inside. Inside the prison, Li Mengmeng urged Minister Li to escape, admitting her attempt to save him had complicated things. Minister Li refused, stating he had lived with a clear conscience and could not become a fugitive, which would feel like a betrayal of the late Emperor and Qi Yan's trust.
Just then, Qi Yan arrived, telling Minister Li that all arrangements were made and he must leave with him. Despite Minister Li's hesitation to involve him, Qi Yan insisted they escape together. News of Minister Li's escape reached Qi Su, who immediately ordered the official roads sealed and everyone searched. As Qi Yan and Minister Li fled, they met Changrui, who had already prepared a hiding place.
Changrui offered to wear Minister Li's clothes and act as a decoy, drawing the pursuers away from the south while Minister Li and Qi Yan escaped north. Minister Li was reluctant to let Changrui take such a risk, but Changrui was resolute, emphasizing his gratitude for Minister Li's kindness to him and the people of Lu County. He assured them he had made safe arrangements before leaving.
Qi Su saw Changrui fleeing alone and found it suspicious, ordering his men to pursue him. Cui Anshi and his men also arrived. With many bystanders present, they couldn't capture Changrui openly. Cui Anshi ordered his men to find a different route to continue the chase and, taking advantage of the chaos, commanded them to kill the emissary. Qi Yan ensured Minister Li's family would be looked after and urged Minister Li to be careful on his journey.
Minister Li left, expressing regret for not completing the late Emperor's wish, but Qi Yan told him he had done well and the people would understand their efforts once the canal irrigated the land and opened to traffic. He mentioned Zhen Xu would oversee the watercourse. By the river, Li Mengmeng mused that Minister Li was safe but wondered how she could return home.
Qi Yan found her there and asked what she was thinking, teasing her about trying to escape again. He asked if she had come to Lu County to save Minister Li, but she replied she had only encountered him by chance. Qi Yan offered to take her home so he would know how to find her again, but she admitted she didn't even know how to get back herself.
Qi Yan suggested she stay, but she insisted she needed to return someday. He asked if her home was truly so good and what her position was there. She confessed she was nothing, just a "study slacker." Qi Yan playfully offered to name her a first-rate study slacker. She appreciated his unique offer but maintained her desire to return home, and Qi Yan noted he kept asking the same question even after she had rejected him before.
Cui Anshi's men arrived, having been ordered to kill her. Seeing them, Li Mengmeng immediately jumped into the river. Qi Yan cried out her name and leaped in after her to protect her. Kong An pulled Qi Yan from the water, but Qi Yan had lost consciousness. Cui Anshi's men, seeing her enter the fast-flowing river, assumed she could not have survived and withdrew.
Qi Yan's guards tried to reassure him, suggesting the emissary was blessed and might still be alive. The Empress Dowager questioned Qi Su's failure to apprehend a minor official. Qi Su explained that the people of Lu County had defended Minister Li, indicating their support for the canal project. The Empress Dowager reminded him of the late Emperor's fate, claiming his insistence on digging the canal against opposition had disturbed the kingdom's foundation, causing drought and his death.
She declared that while she tolerated some of Qi Yan's actions, anyone encouraging him to restore the canal was her enemy and would be brought to justice. Despite being told Qi Yan was unwell, the Empress Dowager insisted on summoning him. She confronted Qi Yan about the canal, calling it a taboo linked to his father's demise. Qi Yan countered that his father's death was unrelated and that the canal was beneficial.
He expressed frustration at her constant opposition, questioning if she saw him only as a frivolous emperor incapable of doing anything right. He declared he would rather not be emperor if that were the case, which angered the Empress Dowager. Qi Yan ended the conversation by stating the aqueduct decree was issued and nothing more needed to be said about the canal, then took his leave, saying she seemed tired.
Qi Yan was left heartbroken and drank alone, feeling isolated and misunderstood, even by his mother. He yearned for Li Mengmeng, having grown accustomed to her companionship, and blamed himself for failing to protect her. He held onto the belief that she was still alive. Meanwhile, Li Mengmeng found herself in a forest, feeling lost with no way home and having lost track of Qi Yan.
She saw an escort carriage belonging to the Sai Family Escort heading towards Yang City. Not knowing its destination or caring much, she boarded the carriage to escape the cold. Upon arriving at Sai Residence in Yang City, she exited the carriage but left her bag behind, which contained her belongings and Qi Yan's belt tag. She didn't immediately realize where she was. Elsewhere, Qi Yan learned that the assassins who attacked them were affiliated with Cui Anshi.
At Sai Residence, the young lady of the house found Li Mengmeng in her room along with the forgotten bag. Discovering Qi Yan's belt tag inside, she recognized it as belonging to His Majesty. Li Mengmeng claimed she found it. The young lady, assuming Li Mengmeng was a beggar who had also eaten a costly "Ten Herbs Tonic Soup" intended for her, decided to send her and the bag to the authorities.
Li Mengmeng pleaded against it, explaining she was hungry and intended to pay. The steward, Fu, calculated the extremely high cost of the soup. Unable to pay, Li Mengmeng offered to work off the debt. She explained she had run away from home to avoid a forced marriage and was now destitute. The young lady had Li Mengmeng sign an indentured servitude contract.
Li Mengmeng signed it, finding this situation even more difficult than her time in the palace, and wondered when she would ever be able to return home. Qi Yan received news from Yang City that pirates had robbed the relief grain being sent to the capital. He was angered by the continued piracy, especially led by the cunning Ma Kun, despite the funds allocated for suppression.
Minister Gu reported that while their forces were training in water combat, they were outmatched by the pirates, making it difficult to eliminate them without harming merchant ships. Qi Yan refused to accept that the kingdom's sea trade would remain vulnerable. Zhen Xu proposed that developing the watercourse could provide an alternative trade route, mitigating the pirate issue by reducing reliance on sea transport. Cui Anshi opposed this, calling the canal project ominous.
Qi Yan challenged Cui Anshi to suppress the pirates himself if he disagreed with the canal plan. Cui Anshi declined, citing his age. Based on Zhen Xu's suggestion and Cui Anshi's inability to offer a solution, Qi Yan ordered full efforts to open the canal and watercourse, and also commanded Minister Gu to eliminate the pirates immediately.
Qi Yan then announced his decision to establish an Internal Research Pavilion, formed by selecting officials from various ministries, to discuss and decide on future government matters. While some officials supported this as a wise move, others opposed it, warning it could disrupt the court's structure and urged him to reconsider. Qi Yan stood by his decision based on the principle of majority rule and dismissed the court.
Cui Anshi saw the Internal Research Pavilion as Qi Yan's attempt to seize control and reduce his own power. He instructed his subordinates to be more cautious in their actions and planned to create challenges for Qi Yan. At Sai Residence, Li Mengmeng was given various chores, including washing a large amount of laundry. She showed resourcefulness, finding ways to make the work easier, like using her feet. The young lady was impressed by her cleverness and rewarded her.
Li Mengmeng later made a small fan, which the young lady found delightful and refreshing, earning further rewards. Other servants also asked for her help. Despite her "promotion" to head maid, Li Mengmeng still faced physically demanding tasks. Tired from her work, she sat and looked at the stars, thinking of Qi Yan and wondering what he was doing. Qi Yan received updates on the search for Li Mengmeng.
His guard reported they had searched the river but found no sign of her, suggesting she might not have survived the strong current. Qi Yan refused to accept this possibility and insisted they continue the search, clinging to the hope that she was still alive.
Episode 14 Recap
Lu Huan reports to Qi Yan that the stolen disaster relief grain was escorted by the Sai Family Escort from Yang City and that the clues regarding its disappearance appear to have been deliberately erased. At the same time, Kong An brings Qi Yan a waist token belonging to Li Mengmeng, which the Yang City officials sent, stating the Sai Family Escort found it at the Sai Residence. Qi Yan immediately decides to travel to Yang City.
Lu Huan asks how this will be explained to the palace. Qi Yan instructs him to prepare for travel with the Noble Consort, stating they will say they are going to the summer palace early for the heat. While traveling to Yang City, the Noble Consort, Cui Wan'er, asks why they are heading to the summer palace. Qi Yan clarifies that they are going to Yang City. Cui Wan'er understands and says she will help maintain the cover story.
Qi Yan observes that she is just like when they were children, always covering for him and Qi Su when they misbehaved in front of his mother, the Empress Dowager. He realizes that, in retrospect, she likely did it more for Qi Su. Qi Yan then asks Cui Wan'er if she is willing to go to the frontier with Qi Su. She expresses her strong willingness.
Qi Yan reveals that Prince Heqin (Qi Su) will be returning and will pass by the summer palace in seven days. He adds that the Noble Consort will pass away from a sudden illness in a few days, after which she will simply be Cui Wan. Cui Wan'er thanks Qi Yan for devising this plan for her and Qi Su. She then departs from the palace.
Arriving in Yang City, a prosperous city in the southeast of Qi, Qi Yan and his attendants note the stark contrast with Lu County and the promise of the canal. They proceed to the Sai family's shop, Fuxing Emporium. Inside, Qi Yan notices a peculiar device. The shopkeeper explains it is a newly released pedal-powered washing device, unique to their shop in Qi and highly popular. Qi Yan inquires who created it, but the shopkeeper does not know.
Qi Yan states he will purchase the device and intends to make a large transaction but insists on meeting the person who made it first, providing a deposit. He also shows a picture or description of Li Mengmeng, asking if the shopkeeper has seen her, but the shopkeeper says no. Meanwhile, at the Sai Residence, Sai Xue is reviewing portraits of potential suitors presented by her servant.
She is unimpressed, recalling Mister Li from the capital whose portrait was misleadingly flattering and Mister Zhang from Yang City who, while looking decent, was empty-headed. Her servant reminds her that her father requires her to choose someone today. Sai Xue, frustrated that she cannot find a man she likes in all of Yang City, accepts Li Mengmeng's suggestion to go out for a walk, hoping to encounter someone suitable. Sai Xue and Li Mengmeng visit the Qingteng Teahouse.
A street magician is performing. Sai Xue and Li Mengmeng join the onlookers. Li Mengmeng remarks that the magic is quite simple and can be done by anyone. Sai Xue prompts her to try, and Li Mengmeng produces a rose from a handkerchief, impressing the crowd. Suddenly, someone cries out that their purse has been stolen.
Qi Yan, who is also present at the teahouse (having been told by the Sai shopkeeper that the washing device creator would be meeting someone here), quickly steps forward and apprehends the thief, recovering the purse. Qi Yan spots Li Mengmeng in the crowd and walks towards her, intending to take her away. Sai Xue steps in front of him, claiming Li Mengmeng as her maid and presenting a written agreement.
Qi Yan insists he wants Li Mengmeng and tosses a bag of money towards Sai Xue. As Qi Yan pulls Li Mengmeng away, Sai Xue finds him intriguing. To the gathered crowd, she declares a reward of fifty taels for anyone who can capture the man in white and bring him to the Sai Family Escort. A chase ensues as Qi Yan attempts to leave with Li Mengmeng. Qi Yan successfully evades the pursuers.
