My Heroic Husband Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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My Heroic Husband Synopsis

Ning Yi comes from a humble background, but he is always active and aggressive, from poetry and business to martial arts.

Being a superfluous son-in-law who lives comfortably at first, he gradually takes up more responsibilities, helping Su Tan’er to start her own business, and helping his friends and relatives around him to realize their own ideals, helping people in trouble.

Later on, facing family and state affairs, Ning Yi and his team were in danger many times, but finally, they guarded Lin’an City with their courage and wisdom.

As the saying goes, “A small superfluous son-in-law has a big world”, Ning Yi grows from a superfluous son-in-law who only wants to be good to himself to a person who really has the world in mind, while other characters also grow individually and eventually contribute to the political situation.

My Heroic Husband Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

An aspiring novelist receives a text message from Editor Deng, urging him to conclude his long-running business war novel featuring Jiang Haochen and pivot to a more popular, comedic genre. Although initially disheartened, the writer feels a deep connection to his protagonist, sensing Jiang Haochen’s unwillingness to simply end. He calls Editor Deng, adamantly insisting that Jiang Haochen remain the central figure of his next story.

The writer proposes a complete transformation of Jiang Haochen’s identity, appearance, and name, but maintains that the essence of the character must persist. Editor Deng, more interested in the new comedic direction, agrees. In the writer's new narrative, Jiang Haochen is betrayed by his trusted associate, Tang Mingyuan, during a press conference for their company, Jiangyuan Group, and its riverside park project.

After being knocked unconscious by Tang Mingyuan’s men, Jiang Haochen transmigrates to the Wu Dynasty, awakening in a new body as Ning Yi. A young maid named Chan informs Ning Yi that his name is indeed Ning Yi, courtesy name Liheng, and that he is an orphan with few friends. To his dismay, he discovers he is soon to be a matrilocal husband, marrying into the affluent Su family, renowned cloth merchants in Jiangning.

Despite his initial shock at this "new identity," Ning Yi resolves to leverage this second chance to rise again. Ning Yi requests to meet his future bride, the Su family’s eldest daughter. Chan explains that the young lady is preoccupied with preparations for both the new store's opening and the wedding, making it a dual celebration. Ning Yi expresses humorous anxieties about his fiancée's temperament, fearing potential domestic abuse.

He is then directed to try on his wedding robe, where he laments the loss of his former physique, including his abs and pecs. Meanwhile, the true Su Tan'er is engrossed in her dye workshop, meticulously preparing the exquisite Twilight Cloud Gauze for her new cloth store. Guard Geng informs her of Ning Yi's awakening and apparent amnesia, while also reminding her to try on her wedding gown.

Too busy, Su Tan'er asks Auntie Niu, a trusted family servant with a similar build who helped raise her, to try on the wedding dress in her stead. Ning Yi, observing Auntie Niu in the bridal attire, mistakenly assumes she is his intended bride and is dismayed by her mature appearance, prompting him to plot an escape. Ning Yi packs a bag and attempts to flee but is spotted and pursued by Guard Geng and other servants.

He hides beneath a large table in the main hall. News of his escape reaches Su Zhongkan and his son, Su Wenxing, who are delighted by the potential misfortune. They conspire, hoping Su Tan'er's failure to marry will force her to marry outside the family, thus allowing them to claim control of the Su family's assets, including the newly opening store. Su Tan'er returns home and, upon learning of Ning Yi's disappearance, frantically searches for him.

Inside the hall, Su Zhongkan and Su Wenxing attempt to persuade the Elder Master that Ning Yi's "madness" and disappearance invalidate the marriage, arguing for their right to manage the new store. Ning Yi, overhearing their plot from under the table, initially remains silent. However, a few silkworms crawl into his clothing, causing him to stir and reveal his hiding spot. Discovered, Ning Yi confronts Su Zhongkan and Su Wenxing, who mock his peculiar behavior.

Annoyed by their chauvinistic badgering of Su Tan'er, Ning Yi passionately defends women's capabilities, citing historical female figures in the textile industry like the Weaving Maid and Leizu, and asserts that women are more suited to understand female customers. Impressed by Ning Yi's unexpected wisdom, the Elder Master overrules Su Zhongkan and Su Wenxing, confirming Su Tan'er's authority over the new store. Ning Yi then requests a private word with "Miss Su," still believing it to be Auntie Niu.

He attempts to politely decline the marriage to the older woman by suggesting they become sworn brothers, only to turn and discover the genuinely beautiful Su Tan'er standing behind her. Realizing his embarrassing error, his resolve to escape vanishes. Su Tan'er leads Ning Yi away, acknowledging his changed demeanor since waking and expressing concern about him causing further trouble. She clarifies their pre-existing agreement: their families had an engagement, but Ning Yi's family fell into debt to the Sus.

His decision to become a matrilocal husband would clear his debts, provide him with living expenses, and ensure his care for life. Ning Yi humorously concludes he's being "kept" as part of a "transaction." To safeguard herself, Su Tan'er proposes a written contract, stipulating that any misbehavior from Ning Yi would result in him being reported for unpaid debts, leading to three to five years of imprisonment.