He asks Li Mengmeng where she has been, telling her how much he suffered while searching for her. Li Mengmeng, believing that separation now will cause less pain in the long run, pretends not to recognize him and attempts to leave. Qi Yan stops her, asking if she truly doesn't remember him. She maintains that she does not know him and tries to leave again.
Meanwhile, Qi Yan's attendants, Lu Huan and Kong An, express confusion over Li Mengmeng's apparent amnesia and worry about Qi Yan's suffering. One notes Li Mengmeng seems close to the magician from the teahouse (later identified as Mister Li/Li Tao). Li Mengmeng internally questions Qi Yan's childishness for testing her using his own health and wonders about the seriousness of his condition. Sai Xue catches up to Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng.
Li Mengmeng calls out to Sai Xue for help. However, Sai Xue, intrigued by Qi Yan, suggests he become her husband, offering half of the Sai family's wealth if he marries into their household. Qi Yan refuses, stating he is already engaged to Li Mengmeng. Sai Xue points out that Li Mengmeng denies knowing him.
Qi Yan claims Li Mengmeng has merely forgotten him, explaining they are from influential merchant families in Su City and that Li Mengmeng went missing after a recent family incident, which is why he is in Yang City searching for her. He dismisses Li Mengmeng's earlier statement about escaping marriage as a lie. Sensing an opportunity, Qi Yan adds that if Sai Xue allows him to take Li Mengmeng, he has a military supply order he might need escorted.
Sai Xue acknowledges his negotiation skill but notes Li Mengmeng is a member of her household. She suggests they all return to the Sai Residence for further discussion. Qi Yan agrees, recognizing this as an opportunity to investigate the disaster relief grain, which he learned was escorted by the Sai Family Escort.
Upon their arrival at the Sai Residence, Mister Li from the capital, the magician Li Mengmeng saw and surpassed at the teahouse, also appears, seeking out Li Mengmeng to understand how she performed her trick. Sai Xue hosts a dinner and invites Qi Yan (using the alias Mister Yan), his attendants, Li Mengmeng, and Mister Li.
During the meal, featuring local delicacies like crab roe dumplings and lotus root peanut rib soup, Qi Yan, knowing he is allergic to peanuts, deliberately serves himself the soup to test if Li Mengmeng remembers his allergy. Li Mengmeng observes this and attempts to dissuade him, claiming the soup is too hot. Despite this, Qi Yan consumes some soup and soon develops red rashes and dizziness, indicating an allergic reaction.
Kong An wants to fetch medicine, but Qi Yan tells him to wait, hoping Li Mengmeng will bring it herself. Li Mengmeng is visibly concerned about Qi Yan's reaction and contemplates how to get him medicine. She finds Sai Xue and gives her a medicinal cream, asking her to give it to Qi Yan and claiming she "guessed" he might be allergic. Later, Sai Xue brings the cream to Qi Yan, who applies it.
Kong An privately expresses frustration to Qi Yan that Li Mengmeng seems to have completely forgotten him and is getting close to Mister Li, despite Qi Yan's suffering in searching for her. Qi Yan quiets Kong An, wondering if Li Mengmeng has a hidden reason for her actions. He instructs Kong An to investigate Mister Li (identified as Li Tao) because he spotted a Ximi royal tattoo on him.
Based on age estimates, Qi Yan believes Li Tao is likely the Second Prince Ximi and fears his proximity could endanger Li Mengmeng. He orders an urgent and thorough investigation. Qi Yan privately ponders Li Mengmeng's motives for pretending not to know him. Li Mengmeng is shown having an internal monologue, expressing the pain of her decision to feign ignorance. She states her intent is to make Qi Yan hate her, believing this will ease their inevitable separation.
She confesses her strong desire to embrace him upon seeing him again and to personally care for him when he was sick. She feels she cannot be selfish and accept his kindness given that she must eventually leave. She tells him, albeit silently, not to grieve for someone who cannot stay. Later that night, a guard finds Qi Yan asleep at a table and covers him with a cape. Qi Yan wakes and asks who put the cape on him.
The guard says it was already there when he entered. Qi Yan wonders if Li Mengmeng secretly visited him. The next morning, Sai Xue visits Qi Yan (as Mister Yan), bringing ginger soup and mentioning she was worried about him and checked on him during the night. She reveals her main purpose for the visit is the upcoming Lantern Festival, a significant event where young people gather. Qi Yan initially declines to attend, citing his recent allergy.
Sai Xue suggests hosting a private Lantern Festival celebration at the Sai Residence just for him. Qi Yan asks about Mister Li. Sai Xue says Li Tao enjoys crowds and will attend the public festival with Li Mengmeng. Hearing this, Qi Yan suddenly feels much better, claiming Sai Xue's cream was miraculous. He agrees to the private festival and asks Sai Xue to have Li Mengmeng prepare more of the cream, confirming it was Li Mengmeng's. Qi Yan then mentions he has a favor to ask of Sai Xue.
Episode 15 Recap
Li Mengmeng was preparing to leave the Sai Residence to attend the Lantern Festival when Qi Yan encountered her and Li Tao, questioning their presence. Sai Xue emerged and told them she had matters to attend to, suggesting Li Mengmeng and the others go ahead. Li Mengmeng, Qi Yan, and Li Tao went to the Lantern Festival. Li Tao offered to buy Li Mengmeng new clothes for the occasion.
Li Mengmeng initially declined, saying she was short on money, but Li Tao insisted he would buy them. Qi Yan questioned Li Tao's relationship to Li Mengmeng and why he felt entitled to buy her clothes. The two men began to argue. Li Mengmeng intervened, telling them to stop quarreling and stating she would buy her own clothes. Inside a clothes shop, they looked at expensive garments, but Li Mengmeng expressed a preference for something simpler.
Meanwhile, Kong An and Lu Huan were secretly investigating Li Tao. They checked his room in the Sai Residence and found the bed tidy with no signs of having been slept in, concluding he was not there the previous night. They speculated he might have returned to his former lodging in the city before he moved into the Sai Residence. The three arrived at an archery stall where prizes could be won by hitting the bull's-eye.
Li Mengmeng saw a cute dog plushie and liked it. Qi Yan offered to win it for her, and Li Tao immediately challenged him. The two men competed fiercely in archery. Qi Yan ultimately won the plushie. Li Tao accused Qi Yan of doing it on purpose, which Qi Yan openly admitted, asking what difference it made who won. To diffuse the tension, Li Mengmeng quickly said she was hungry and suggested they go eat.
While they were eating, Sai Xue arrived, saying she had finally found them and hadn't missed the most important part of the festival. She offered Qi Yan a special Yang City steamed bun, which he accepted and reciprocated. Li Mengmeng watched them, feeling a sense of unease. Sai Xue then produced two red ropes, explaining it was a Lantern Festival tradition where couples tie themselves together and win a reward if they stay together until the end of the festival.
She invited Qi Yan to participate with her, and he readily agreed, saying he would be honored. Li Tao scoffed, questioning why Qi Yan, as one of the richest men in Qi Kingdom, would care about such a small reward. Qi Yan replied it was about following local customs. Seeing Qi Yan and Sai Xue participating together, Li Mengmeng turned away, seemingly disappointed.
Later, it was revealed that before they left the Sai Residence, Qi Yan had asked Sai Xue to help him stage a scene, implying their public display of closeness was part of a plan. Li Mengmeng saw Qi Yan and Sai Xue folding lanterns together, which further contributed to her feelings of disappointment. As they were folding lanterns, Li Mengmeng asked Li Tao if liking someone required a reason.
Li Tao responded that it did not, explaining that if there was a reason, it would feel like a calculation rather than genuine affection. He admitted he already had someone he liked, but added that his feelings for Li Mengmeng were his own and unaffected by her preferences, stating she would eventually come to like him. Observing Li Mengmeng and Qi Yan, Sai Xue expressed envy for Li Mengmeng, who had such a devoted gentleman pursuing and protecting her.
Qi Yan countered that Sai Xue didn't fully understand how much Li Mengmeng had done for him in return. Sai Xue remarked that they needed to work harder to achieve their goals. Suddenly, fireworks lit up the sky. Sai Xue excitedly called Li Mengmeng to watch. The four of them watched the fireworks. Sai Xue leaned onto Qi Yan's shoulder.
Li Mengmeng watched their figures and thought that even if she weren't with him, Qi Yan would still have someone to watch fireworks with and would still be liked by other people. Eventually, Li Mengmeng and Qi Yan found themselves alone. Qi Yan urged her to tell him any hardships or reasons she had for keeping things from him, telling her not to bear it alone. Li Mengmeng maintained that he had mistaken her for someone else.
Qi Yan responded that if he had made a mistake, he would take back the bracelet he had given her. Li Mengmeng protested, saying one should not take back a gift once given. Qi Yan pressed her for any other reasons or excuses she might have. She finally said she had none. With the misunderstandings cleared, they reconciled and shared a deep embrace under the fireworks.
Later, Kong An reported to Qi Yan, addressing him as "Your Majesty," that he had found a clue. He had searched Li Tao's previous residence and found a blueprint of the Sai Residence. Qi Yan noted the map and suspected it was connected to the disaster relief grain. He ordered Kong An to continue monitoring Li Tao, believing he could be the key to uncovering the truth about the grain.
Meanwhile, Master Sai returned to the Sai Residence and was dismayed to hear widespread rumors in Yang City that his family possessed a large quantity of grain and was looking for buyers. Some wealthy families had already been making inquiries. He questioned his staff sternly about the source of the rumors. Sai Xue greeted her father upon his return and inquired about the guests. Master Sai informed her she would see them later that evening.
That night, Master Sai hosted a dinner with Sai Xue, Qi Yan (still posing as Mister Yan), Li Mengmeng, and Li Tao. Master Sai and Qi Yan discussed business. Qi Yan brought up the possibility of purchasing grain from the Sai family, referencing the rumors. Master Sai dismissed the rumors as nonsense spread by someone trying to frame him, mentioning the court's ban on private grain sales.
Qi Yan countered that while he didn't know if the rumors were true, he understood that holding onto such a large quantity of grain could be problematic, like sticky candy. He stated his advantage as being financially capable and offered to buy the grain at three times the market price if Master Sai did indeed possess it. Master Sai, while still cautious, said that if he had the grain, he would certainly do business with Qi Yan.
During the dinner, Master Sai instructed Sai Xue to take Li Mengmeng to see some fabrics he had brought back and also mentioned returning Li Mengmeng's indentured servitude paper. A servant was sent to retrieve the paper. As the servant was heading back, a subordinate of Li Tao intercepted him, asking for Li Mengmeng's package to return it to her. The subordinate then gave the package containing the paper to Li Tao.
Li Tao opened the package and read the document, realizing with shock that Qi Yan was the Emperor of Qi Kingdom. Following the dinner, Li Mengmeng was looking for Qi Yan in the dark. A man, who was Li Tao's subordinate, offered to guide her, saying he saw Qi Yan go that way. Li Mengmeng noted that the man looked unfamiliar.
The man led her deeper into the dark area before leaving her, revealing to himself that this was a trap planned for "the Second Prince" (implying Li Tao planned it). Li Mengmeng fell into a dry well. Hearing her call out, Qi Yan immediately jumped in after her. In the well, Li Mengmeng confessed her deep feelings for Qi Yan, telling him she liked him very, very much and was serious.
She apologized for previously feeling she didn't belong and thinking they would have to part ways, stating she now wanted to cherish every day they had together. Qi Yan accepted her feelings and explained his own, saying he had likely grown accustomed to her presence and felt irritable whenever she wasn't around, echoing Li Tao's earlier words about liking someone needing no reason. Li Mengmeng said she loved him because he was always there when she needed him.
Just then, Lu Huan and Kong An arrived, calling down to them, but also accidentally fell into the well. They discovered a large amount of stored rice at the bottom of the dry well, realizing it was the disaster relief grain that had gone missing and was guarded by the Sai family's escort service. Qi Yan explained that the man who led Li Mengmeng to the well was intentionally setting a trap.
He understood that Li Tao, who was the Second Prince of Ximi, had discovered the grain and intentionally led them here. Since the quantity of grain was too large for Li Tao to move secretly, he planned to use Qi Yan as a scapegoat, letting him "discover" the grain and then potentially seizing it from him later. Knowing Li Tao's identity and true purpose, Qi Yan then whispered his own counter-plan to Lu Huan and Kong An.
Episode 16 Recap
Li Tao discovered a photo of Li Mengmeng and Qi Yan in her backpack, recognizing Qi Yan as the Emperor of the Qi Kingdom. Later, Li Mengmeng showed Qi Yan a design for a short skirt. Qi Yan initially found it too short, but Li Mengmeng explained it was common for female students in her hometown.
He playfully said she could wear it and he would just make all the men close their eyes, then slightly upset, relented and told her to wear whatever she liked, as he respected her. Li Mengmeng gently soothed him. Qi Yan promised Li Mengmeng that he would build a home for her, recreating her hometown, and asked her not to leave him. Outside, Li Tao, having overheard their conversation, quietly left Li Mengmeng's backpack by the door.
Li Tao, now aware of Qi Yan's identity, instructed his men not to act rashly, stating he would personally handle the business with the Sai Residence. When questioned why, given their usual boldness, Li Tao explained that their merchant contact, Mr. Yan, was actually the Qi Emperor. He stressed that with the ongoing drought, it was not wise to make an enemy of him now. Sai Haiming, the head of the Sai Residence, invited Qi Yan to see some goods.
Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng were led to a warehouse. Inside, the room was filled with potatoes. Sai Haiming asked if Qi Yan was satisfied with the supplies. Qi Yan questioned why there were only potatoes. Sai Haiming claimed only potatoes were available due to southern grain being sent north for drought relief. Qi Yan, realizing Sai Haiming was being deceptive, revealed his identity by showing his waist token. Seeing this, Sai Haiming immediately knelt and begged for forgiveness.
Qi Yan then demanded to know about the disaster relief grain hidden in the dry well. Sai Haiming suggested Qi Yan see for himself if he didn't believe him. Qi Yan and his group went to the dry well. They found that only the top layer was grain, and everything beneath was disaster relief materials. Qi Yan realized someone must have revealed his identity.
Lu Huan regretted not staying at the Sai Residence to watch, suspecting the grain had been moved while they were away. Qi Yan asked Kong An about a task he had assigned him, and Kong An reported it was done as instructed. When Li Mengmeng asked what the task was, Qi Yan told her she would find out after dark. Under the cover of night, Li Tao and his men began transporting the disaster relief grain.
They were unaware that Qi Yan had earlier sprinkled fluorescent powder on the grain. Following the glow of the powder, Qi Yan and his group pursued them. When they reached the location, they found government soldiers already present. Qi Yan revealed his identity to the soldiers, who explained they were sent by Prefect Qian of Yang City, who had received a tip about the grain being moved. Qi Yan decided to speak with Prefect Qian.
The prefect explained he had been investigating the Sai Residence for days. Just as Sai Haiming started to deny everything, Sai Xue arrived. Prefect Qian was about to have Sai Xue taken away, but Li Mengmeng asked them to wait. Li Mengmeng led Sai Xue aside. She gently told Sai Xue that while she hated to see it, the evidence pointed to her father's involvement.
Sai Xue believed there was a misunderstanding and pleaded with Li Mengmeng to intercede with Qi Yan on her father's behalf. Li Mengmeng promised she would do her best. Sai Haiming confessed to Qi Yan that Jin Qianbao had forced him to do it. Qi Yan asked who Jin Qianbao was.
Sai Haiming claimed he didn't know his real identity but that Jin Qianbao had contacted him in the past for shady business and had threatened to expose his past dealings if he didn't cooperate with the disaster relief grain scheme. He added they had agreed to meet the next day to hand over the money from the Ximi Prince. Qi Yan instructed Sai Haiming to follow his plan for the next day.
Li Mengmeng asked if Sai Xue could also be present, and Qi Yan agreed, noting that Sai Xue seemed unaware of the plot and her presence might keep Sai Haiming in line. Later, Li Mengmeng remarked on the excellent soundproofing of the Sai Residence windows, noting they were better than those at the Lingtai Pavilion. Qi Yan suggested she move in with him upon their return to the palace and said he would have their room fitted with similar windows.
Li Mengmeng seemed surprised by his use of "our room." Meanwhile, Cui Wan'er waited for Qi Su to pick her up. Hearing a knock, she asked Shitao to open the door. As Shitao opened it, she was immediately killed by a sword. The assailant was the pirate Ma Kun, who then abducted Cui Wan'er. When Qi Su arrived, he found one person still alive who told him that the pirate Ma Kun had taken Cui Wan'er.
The meeting between Sai Haiming and Jin Qianbao's contact went poorly. Sai Haiming was cornered and, while trying to escape, fell off a cliff. His men were ordered to search for him, alive or dead. Cui Anshi received news about the abduction of his daughter by pirates. He was furious with Ma Kun, especially considering he had protected the pirates in the past.
Learning that his daughter might have intended to elope with Prince Heqin at the palace, Cui Anshi decided she had disregarded the family's honor and he would not intervene in her elopement. However, he ordered his men to immediately eliminate the pirates to prevent the disaster relief grain incident from escalating and being publicized, which would damage his reputation.
Ma Kun and his pirates were discussing their predicament, blaming Cui Anshi for their troubles after he double-crossed them regarding the disaster relief grain and got them branded as fugitives. They lamented the loss of men and decided to use Cui Wan'er as leverage against Cui Anshi. Ma Kun asked for a specific medicine that Cui Wan'er knew about. Qi Su searched tirelessly for Cui Wan'er.
He checked pharmacies in Yang City for anyone treated for arrow wounds, as the survivor mentioned pirates. They found nothing. He was told that the poison on the arrow that killed Shitao was from the royal family's stores and couldn't be treated by ordinary physicians in Yang City. He learned about a specific "bamboo grass" needed for treatment.
A flashback showed a younger Cui Wan'er with Qi Su and Huai'an, playing physician with a plant she called "bamboo grass," which Huai'an dismissed as just a common weed. Qi Su, remembering this, realized the significance of the name. He found a pharmacy where someone had inquired about "bamboo grass." He instructed the shopkeeper to tell the person that "bamboo grass" was extremely rare and expensive, requiring payment upfront.
Qi Su decided to go alone for the exchange to protect Cui Wan'er's reputation from being stained by being associated with pirates, entrusting his men to storm the location if he didn't return within an hour.
Episode 17 Recap
Here is the text with all Chinese names translated into English (using pinyin romanization): Upon receiving the medicine, Qi Su was met by Ma Kun, who, instead of paying, had his men tie up Qi Su. Ma Kun told his subordinate to inform the pharmacy owner's son that Qi Su, with whom he had supposedly become friends, would be staying for a few days until Ma Kun recovered and returned home.
While tied up, Qi Su was present as Ma Kun addressed Cui Wan'er, who was being held captive with him. With Master Sai dead, Qi Yan planned to return to the capital to continue his investigations. Li Mengmeng inquired about what would happen to Sai Xue. Just then, Sai Xue arrived to bid farewell, explaining that she had dismissed the Sai family staff and felt she had no standing to remain now that the family's property had been confiscated.
Qi Yan offered to leave her the Sai Family Escort and the ancestral home as compensation if she was willing to manage the business. Sai Xue gratefully accepted, pledging her loyalty to atone for her family's past. Meanwhile, Qi Su revealed that he had hidden anesthetics within the herbs delivered. Cui Wan'er noted that the drug should render Ma Kun unconscious for hours, a fact Qi Su confirmed, assuring her he remembered everything about her.
They discussed his troops being sent to the frontier. As they attempted to escape, Ma Kun abruptly woke up. He disclosed that he had suspected Qi Su from the start and that such anesthetics were ineffective on him due to his extensive experience in the jianghu. Ma Kun then identified Qi Su as the renowned Prince Heqin. Back at the Sai Residence, Sai Xue was seen holding window paper.
She explained that after her father's death, several escort orders were canceled, requiring deposit refunds which she currently could not afford. She planned to mortgage some belongings. When asked about the value of window paper, Sai Xue clarified it was not ordinary paper but expensive Qingtong Zhumie paper given to her by Prefect Qian's wife for her birthday, noting its value and good sound insulation. This prompted comment on Prefect Qian's apparent modesty versus his wife's generosity.
Considering this, Qi Yan instructed Lu Huan to immediately go to the government office and order Prefect Qian to send the relief grain to the capital. Qi Yan suspected Prefect Qian's involvement in past events, noting the suspicious speed with which officials arrived when Li Tao fled with the grain and the apparent arranged killing of Sai Haiming to silence him. Elsewhere, Prefect Qian discussed the situation with a subordinate.
The subordinate suggested distributing the food as ordered, but Prefect Qian refused, stating it was meant for army pay and crucial for Chancellor Cui's plan to build a private army and seize power. He emphasized that defying Chancellor Cui was a greater risk than deceiving the Emperor and ordered meticulous preparation for the next day. Around the same time, Li Tao returned to Yangcheng.
Questioned by a companion about his return after escaping, Li Tao stated he was back to openly reclaim the money he had paid for the grain, as his goods were taken and he couldn't return to Ximi empty-handed. Qi Yan arrived at the government office to inspect the relief grain Prefect Qian had declared ready. Upon inspection, Qi Yan discovered the containers were mostly filled with boards, with grain only on the surface.
Qi Yan confronted Prefect Qian, calling him audacious and accusing him of deceiving the Emperor, killing Master Sai, and trying to steal the grain, demanding to know who was behind him. As Qi Yan ordered his arrest, arrows were fired, initiating an ambush. During the chaos, Prefect Qian ordered a signal flare fired. Lu Huan urged Li Mengmeng to retreat, stating she would only complicate things, as Qi Yan had his own plans.
In the midst of the fighting, someone was in danger but was saved by the timely arrival of Li Tao. Li Mengmeng anxiously checked on Qi Yan, who confirmed he was unharmed. Li Tao boastfully claimed credit for saving them. Qi Yan questioned why Li Tao had returned, calling it self-surrender. Li Tao explained the severe drought in Ximi had left his country devastated, forcing him to return as he was penniless and starving.
Li Tao then audaciously asked Qi Yan to share his method for solving the drought. Qi Yan dismissed the request. Li Tao asserted he would find a way regardless. Later, Kong An reported findings from Prefect Qian's documents, identifying four officials as Chancellor Cui's men and noting the oddity of someone named Cui Anshi transporting cotton clothes during the hot weather. Qi Yan suspected the cargo was not cotton clothes and ordered Kong An to investigate.
Li Mengmeng and Lu Huan then assisted an injured man into the Sai Residence. Qi Yan recognized him as Zhui Ying, one of his men. Zhui Ying reported that pirates had abducted the Noble Consort, Cui Wan'er, from the temporary palace. Qi Su had pursued them to Yangcheng to rescue her but was trapped. Zhui Ying added that his own men were ambushed during their attempted rescue. In their captivity, Ma Kun taunted Cui Wan'er, threatening her.
Qi Su warned him fiercely not to harm her. Ma Kun explained he kidnapped the Noble Consort to expose Chancellor Cui, who was framing the pirates for the stolen relief grain Cui had taken. Qi Su suggested Chancellor Cui could meet Ma Kun's demands if Cui Wan'er was unharmed. Ma Kun then revealed that he had informed Chancellor Cui of Cui Wan'er's abduction.
Chancellor Cui responded by ordering him to kill her, stating her capture had ruined her honor and her survival would disgrace the family. Back at Sai Residence, Qi Yan and others discussed how to rescue Qi Su and Cui Wan'er. Li Mengmeng proposed a plan, retrieving a "bubble maker" she had brought, initially thinking it useless. She explained she would add a potent, skin-contact poison to it, effective where typical sedatives might fail.
They located the hideout and, coincidentally, encountered assassins sent by Chancellor Cui, acting under "His Majesty's" purported orders, to kill Cui Wan'er and Qi Su. Li Mengmeng used the poisoned bubble maker to quickly eliminate the assassins. Qi Yan urged everyone to leave the dangerous location immediately. After the rescue, they found Cui Wan'er drugged but unharmed. Ma Kun had killed himself. The assassins were all dead. A physician confirmed Cui Wan'er was fine but needed rest.
Afterward, Qi Su lamented Chancellor Cui's cruelty, being Qi Yan's uncle and Cui Wan'er's father, yet sending assassins under Qi Yan's name to kill his own daughter. They agreed to keep this from Cui Wan'er to avoid distressing her and began planning for their imminent return. In the capital, Chancellor Cui was informed that his assassins had not returned and the pirate hideout was cleared without a trace.
Alarmed, he considered the damage to the Cui family's reputation if the Noble Consort's fate was known. He ordered a search for her. He was then informed that Prefect Qian reported Qi Yan had discovered the grain issue and was in Yangcheng, surprising Cui, who realized he had underestimated Qi Yan and that he had not been at the summer palace as believed.
Knowing Qi Yan would now investigate him, Cui ordered his relative, Cui Anshi, to deploy more private soldiers near the capital and replace palace guards with his loyal Imperial Guards, planning to eliminate Qi Yan before he could return. As Cui Wan'er recovered, Qi Su inwardly debated his actions, not wanting to hurt her. Cui Wan'er woke, recognizing him as "Huai'an." Qi Su explained they were safe at Sai Residence, rescued by the Emperor.
Cui Wan'er worried her father would be concerned, but Qi Su assured her he likely didn't know. Feeling scared, Cui Wan'er asked him to hold her. He comforted her, promising they would not be separated again this time. At the Sai Residence, Qi Yan received news that Minister Li was coming to Yangcheng to assist. Li Tao was still present, stating he was waiting for the drought solution method.
He cheekily asked Li Mengmeng about her relationship status with Qi Yan, noting she was unlike other court women but "kind of adorable." Li Mengmeng clarified they were dating, not married. Li Tao then suggested she consider returning to Ximi as his main wife instead of potentially being a consort to Qi Yan. Li Mengmeng later asked Qi Yan for his thoughts on Li Tao's suggestion, and he joked, initially annoying her before making amends.
Meanwhile, Sai Xue worked tirelessly on the escort accounts, neglecting to eat, much to her servant's worry. Qi Yan invited Li Mengmeng to dinner at Qingteng Teahouse. She initially hesitated due to their unofficial status, but he insisted he would wait. At the tea house, joined by Li Tao, Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng displayed affection, which Li Tao found excessive. Qi Yan announced Li Mengmeng had a surprise – "instant noodles" from her hometown.
Everyone enjoyed the dish, praising its flavor. Li Tao asked about the cook, and Li Mengmeng mentioned learning it from someone named Kang, offering to ask if he'd become Ximi's imperial chef if she returned home. Yangmei wine was served, also enjoyed by all. Li Mengmeng became sad, missing her home and mother. Qi Yan comforted her, promising to accompany her home when affairs were settled, eager to meet her family and experience her culture.
Li Mengmeng playfully wondered if their relationship would change back in the palace and worried Qi Yan's mother might dislike her and try to pay her to leave. Qi Yan asked what she would do if offered money, and she jokingly said she'd demand more, given his status. He promised not to fail her. Suddenly, it began to rain in Yangcheng, surprising everyone as it had been dry for a month, mirroring the capital's drought.
Episode 18 Recap
Qi Su was with Cui Wan'er in her room, pouring her tea. Cui Wan'er asked him to pinch her, and when he asked why, she explained that everything felt too beautiful, like a dream, and she was afraid it wasn't real. Qi Su reassured her that it was real and their happiness would only grow.
Cui Wan'er shared her plans for their life at the frontier: a small house where she could plant flowers and plants, and a dog with a bell on its neck to make noise when it ran. Qi Su said he would do whatever she wanted, but she asked what kind of life "he" wanted. He told her that everything she had just described was exactly what he wanted, and she playfully decided their home life would be her way.
Qi Su then informed her he had matters to attend to back in the capital and asked if she could wait for him. He explained they would have no worries after His Majesty returned to the capital and announced her sudden death. She promised to wait for him and stay at the Sai Residence to avoid being found, urging him to be careful and not get hurt. He promised to take good care of her before departing.
It began to rain in Yang City, which had not seen rain in a month. Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng were out in the rain, reaching out their hands. Li Mengmeng suddenly noticed her hand appeared transparent, questioning if she was hallucinating. Meanwhile, Li Tao's subordinate reported on their investigation into how Qi Kingdom solved their drought problem, discovering they built an aqueduct project.
It started in Lu County, managed by a county official named Li Ming, but the subordinate didn't have details on how it was built. Later, Qi Yan, Cui Wan'er, Li Tao, Sai Xue, and Li Mengmeng were having a meal when Minister Li Ming arrived. Qi Yan welcomed him, asking about his journey. Li Ming reported it was smooth but delayed by continuous rain. Li Mengmeng noted he looked thin and asked how he'd been.
Li Ming said His Majesty had found him a comfortable place with beautiful scenery. Qi Yan introduced Cui Wan'er and then Li Tao, identifying Li Ming as the official from Lu County who built the aqueduct. Li Tao immediately asked to see the blueprints, but Li Mengmeng quickly told Li Ming to ignore him, while Li Tao insisted he really needed them.
Qi Yan then introduced Sai Xue, explaining that Minister Li would be staying in Yang City to assist with watercourse matters, and tasked Sai Xue with helping him while keeping his identity secret. Qi Yan invited Li Ming to eat, but he had already eaten on the way and went with Lu Huan to his residence.
Li Mengmeng finished eating quickly and followed Li Ming, asking if he would like to go to a drama performance at the teahouse that night. Li Ming agreed. As they sat down, Li Ming asked how she knew he liked listening to dramas. Li Mengmeng remembered going with her father as a child and always falling asleep before the end. She resolved not to fall asleep this time and stay awake to watch with him, but she fell asleep again.
Qi Yan then arrived, seeing her asleep, and asked why she was watching a play with another man without explaining herself to him. Li Tao also arrived, leading to an argument over the seat; Li Tao claimed it was Li Ming's, while Qi Yan insisted it was his as he was there first. Li Mengmeng told them to stop arguing and let Li Ming sit. Qi Yan sat in the back.
Qi Yan and Li Tao continued to bicker loudly, accusing each other of jealousy and being rude men, disturbing the other audience members. The audience complained, and they were all asked to leave. Outside, Li Mengmeng blamed Qi Yan and Li Tao for getting kicked out before finishing the play and apologized to Li Ming. Li Ming told her not to worry about the outcome, saying that what mattered were the beautiful moments, like watching the play together.
Li Mengmeng then asked what kind of person he hoped Wanwan would become when she grew up. He simply replied that as long as she grew up safely and happily, he would be satisfied. Suddenly, Qi Yan shouted "Be careful!" Black-clad assassins rushed out and attacked them. Li Ming shielded Li Mengmeng and was stabbed. He asked if she was hurt before he died. Li Mengmeng cried out, calling him "Dad," and wept over his body. Li Ming was buried.
Cui Wan'er tried to comfort the grieving Li Mengmeng, but Li Mengmeng asked them to leave her alone, blaming herself for Li Ming's death. Qi Yan stayed with her, telling her it was not her fault and promising to make the attackers pay. Kong An reported to Qi Yan that their investigation showed the attackers were Chancellor Cui's people. Lu Huan exclaimed that Chancellor Cui was outrageous for daring to assassinate His Majesty.
Qi Yan believed Chancellor Cui had been waiting for this chance and ordered Kong An to ensure the safety of both Cui Wan'er and Li Mengmeng. Qi Yan made various attempts to cheer up the deeply saddened Li Mengmeng. He offered her noodles or osmanthus cake, but she had no appetite. He brought her a bouquet of beautiful flowers, which she liked.
He told her he would buy her a bouquet every day if she liked them, and she finally smiled. He commented that it had been a long time since he had seen her smile. Meanwhile, Qi Su found Chancellor Cui Anshi and proposed a deal, stating he wanted to become the Emperor of Qi. Cui Anshi dismissed this, telling Qi Su to leave and he would pretend the conversation never happened.
Qi Su insisted they shared the same goal and he could help. To persuade Cui Anshi, Qi Su fabricated a story, claiming Cui Wan'er had died in the pirate's lair.
When Cui Anshi expressed shock, believing she was with the Emperor, Qi Su falsely accused Qi Yan of being responsible, claiming Qi Yan wasn't at the palace, left Cui Wan'er there allowing her to be captured by pirates, and then had her killed himself for his own reputation rather than rescuing her. Cui Anshi reacted with deep grief, lamenting the loss of Wan after previously losing Ying, and claiming his life was miserable.
Qi Su added that he had intended to take Cui Wan'er away but now owed her a debt. Seeing an opportunity, Cui Anshi expressed gratitude for Qi Su's devotion to his daughter, but stated he was too grief-stricken to think clearly and needed time to recover before considering reporting the matter. He asked Qi Su to allow him time to think. Cui Anshi immediately put a plan into action.
He created the false appearance of Qi Yan returning to the palace, claiming the Emperor had caught a contagious illness and was being kept in his chamber, with the palanquin heavily shielded. He then met with the Empress Dowager, who asked about the Emperor's condition. Cui Anshi informed her that Qi Yan was not in the palace but had secretly gone to Yang City and would not be returning.
He claimed Qi Yan possessed information that could ruin the Cui family if he returned. The Empress Dowager was horrified, accusing him of madness and reminding him that Qi Yan was of Cui family blood whom he had raised. She offered to try and persuade Qi Yan.
Cui Anshi argued that the Cui family had built half the kingdom's territory and the former Emperor decreed Cui daughters should be Empress, but Qi Yan's treatment of Cui Wan'er meant he had lost patience. He shoved the Empress Dowager, telling her to stay in her chamber and think about it, instructing the guards that she was unwell and only he was to see her.
A palace maid from Lingtai Pavilion arrived to deliver talismans to the Empress Dowager, informing the guards they were urgent. The guard let her in. After the maid left, Cui Anshi asked who had been there. Upon hearing it was the maid from Lingtai Pavilion, he ordered his subordinate to pursue her immediately and ensure she did not escape, giving explicit instructions not to leave her alive.
Back with Li Mengmeng and the others, they were packing to return to the capital. The Lingtai Pavilion maid was also seen trying to rush out of the palace but was stopped by guards asking for her token and pursued when she fled. Meanwhile, Li Mengmeng looked at the items being packed. Lu Huan showed her some of Li Ming's belongings. Among them was a document labeled "Watercourse Plan," containing Li Ming's detailed ideas for the project.
Li Mengmeng realized it was a plan to benefit the people. Qi Yan vowed to fulfill Li Ming's wish by completing the plan, making the canal navigable, and ensuring everyone knew what an extraordinary person Minister Li was. Li Mengmeng went back to her room, noting it was raining again, just as it had been the day she arrived in the Qi Kingdom. She seemed troubled, wondering what was happening, possibly experiencing the strange phenomenon with her hand again.
Episode 19 Recap
Li Mengmeng was taking pictures along the canal when Qi Yan appeared. She snapped a photo of him. Qi Yan accidentally knocked her bag, and an amulet fell out. He noticed that the bag strap looked like it had been cut open, the amulet placed inside, and then sewn back up. Li Mengmeng explained that the bag was new and she bought it just before coming to the Qi Kingdom.
She suddenly remembered her mother doing something to the bag, which they had argued about. Li Mengmeng said her mother put the amulet there, and Qi Yan asked if their relationship was difficult. Li Mengmeng replied that her mother was very strict and always critical, focusing only on academic achievement. Qi Yan listened and said he envied her, explaining that he was raised by a nursemaid and rarely saw his mother, who showed no interest in his life.
He believed his existence was merely a tool for the Cui family to gain power, noting that in the palace, power far outweighed familial ties. He told Li Mengmeng her mother's strictness, like insisting she return home immediately after school, was likely for her safety and well-being, suggesting that underlying such strictness was parental love. Qi Yan suggested opening the amulet to see if it contained a wish. When Li Mengmeng opened it, she found a note.
She read it aloud: her mother wished to trade her own life's luck and happiness for Li Mengmeng's safety and health, seeking neither wealth nor success, only peace. Li Mengmeng was overcome with emotion and cried, expressing how much she missed her mother, knowing she couldn't go back. Meanwhile, Cui Anshi discovered the Secret Research Pavilion established by Qi Yan within the Imperial Study Room.
Realizing the significance of this, he decided they must act quickly before Qi Yan consolidated his power. He ordered his subordinates to guard every checkpoint from Yang City to the capital, ensuring Qi Yan could not return. At the city gates, officials and soldiers, acting on Cui Anshi's orders, set up strict inspections, requiring identification from everyone entering the capital. Elsewhere, Cui Wan'er was making a cape. Li Tao and Sai Xue were present.
Li Tao commented on her skill, and Cui Wan'er explained she was making the cape for Qi Su because he often rode late at night. Li Tao remarked on Qi Su's good fortune, which Sai Xue playfully disputed. As they teased each other, they spotted someone in the corner. Li Tao chased after the figure but couldn't identify them. Li Mengmeng and Qi Yan were walking hand-in-hand, relieved to finally be alone after leaving Steward Lu and Guard Kong behind.
Their peaceful walk was interrupted by assassins. Qi Yan instructed Li Mengmeng to hide on a nearby boat. While fighting the attackers, Qi Yan was stabbed. Seeing an assassin move towards the boat where Li Mengmeng was hiding, Qi Yan quickly reached the boat, grabbed Li Mengmeng, and they jumped into the water together. Shortly after, Kong An and Lu Huan returned from buying food and found the scene of chaos.
They realized assassins had been lying in wait, timing their attack for when Qi Yan's guards were absent. Knowing the assassins must be connected to Chancellor Cui, who was the only one who didn't want the Emperor to return, they concluded the immediate priority was to find Qi Yan. Li Mengmeng found an inn, the Laifu Inn, and brought the injured Qi Yan inside, believing they were safe. She laid him down and prepared to treat his wound.
She helped him remove his upper garment to apply medicine. Qi Yan reassured her not to worry, saying it was just a minor injury. Li Mengmeng told him she couldn't find clean water and only had the medicine she carried with her. Moved by her care, Qi Yan held her, telling her the pain subsided when he held her. In the city, Sai Xue and Li Tao were wandering the streets when they saw official wanted posters being displayed.
They realized the faces on the posters were Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng, identifying them as fugitives. Cui Wan'er heard cries for help outside her residence and started to open the door to investigate. As soon as she opened it, her father Cui Anshi's men appeared. Before she could speak, they knocked her unconscious and took her away. She was held captive by her father.
Cui Anshi harshly confronted her, accusing her of shaming the family by being kidnapped and not being with Qi Su at the border, suggesting she was a pawn like her sister. He ordered her to be locked up and guarded strictly. Li Mengmeng noticed Qi Yan's wound was becoming inflamed and went out to find help. She was nearly apprehended by officials but was rescued by Li Tao. Li Tao went back to the inn with her.
Li Mengmeng immediately suspected Cui Anshi was behind the pursuit. Li Tao confirmed that the capital's city gates were heavily guarded, seemingly by two groups of people, suggesting Cui Anshi's private army had infiltrated the city. They discussed contacting Qi Su, Prince Heqin, and Li Mengmeng mentioned she had left a signal for Sai Xue on the way, hoping she would arrive and help them plan.
Li Mengmeng then talked to Qi Yan about "sickness of the heart" common in her hometown, which manifests as symptoms like insomnia and anxiety, suggesting it can be cured by letting go and moving forward. Back in the capital, Qi Su received a secret message from Qi Yan. The message reported that Cui Anshi had falsely claimed the Emperor had returned to the palace due to illness and had soft-arrested the Empress Dowager, taking control of the capital.
Cui Anshi was using wanted posters of Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng as a pretext for searches and arrests. Qi Yan advised Qi Su to be cautious until he could safely return. The message also contained details about Cui Anshi's forces: over 20,000 private soldiers raised by his brother Cui Anzu in Wan City, financed by embezzled disaster relief funds, and a nationwide network of Jin Tai Banks used for money laundering.
Shortly after receiving the message, Cui Anshi's envoy requested an audience with Qi Su. The envoy mentioned rumors that Qi Yan had killed the Noble Consort (Cui Wan'er) at an imperial villa, implying that Qi Su might be cooperating with Qi Yan to deceive Cui Anshi. The envoy delivered Cui Anshi's message, suggesting that Qi Su should carefully consider whether Cui Wan'er's life was worth his actions. Qi Su understood this was a direct threat against Cui Wan'er.
Meanwhile, Lingdang brought food to Cui Wan'er. Cui Wan'er quickly swapped clothes with Lingdang to escape. As she left her confinement, she overheard Cui Anshi discussing his plan to kill Qi Yan and seize the throne. Horrified, she resolved to warn Qi Su. However, before she could reach the door, Cui Anshi discovered her escape and recaptured her, ordering her guards to ensure she did not escape again, threatening them with death if she did.
At the Laifu Inn, a local reported seeing lights, leading officials there to search for the fugitives. Sai Xue arrived at the inn just as the officials were closing in. Li Mengmeng alerted Qi Yan and Sai Xue that the soldiers were coming. Sai Xue told them to hide quickly. The officials searched the inn.
Li Tao and Sai Xue put on an act, pretending to be eloping lovers who had just arrived and explained away the signs of recent occupancy by claiming they had just given in to their passion the previous night after taking separate rooms. The officials were satisfied and prepared to leave, warning them to report if they saw the wanted persons.
As the officials were leaving, another group of men appeared, looking for Li Tao and Sai Xue, stating they were from the Sai family and were there to bring Li Tao back to marry the Sai family's young lady. Li Tao refused, declaring his love for Sai Xue. A scuffle began, but Sai Xue intervened, calling back the retreating officials, claiming these men were harassing them despite the presence of law enforcement.
The officials intervened, warning the men, who were forced to leave but vowed to wait for Li Tao. Shortly after the officials and the second group of men left, Kong An and Lu Huan arrived at the inn, surprised to find Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng safe. Qi Yan indicated that with everything arranged, they could return to the capital. Li Mengmeng expressed concern about the strict security at the city gates. Sai Xue stated she had a plan to get them back and mentioned she would be returning to Ximi.
Episode 20 Recap
Ministers gathered, asking Prince Heqin and Chancellor Cui about the Emperor's condition. Imperial physician Xu sighed, reporting that His Majesty's lung disease had worsened significantly. He implied that if the Emperor did not wake within two days, the situation would be dire. Chancellor Cui suggested that it was time to make plans, although the ministers were hesitant as the Emperor was still alive. Meanwhile, Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng reached the capital borders.
Sai Xue received news from the escort agency that someone was deliberately disrupting the watercourse shipping and she needed to return immediately. Qi Yan suspected Chancellor Cui, who had recently suffered losses regarding the disaster relief provisions. He told Sai Xue to go back, observe the situation, and wait for his news. They bid farewell.
Prince Heqin met with Chancellor Cui, stating that he had fulfilled Cui Anshi's request by sending the letter to His Majesty and cooperating with his plan. He asked Chancellor Cui to release Wan'er. Chancellor Cui insisted that Prince Heqin must complete one more task before he would release Wan'er and allow her to legitimately become Prince Heqin's wife. Prince Heqin had no choice but to agree.
Later, Li Tao, identifying himself as the second prince of Xi Mi, arrived at the city gate requesting entry. Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng were hidden inside chests on his cart. Guards, on high alert due to recent rebel activity near the capital, insisted on inspecting all entering and exiting personnel. When Li Tao hesitated to allow them to inspect the chests, claiming they contained precious tribute treasures, the guards grew suspicious of his obstruction and insisted on opening them.
Just as they were about to force the chests open, Prince Heqin arrived. The guards saluted him and explained the situation. Prince Heqin confirmed the checks were done and allowed Li Tao's party to enter. Li Tao later remarked to Qi Yan how fortunate they were that Prince Heqin arrived in time, otherwise they would have been caught. Qi Yan thanked him and suggested he return to the posthouse, promising to thank him properly later.
After Li Tao left, Qi Yan and Prince Heqin spoke privately. Prince Heqin revealed that tomorrow, Cui Anshi planned to announce the Emperor's death and govern on behalf of the Empress Dowager. He had taken control of the palace with imperial guards and stationed 20,000 troops outside the capital. Qi Yan noted that Chancellor Cui had clearly coveted the throne for a long time.
Prince Heqin explained that Cui Anshi had lied about the Emperor's illness, keeping most of the imperial guards unaware. If the Emperor could appear in the palace, along with their own men, the situation could be reversed. This was their only chance. However, Cui Anshi had used the Empress Dowager's warrant, under the pretext of suppressing rebels, to move the Huwei Camp out of the capital.
The Empress Dowager herself was under house arrest but safe as she was useful to Cui Anshi. During their conversation, Qi Yan felt ill, realizing the water he drank was poisoned. He asked Prince Heqin what he had done. Prince Heqin said "I'm sorry" before stabbing Qi Yan with a sword. As Qi Yan stumbled towards the door, bleeding, he met Li Mengmeng.
Seeing his injury, she cried and insisted she could heal him as long as he was alive, urging him to let her help. Qi Yan told her to leave quickly, prioritizing her safety. Li Mengmeng then saw the blood on Prince Heqin's sword and cried out asking why. Guards arrived and restrained Li Mengmeng.
Prince Heqin ordered the guards to leave them, telling Li Mengmeng that he would send His Majesty's body to the palace tomorrow and grant her freedom after the matter was resolved. Later, Li Mengmeng, held in a room, asked to see His Majesty again. Prince Heqin granted her request. She went to Qi Yan's bedside and spoke to his seemingly lifeless body.
She reminded him of his promise never to leave her and lamented all the things they hadn't done together, like drinking milk tea, shopping, watching movies, quarreling, or having a cold war. She asked why he had left before even asking her to marry him. Remembering he had asked about weddings in her hometown, she described how a beautiful ring was needed.
Using a red string, she fashioned a makeshift ring and placed it on his finger, recounting the wedding vows about loving, caring for, respecting, and tolerating each other until death. She told him, if he could hear her, that she did, she would marry him. Sometime later, a servant reported to Chancellor Cui's subordinate that she had witnessed Prince Heqin stab His Majesty, causing him to bleed to death.
She also mentioned a lady who cried sadly and whom Prince Heqin treated courteously, concluding it must be the Emissary. The subordinate reported this to Chancellor Cui, adding that Chancellor Cui himself planned to escort His Majesty's body back to the palace and announce his death publicly. He mentioned that Cui Anshi still refused to release Wan'er until after his plans succeeded.
Chancellor Cui then confronted Prince Heqin, accusing him of drugging and assassinating the Emperor based on the servant's testimony, calling him a traitor. He ordered Prince Heqin's arrest. Prince Heqin fought off the guards and escaped. Chancellor Cui asked if a girl was seen during the search of Prince Heqin's manor; his subordinate reported finding no one, and Cui Anshi ordered them to search again.
At Wanshou Hall, Chancellor Cui questioned Imperial physician Xu, who confirmed that His Majesty had indeed passed away. Cui Anshi, feigning sorrow, then ordered the mourning bell rung. Outside, Prince Heqin heard the bell and remarked how impatient Chancellor Cui was. It was revealed that Qi Yan was not truly dead. Earlier, after the initial 'stabbing' incident, Qi Yan had woken up with Qi Su (Prince Heqin), who had tended to his wound.
Qi Su explained that Cui Anshi had used Wan'er to lure Qi Yan back to the capital with the intent to kill him. Qi Yan asked why Qi Su hadn't warned him. Qi Su explained the need for utmost secrecy due to Cui Anshi's spies, forcing him to take a dangerous risk. They discussed their plan: since the palace was full of Cui Anshi's troops, a frontal assault with their limited forces was impossible.
The best course was for Qi Yan to fake his death and be sent into the palace by Cui Anshi. Once inside and awake, he could rally the deceived imperial guards, bringing order from chaos and capturing Cui Anshi. This would leave Cui Anshi's outside forces leaderless and neutralized.
Prince Heqin gave Qi Yan a token for Kong An to mobilize the Huwei Camp, which had been moved out of the capital but was expected to arrive near the palace gate tomorrow morning. Qi Yan accepted that he had no other choice but to enter the palace alone to deceive Cui Anshi.
They agreed that Prince Heqin would first rescue Wan'er from Cui Manor and then meet Kong An at the palace gate, coordinating their troops to enter the palace at noon the following day to support Qi Yan. Prince Heqin gave Qi Yan a breath-holding pill, explaining it would induce a coma with no pulse or breathing for four hours, sufficient to deceive Cui Anshi, especially combined with his existing injury.
He instructed Qi Yan to take it only after Cui Anshi had taken him away. At the Wanshou Hall, Chancellor Cui, impatient despite the High Priest's warning that the auspicious time had not arrived, insisted on immediately cremating the Emperor's body and coffin, falsely claiming the Emperor died of a contagious lung disease.
The High Priest urged patience, stating the Emperor's funeral concerned the Qi Kingdom's fortune, but Cui Anshi dismissed him as old and confused and ordered the fire lit. Just as the cremation was about to begin, Emissary Xiao arrived with the High Priest, pleading to stop the ceremony as the Emperor was in danger. Cui Anshi, surprised to see the Emissary was a woman, called her a witch plotting against the Emperor and ordered her arrested.
Emissary Xiao cried out that she could bring the Emperor back to life, asking if they truly didn't want him resurrected. Cui Anshi called her a fraud and ordered the fire again. Emissary Xiao desperately yelled for them to stop, calling out to "Your Majesty!" as she was restrained. Despite the High Priest and Emissary Xiao's protests, Cui Anshi insisted it was the auspicious time for mourning and ordered everyone to kneel for the ceremony.
Emissary Xiao continued to struggle, yelling that His Majesty was not dead and that their treason would anger heaven and bring retribution. Suddenly, it began to rain heavily. People wondered if the Emissary's words were true. The rain seemed to be the signal. Prince Heqin's and Kong An's forces charged forward. Cui Anshi's soldiers, shaken by the Emissary's appearance and the sudden rain, hesitated, asking for forgiveness. Emissary Xiao felt a strange sensation, wondering if she was disappearing.
Prince Heqin urgently commanded his men to quickly open the coffin. As they did, Qi Yan sat up, alive. The soldiers were stunned and amazed. Cui Anshi, panicked, claimed it was the witch's magic turning the Emperor into a monster and ordered them all captured. Qi Yan rose, declaring that he had merely taken medicine to fake his death and was not a monster. He accused Cui Anshi of trying to kill him and revealing his clear intent of treason.
He ordered Cui Anshi arrested. Cui Anshi, enraged, reminded Qi Yan that he was the one who helped him become Emperor and drew his sword against Qi Yan, attempting regicide. Qi Yan's loyalists intervened and apprehended Cui Anshi. Addressing the assembled soldiers, Qi Yan acknowledged Cui Anshi's heinous crimes but also admitted his own failings in judging people and understanding the people's hardships. He asked for another chance, promising to ensure his people would have enough food and shelter. The soldiers cheered, praising His Majesty and praying for the protection of the Qi Kingdom.
Episode 21 Recap
As the Empress Dowager lay sleeping, seemingly disturbed, she murmured, mistaking Qi Yan for her brother, Cui Anshi, pleading with him not to harm her son. Qi Yan was by her side and gently assured her that he was alright.
He told her that Cui Anshi's act of rebellion was an unforgivable crime, but when the Empress Dowager expressed her fear that the palace was dangerous and she had hoped Cui Anshi's influence would protect him, Qi Yan promised that he was now grown and would protect her from then on. Meanwhile, Qi Su visited Cui Wan'er. She anxiously asked about her father's situation.
Qi Su informed her that Chancellor Cui had been imprisoned in the dungeon to await trial by the Three Judicial Officials. He explained that the rebellion case was extensive and the Emperor would investigate thoroughly.
Although the crime of rebellion typically carries the punishment of execution of nine relations by law, Qi Su noted that His Majesty had shown great mercy, punishing only those directly involved and demoting the rest of the Cui family to commoners, banning them from holding official positions for three generations. Li Mengmeng returned to the Lingtai Pavilion, startling the other residents who recognized her voice and appearance but were astonished to see she was a woman.
She eagerly asked for Zhou Quan, only to be told by the others that Zhou Quan had gone to the Empress Dowager's chamber to deliver a talisman that day but never returned. They revealed that Zhou Quan had been killed by Cui Anyu's imperial guards and that the high priest had placed her body in an ice coffin so Li Mengmeng could see her one last time. Li Mengmeng cried out for Zhou Quan.
Just then, Kong An arrived with a package for Zhou Quan, dropping the contents in shock upon seeing the scene. He approached Zhou Quan and placed a hairpin in her hair, telling her she looked beautiful. He remembered her promise to answer his question about his feelings when he returned. He held her cold hand and wept.
Li Mengmeng then placed her sneakers on Zhou Quan's feet, wishing that if she had given them to her earlier, perhaps Zhou Quan could have run faster and escaped that day. Li Mengmeng found herself reflecting on her disappearance during the heavy rain, wondering if it signified a return to her own world or simply ceasing to exist.
She thought that returning home should bring happiness, but she couldn't feel it, especially considering how Qi Yan would react if she suddenly vanished. Qi Yan came to see her and vowed to avenge Zhou Quan, ensuring she could rest in peace. Li Mengmeng tried to comfort him by suggesting that Zhou Quan might just be away on a long trip and they would meet again.
Qi Yan described how distraught Kong An was, looking utterly lost, which showed how deeply Zhou Quan's death had affected him. Li Mengmeng privately contemplated whether Qi Yan would suffer similarly if she were to disappear.
Qi Yan reassured her, recounting how terrified he felt when she was hurt, feeling like his soul had left him, and firmly stated that no matter what the future held, he would always love her and they would be together as long as they both existed. Later, Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng went to see off Qi Su, Cui Wan'er, and Li Tao. Qi Yan congratulated Cui Wan'er on her regained freedom.
Li Tao commented that the Emperor personally seeing them off put an end to rumors of Qi Su being exiled. Qi Yan playfully countered that Qi Su was simply trying to get away from him. Li Mengmeng asked Qi Yan why he was so quiet, to which he teasingly suggested she was sad to see him go. Cui Wan'er promised Li Mengmeng they would write often and that they would see each other again.
Qi Yan handed Li Tao the underground aqueduct blueprints, acknowledging Li Tao had thought he was too stingy to share them. Li Tao thanked him on behalf of his people. Qi Yan told Li Tao not to return to Qi Kingdom, unless it was for his and Li Mengmeng's wedding.
As Li Mengmeng expressed her reluctance for them to part, Cui Wan'er explained that in life, people often only accompany you for a while, making it more important to cherish those moments. She added that sometimes, bravely facing goodbyes and parting gracefully is the best choice. They said their farewells, and as Qi Yan and Li Mengmeng watched the three depart, Qi Yan remarked that it felt a bit empty.
Li Mengmeng privately wished she could stay by Qi Yan's side forever, despite feeling her departure was inevitable. Heavy rain began to fall again, and she was seen sitting alone, gazing out sadly. Lu Huan reported to Qi Yan that Li Mengmeng had been withdrawn like this for two weeks, looking worn out.
He explained that she was likely feeling very lonely, having come to Qi Kingdom alone, lost Zhou Quan, and now with Cui Wan'er gone, likely feeling intensely homesick. Qi Yan asked Lu Huan for ways to cheer her up. Lu Huan was unsure, thinking someone from her sophisticated home would not be impressed by anything new. Qi Yan suggested perhaps she needed something familiar, something that reminded her of home, rather than something new.
He ordered the imperial kitchen to find a way to make instant noodles based on her descriptions. Later, Li Mengmeng was delighted by the instant noodles, exclaiming they were as good as the fotiaoqiang from her hometown. Qi Yan then revealed another surprise: popcorn and a staged performance by Lu Huan and others, acting out a dramatic scene Li Mengmeng had previously described, complete with a prop pistol she had drawn.
Li Mengmeng laughed and clapped, praising Lu Huan's acting and saying she felt very happy, as if she were home, having eaten instant noodles and popcorn and "watched TV." After sharing these moments, Qi Yan showed Li Mengmeng an item (presumably something significant to them) and told her he had never imagined what his future Empress would be like, but now he knew she was Li Mengmeng, describing her appearance and delightful personality.
He then formally proposed marriage, telling her it was the Empress Dowager's arranged marriage and a royal command. Li Mengmeng hesitantly asked what would happen if she had to leave one day due to an unexpected event or illness. Qi Yan firmly dismissed the thought, declaring that as long as they were both alive, they would be husband and wife. Later, in court, an imperial decree was read announcing the punishments for those involved in the rebellion.
Chancellor Cui Anshi, Cui Anyu, and thirteen others were sentenced to death, their property confiscated, and their immediate families demoted and banned from official service for three generations. Thirty-seven others involved were stripped of their titles and exiled. A second decree was then read, announcing the appointment of Emissary Li Mengmeng as Empress Consort, citing her intelligence, demeanor, and noble character.
Immediately, court officials strongly objected, arguing that her past as a woman disguised as a man, first as an eunuch then in the Lingtai Pavilion, and her "reckless" conduct made her unfit to be Empress, a role traditionally held by women from noble families. They pleaded with Qi Yan to reconsider, arguing it was a disgrace to tradition. Qi Yan defended Li Mengmeng, emphasizing her indispensable role in the aqueduct project and saving his life.
He declared that his decision was final, as it was also the Empress Dowager's wish, and he had chosen Li Mengmeng as his only wife. He ordered Lu Huan to complete the enthronement ceremony within three days. The officials continued to protest, reminding him that marriage was a state matter and he should not be willful, appealing to his duty to his ancestors. One official fainted in protest. Qi Yan dismissed the court.
Afterwards, he inquired about the fainted official's health and ordered care for him. He also instructed his staff to ensure Li Mengmeng did not hear about the court's objections before the wedding, using the custom of the couple not meeting for three days prior as an excuse.
Episode 22 Recap
The palace was adorned with festive decorations, and Li Mengmeng found it beautiful. A maid told her that it would look the same tomorrow, as it was the day of her wedding to His Majesty. Li Mengmeng expressed a desire to go for a walk, as she hadn't been out in a long time. The maids quickly stopped her, saying it was best not to go out before the wedding.
Li Mengmeng argued that the tradition in the Qi Kingdom only forbade the bride and groom from seeing each other before the wedding, not the bride from going out, especially since she wasn't going to see Qi Yan. The maids persisted, expressing concern they might meet in the vast palace. When the maids knelt to block her path, Li Mengmeng realized they were hiding something from her.
Li Mengmeng went to find Qi Yan and saw many ministers kneeling outside his palace. She confronted him, asking why he had hidden things from her, having learned about the situation. Qi Yan asked her to come inside, sit down, and calm herself, reminding her she needed to be a beautiful bride the next day. Li Mengmeng expressed concern that she had become a target for the outside forces who wished to see their own daughters in the palace.
She suggested they postpone the wedding. Qi Yan refused, explaining that the Empress Dowager had approved the marriage and it could not be easily postponed. Li Mengmeng then asked him if he would choose between the throne and her, acknowledging his ambition to rule and fulfill his dreams. She told him she didn't need or want him to give up his aspirations for her.
Qi Yan insisted he could not be without her and promised to protect both her and the world with all his might. Li Mengmeng reflected on her situation, feeling selfish because she was someone who could leave at any time. She then told Qi Yan that she might return home shortly. Qi Yan asked Li Mengmeng when she might leave, and she replied she didn't know yet.
He suggested waiting until after their wedding and promised to accompany her, eager to learn about her hometown and see if it was as remarkable as she described. Li Mengmeng then asked Qi Yan if he remembered the first time they met. He recalled her suddenly appearing from a water urn during the rain-summoning ritual, thinking she had hidden there.
Li Mengmeng corrected him, explaining that one second she was at Linzhou Bridge in her hometown, and the next she had time traveled to the urn in the Qi Kingdom. She shared her fear that her departure might be just as sudden and unexpected as her arrival, potentially time traveling back without warning. Qi Yan reminded her that she had promised she wouldn't leave unless they broke up. She apologized.
Qi Yan reassured her, saying it was alright and there was certainly a solution. He comforted her not to cry and instructed Lu Huan to fetch her books. Qi Yan searched through Li Mengmeng's books for any information about the term "time travel". He summoned Zhen Xu, who reported that he also could not find any definition or explanation for "time travel". Frustrated by the lack of answers, Qi Yan threw the book down.
He explained to Zhen Xu that Li Mengmeng had suddenly told him she might return home just as unexpectedly as she arrived, claiming she was a time traveler. He was desperate to understand what "time travel" meant. A voiceover echoed Li Mengmeng's fear that she might suddenly travel back one day. On the wedding day, as the auspicious time approached, a maid called for Li Mengmeng. Li Mengmeng, sitting before a mirror, found herself becoming partially transparent.
When she tried to open the door, her hand passed through the handle as if it were air. Meanwhile, Qi Yan was happily preparing for the ceremony. A eunuch interrupted him with the news that the Emissary, Li Mengmeng, was missing. Qi Yan rushed to Lingtai Pavilion to find her, searching everywhere. He continued his frantic search from day into the night, with Lu Huan and Zhen Xu assisting him.
Zhen Xu remarked on how heartlessly Li Mengmeng had left without saying goodbye to Qi Yan. Lu Huan cautioned him not to let the Emperor hear such talk. Zhen Xu argued that it was obvious she had simply left. Qi Yan told them not to follow him and went to a secluded spot where they had once watched the stars. He called out "Mengmeng!" asking if she was truly going to leave him alone in this place.
He turned and saw her, transparent. He rushed towards her, attempting to embrace her, but his arms passed through her form. He asked when this began. Li Mengmeng told him it started with the first rain in Yang City. She explained that from that moment, she knew her body would disappear upon touching rain. Qi Yan asked why she hid this from him and was leaving him without a word, abandoning him here.
Li Mengmeng replied that she knew he would be very sad, which was why she didn't tell him. She expressed her own deep sadness and frustration at her condition, lamenting that she was right beside him, yet he could not see her. Qi Yan apologized for getting angry. Qi Yan asked Li Mengmeng where she would go if she disappeared, wondering if it was back to her hometown. He asked how he could possibly find her.
Li Mengmeng asked him to remember that if she disappeared one day, she would always be by his side, no matter where he was. Qi Yan emphatically declared he didn't want her to disappear and would not let her. Li Mengmeng felt she had ruined their grand wedding.
Qi Yan then spoke of the wedding traditions of the Qi Kingdom, contrasting them with the customs she had described from her hometown, emphasizing their bond as husband and wife by drinking the wedding wine together, promising to be together forever. Immediately after dismissing the morning audience, Qi Yan rushed to find Li Mengmeng. He told her she shouldn't go out alone without him.
Li Mengmeng said she wasn't going far, just to see the Empress Dowager, and that someone was accompanying her. Qi Yan insisted on accompanying her. The sky darkened, threatening rain. Maids brought umbrellas. Qi Yan, clearly anxious about the potential rain, appeared distressed. He told her not to go out alone, even if she just wanted a walk after eating, suggesting she walk indoors instead. She refused to walk inside.
Qi Yan agreed she could go outside but under a condition and summoned Lu Huan, who arrived with items Qi Yan had prepared. Lu Huan presented the items Qi Yan requested: a rain cloak and shoe covers. Qi Yan explained these were what he prepared and instructed Li Mengmeng to put them on. Upset by this protective measure, Li Mengmeng refused point-blank, saying she wouldn't go out.
Qi Yan explained that he was simply afraid she would suddenly disappear again and he wouldn't know how to find her. Li Mengmeng acknowledged his fear of the rain affecting her but protested that she could not stay indoors every day or constantly be so cautious whenever it rained. She believed they should live in the present and cherish their time together, asking if he truly wanted their future memories to be of constrained and hesitant moments like these.
Qi Yan apologized. Since she wouldn't go out, Li Mengmeng suggested they play games indoors, and they were later shown playing cards together. While bathing, Li Mengmeng saw visions of her mother and someone named Duo, making her question if she had briefly returned to her own time. She later told Qi Yan that she didn't want to leave him, but she had seen her mother and felt she was needed back home.
She explained that during her bath, she suddenly returned to her hometown. The day before, in a puddle in the Imperial Garden, she saw herself lying sick in bed with her mother crying beside her, reinforcing the feeling that her mother needed her. She revealed that her condition had worsened; she was now becoming transparent even without touching rain or water, indicating she may be close to returning home permanently. Seeking a solution, Qi Yan summoned Zhen Xu.
Zhen Xu explained that Li Mengmeng's arrival from another realm was outside the natural order of things and something he had never encountered. He stated he needed time to research and calculate but admitted he could not predict how long it would take. Qi Yan pressed him on what would happen if she couldn't find a way back to her world.
Zhen Xu gravely explained that because Li Mengmeng was from another realm and didn't belong in the Qi Kingdom, her very existence there defied natural laws. Although she could currently recover from her transparency, everything in the world followed inherent rules, and if she continued to violate the natural order by remaining, she might ultimately cease to exist. Qi Yan was stunned by this revelation. Qi Yan was walking alone when Li Mengmeng appeared before him.
He told her he had come to a realization: she did not belong solely to him. If she was ultimately meant to leave the Qi Kingdom and return to her own life, then he believed it should be him who sends her off. Li Mengmeng tearfully told him she couldn't bear to part with him. He assured her that he knew how she felt. She then asked him to promise her one thing before she potentially leaves: that they go to see the ocean together. He readily agreed.
Episode 23 Recap
Qi Yan rode a horse, taking Li Mengmeng to the sea as she wished. There, they played with a bubble machine and splashed water on each other playfully. Li Mengmeng expressed how wonderful it felt, completely free from worries. Qi Yan reminded her that he had promised to bring her to see the sea. On the beach, Li Mengmeng arranged stones to spell out "I LOVE YOU". Qi Yan asked her what shape she had made on the sand.
She explained it was a way of expressing love in her hometown. As dusk fell, Li Mengmeng admitted she was feeling sleepy, though she had wanted to watch the sunrise. She asked Qi Yan if he would always remember her, and he affirmed he would. She promised to always, always, always remember him too. He told her to sleep and he would wake her when the sun rose.
When dawn broke, Qi Yan called out for Li Mengmeng, expecting to wake her for the sunrise, but she was gone. Only her bubble machine remained on the sand. Meanwhile, in the modern world, Li Mengmeng awoke in a hospital bed. Seeing her mother by her side, she excitedly hugged her, expressing how much she missed her. Her mother reassured her that everything was fine and asked how she felt. Li Mengmeng was confused about what had happened.
Her mother explained she had fainted on Linzhou Bridge the previous night, and luckily her friend Duo found her in time and brought her to the hospital. Li Mengmeng wondered if everything she experienced had just been a dream. Her mother asked if she had a nightmare. Li Mengmeng, feeling hungry, asked her mother to buy her some food. Picking up her phone, she fully realized she was back in her own time.
She couldn't help but wonder about Qi Yan, hoping he was well in that other world. During her recovery at home, Li Mengmeng expressed remorse to her mother for her past willful behavior, making her angry and disappointed. She confessed her deep desire to make her parents proud. Her mother shared that she had also reflected during Li Mengmeng's hospital stay and acknowledged her own shortcomings, hoping for forgiveness.
Li Mengmeng admitted that her avoidance of studying stemmed from a deep fear of failure, thinking that escaping problems would make them disappear, only to find things worsened. Her mother affectionately called her silly and reassured her there was nothing to fear in failure, promising to always be her strong support. Li Mengmeng, having decided, declared she would study hard from now on to become their pride.
Later, Li Mengmeng met up with Duo, who eagerly asked about her exam performance. Li Mengmeng felt confident she would pass. Duo commented that she seemed like a different person and was studying harder than ever before. Li Mengmeng explained she used to feel she wasn't cut out for studying and was always pushed by others, resorting to avoidance when facing difficulties.
However, she then spoke of a very, very realistic dream she had, where even her seemingly insignificant self had a purpose. Duo reassured her that everyone has their own meaning and is not insignificant. While eating Oden, they watched Bai Lian singing on television, and Duo commented on how handsome he was. Li Mengmeng playfully asked if Duo might one day fall in love with Bai Lian, which Duo dismissed as just a dream.
On her way home, Li Mengmeng looked through her photos and noticed someone who looked exactly like Qi Yan. She recalled Duo recommending a novel with a protagonist named Li Mengmeng. She immediately got the book, "Heart Thumping LOVE," and discovered it eerily matched her dream experiences, particularly the scene where she appeared from the water urn during the rain-summoning ritual. She was anxious to find out their fate. The final chapter described what happened after Li Mengmeng left.
Guard Kong and Scholar Zhen had moved on with their lives, and palace life returned to normal. However, Qi Yan had fallen gravely ill after returning alone from the beach. He couldn't accept that Li Mengmeng had gone home and believed she was still by his side, merely invisible. Though unwell, he insisted he was fine and wanted to see the stars with "Mengmeng."
The book recounted Prince Heqin sending Qi Yan a birthday gift, which Qi Yan instructed be placed in the Imperial Study Room, saying he would look at it after celebrating his birthday with Mengmeng. Lu Huan sighed as Qi Yan spoke as if Li Mengmeng were present. Qi Yan made three solemn birthday wishes, all of which were for Mengmeng to stay by his side forever. Later, Qi Yan dreamt of Mengmeng again and woke up calling for Lu Huan.
He pondered if Li Mengmeng might have married and had children, given he had kept the harem empty for her. Someone informed him that Steward Lu had passed away the previous winter. Realizing everyone was gone, Qi Yan lay down and took his last breath. The novel ended with a drawing of Linzhou Bridge and the inscription: "I will always wait for you here."
Upon reading this, Li Mengmeng grabbed an umbrella and rushed out, running towards Linzhou Bridge, desperately calling out for Qi Yan to wait for her. Meanwhile, a man who strongly resembled Qi Yan had been living in the modern world, haunted by a recurring, incredibly realistic dream he had been having for years. He had searched repeatedly for any sign of the dream's reality.
He decided to write it all into a novel, believing that she would eventually see it, as their connection was more than just a good dream. He spoke to a friend who noted his novel, "Heart Thumping LOVE," was selling well and asked if his dream girl had appeared.
The friend urged him to move on, suggesting it was merely a dream, perhaps a pleasant one, and since his book was published and included a "missing person notice" in the postscript, if she had shared the dream, she would have contacted him. But the man insisted it wasn't that simple, pointing to real-world coincidences like "Spring Garden" existing on Wutong West Road and her appearance at Four Virtues Academy.
His friend suggested he might have seen advertisements or she simply looked familiar. But the man was convinced, stating her every movement, expression, and smile were exactly as in his dream. Even if she didn't recognize him yet, he was determined to find a way to get to know her. His friend warned him against following her like a stalker and joked about him getting arrested. Undeterred, the man continued waiting and searching.
Finally, Li Mengmeng arrived at Linzhou Bridge after reading the book. As rain began to fall, she saw the man who looked just like Qi Yan. She quickly extended her umbrella over him.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
One year prior, Qi Yan had a vivid dream of everything that happened between him and Li Mengmeng in the Qi Kingdom. Hoping to find her, he wrote it all down in a novel. He waited for her at her school with flowers and his book, but she didn't recognize him. Feeling discouraged, he thought perhaps Bai Lian was right and he had become 'Obsessed'. Qi Yan followed Li Mengmeng to a convenience store.
There, he saw her express pure delight while looking at a photo signed by Bai Lian. As she excitedly tried to take a picture with her phone to capture the moment, she accidentally captured the trailing Qi Yan in the frame. When Qi Yan left, he placed his umbrella near the convenience store entrance. Seeing it, Li Mengmeng mistook it for a courtesy umbrella and took it with her. Two years passed.
Li Mengmeng and Qi Yan were discussing getting late-night food. Li Mengmeng expressed a craving for dumplings from Zhang's Restaurant but then decided against it, noting the distance and late hour, preferring to go home earlier. She lamented that they had less time together since she started working. Qi Yan asked when her mother would be available next week, as he wanted to formally visit her.
Li Mengmeng found the word "formal" exaggerated, but Qi Yan insisted that a first meeting shouldn't be casual. Soon after, Li Mengmeng arrived home just as her mother was preparing to leave for a business trip, expected to last about a week. Once back in her room, Li Mengmeng messaged Qi Yan, informing him about her mother's departure and asking if he could bring her some dumplings from Zhang's Restaurant, ending her message with "Love you!"
Qi Yan quickly replied, "Wait for me. From Zhang's Restaurant." Qi Yan arrived surprisingly quickly with the dumplings. Li Mengmeng asked how he got there so fast, and he replied that he was already on his way when she messaged. Seeing the heavy rain and late hour, she suggested he stay the night since driving back wouldn't be safe. She offered him clothes her cousin had worn the last time he stayed over.
Qi Yan mentioned he had already texted Bai Lian, asking him to bring clothes after his event finished. Li Mengmeng became visibly excited at the mention of Bai Lian coming. Qi Yan asked why she was so happy. She described Bai Lian as "super handsome" after seeing his new drama and expressed envy for the female lead. Qi Yan teased her, downplaying Bai Lian's handsomeness and joking about having silly old photos of him.
Li Mengmeng then asked if he would have kept his connection to Bai Lian a secret from her if they hadn't happened to bump into him on the street. Qi Yan explained he was busy, suggesting they invite Bai Lian and Duo the next time they had dinner together. Qi Yan then went to take a shower.
Li Mengmeng told him where to find casual clothes and he provided her with his home address (Spring Garden 7270) for Bai Lian to deliver the clothes, mentioning Bai Lian expected his event to end around 9 PM. After showering, Qi Yan came out, and Li Mengmeng applied skincare products to his face. He noticed the product was different from what she had used earlier.
Li Mengmeng initially said it was more suitable for him but then admitted it was close to expiring and she needed to use it up quickly. She had tried calling Bai Lian, who didn't answer, making her think he wasn't coming. However, Bai Lian soon called, apologizing that his event had run late the previous day and saying he was now on his way to bring the clothes and was almost there.
As they sat on the sofa watching a video of Bai Lian singing, Li Mengmeng received a call from her mother. Her mom explained she had been busy with a critical patient the previous night and had forgotten to tell her that the business trip was changed to an online meeting and she was now downstairs. Panicked, Li Mengmeng quickly told Qi Yan that her mother was back and they needed to leave.
They hurried to the door and opened it just as Bai Lian arrived with her mother, who was carrying packages and was being helped by Bai Lian. Li Mengmeng's mother, seeing Bai Lian, immediately mistook him for Li Mengmeng's boyfriend, praising his handsome looks and politeness. Li Mengmeng quickly tried to clarify that he was just bringing something. Her mother insisted Bai Lian come inside.
Once inside, Bai Lian, confused by the situation, asked Li Mengmeng what was going on and where Qi Yan was; Li Mengmeng subtly gestured towards her room. Li Mengmeng's mother then commented that Bai Lian looked remarkably like a male star Li Mengmeng had liked in high school and declared she wanted to find photos of him in Li Mengmeng's room. Li Mengmeng desperately tried to stop her. As her mother headed towards the room, Qi Yan emerged.
Li Mengmeng's mother was surprised to see him. Bai Lian quickly introduced Qi Yan as his nephew. However, Li Mengmeng's mother clearly showed more interest in Bai Lian, asking him questions about his background and family, impressed that he was a star who acted and sang. She insisted he stay for dinner, dismissing his attempts to leave for company work. Qi Yan grew increasingly uncomfortable with the situation.
Just as Bai Lian was again trying to excuse himself to return to the company, Li Mengmeng stepped in and told her mother, "Mom, actually, Qi Yan is my boyfriend." Li Mengmeng's mother, surprised again, then turned her attention to Qi Yan, starting to ask him similar questions about his background. Li Mengmeng tried to tell her mother to stop asking such direct questions, and her mother jokingly asked if he had brought his household registration.
Qi Yan remained polite throughout. Later, as Li Mengmeng and Qi Yan walked by the beach, Qi Yan playfully suggested that from now on, he wouldn't have to stop at the building entrance but could walk her right to her front door, as he was now officially her boyfriend. Li Mengmeng teased him back, warning him not to get carried away just because her mother liked him.
Their playful argument was interrupted by her mother, calling out that dinner was ready. Li Mengmeng mumbled her annoyance that her mother hadn't knocked. They joined a gathering with Duo, Bai Lian, and others. As they were eating and grilling skewers, Li Mengmeng looked at the familiar faces around her. The sight, along with the sense of everything that felt so real, made her wonder if her experiences in the Qi Kingdom were truly real.
She thought of Yang City, Lu County, and her father, feeling as though it all happened just yesterday. She pondered which world was the real one, concluding that she would choose the present, because at least at that moment, everyone she cared about was by her side. During the meal, Li Tao called Sai Xue. Lu Huan joked about Li Tao calling Sai Xue on his birthday, implying a relationship between them.
Li Tao explained he had to film a scene and had to go. Later, as they were getting a birthday cake, Lu Huan made a wish for everyone's happiness and proposed a toast. The evening was filled with laughter and good cheer. In the final moments, Li Mengmeng woke up.
Turning to Qi Yan, who was in bed next to her, she told him about a dream she had just had, where he became a novelist, she time-traveled to ancient times, and fell in love with the Emperor. Qi Yan teased her about dreaming of falling in love with an Emperor so soon after they were married. Li Mengmeng clarified that he was the Emperor in the dream.