Ning Yi readily agrees, confident in his ability to help her secure the Family Representative Seal, seeing it as a minor task compared to his past billion-dollar business deals. He adds a condition: once she obtains the seal, she must grant him a letter of divorce, making him a free man. Su Tan'er promptly drafts the contract, including the divorce clause. Ning Yi, without reading, affixes his fingerprint.

He then attempts to suggest they share a room, but Guard Geng swiftly intervenes, escorting him to his separate quarters, clarifying that such an arrangement is not part of their agreement. Meanwhile, Su Zhongkan and Su Wenxing plot again, hoping Ning Yi’s amnesia will lead to a public humiliation at the wedding as he fails to recognize guests, thus discrediting Su Tan'er. Su Tan'er’s mother expresses concern over her daughter's heavy responsibilities.

However, Su Tan'er remains resolute, asserting her innate talent for dyeing and her determination to pursue her business ambitions, stating she has no regrets about her chosen path. She hands her mother a robe for her father, Su Boyong, hoping for his attendance at the wedding, unaware that he was the mastermind behind Ning Yi's initial attack. Concerned about Ning Yi’s performance, Su Tan’er provides him with 58 portraits of wedding guests, instructing him to memorize them all by night.

Ning Yi feigns diligence, but as soon as the guards depart, he falls asleep, plagued by nightmares of his past assault. The next morning, Chan is busy with wedding preparations. Ning Yi, still affected by his restless night, watches as a bridal sedan arrives to take him to the wedding. He vehemently protests the idea of a man riding in a sedan typically reserved for brides, finding it undignified and humiliating.

Despite his strong objections, he is ultimately compelled to enter the sedan chair, resigned to his fate as a matrilocal husband. Chan and Guard Geng understand his reluctance, acknowledging that adapting to the role of a matrilocal husband will take time.

Episode 2 Recap

Ning Yi arrived at the Su family mansion in a bridal sedan, enduring the taunts of onlookers who openly disdained his status as a matrilocal husband. Despite his discomfort, he composed himself upon exiting the sedan. During the wedding rituals, he fumbled with traditions like stepping over the fire basin and distributing money, as he was completely unfamiliar with them. Su Zhongkan and his son, Su Wenxing, observed with satisfaction, anticipating Ning Yi’s public humiliation.

They had strategically invited several influential guests, including Magistrate Xu, hoping to expose Ning Yi’s ignorance by having him fail to recognize them, which would displease the Elder Master. Chan, Su Tan’er’s maid, grew increasingly worried when she realized Ning Yi had not memorized the guests' portraits. Su Tan’er, despite being the bride, felt it necessary to intervene to prevent a scene. Ning Yi, however, had a surprising solution.

He instructed Guard Geng to bring paper, brushes, and ink, inviting the guests to write their names as a special wedding blessing. The guests, pleased by the unusual request, eagerly penned their well wishes. Using these signatures, Ning Yi adeptly greeted each guest by name, referring to male elders as "Uncle" and female elders as "Aunt," successfully navigating the challenge and avoiding any embarrassment for Su Tan’er.

As the ceremony progressed, Su Tan’er noticed her father’s absence, which saddened her, while others speculated that he disapproved of her choice of a matrilocal husband. Just as Ning Yi and Su Tan’er prepared for their final bow, Wu Qihao dramatically interrupted the wedding. He claimed his presence was for Su Tan’er’s future, suggesting a personal connection, which Su Tan’er swiftly refuted, stating their interactions were strictly business.

Wu Qihao then introduced a woman and a child, declaring them to be Ning Yi’s rightful wife and son, accusing Ning Yi of abandoning them to marry into the Su family. Su Lordship attempted to mediate, suggesting Wu Qihao might be misguided, but Wu Qihao pressed on, demanding a blood paternity test. Ning Yi agreed to the test. When his blood mixed with the child’s in the bowl, the guests were shocked and condemned him.

Observing the child’s reaction, Ning Yi realized the deception. He then dramatically admitted to being the child’s father, only to immediately reveal he had another son, pointing directly at Wu Qihao. Ning Yi then insisted on a second blood test with Wu Qihao, using a bowl of water he retrieved himself. To everyone's bewilderment, their bloods also mixed. Wu Qihao vehemently denied being Ning Yi’s son.

Ning Yi then challenged Wu Qihao, forcing him to publicly admit that the first child was not Ning Yi's son and that Wu Qihao was not Ning Yi's son, before demanding an apology for disrupting the wedding. Wu Qihao reluctantly apologized to Su Lordship and the guests before being hustled out.

Ning Yi then calmly explained that Wu Qihao had added alum to the first bowl of water to accelerate blood mixing, and his own bowl contained warm water, which had a similar effect. He concluded by informing everyone that the practice of "dripping blood to identify relatives" lacked any scientific basis, humorously attributing his knowledge to "Mr. Tel" and "television." With the crisis averted, the wedding resumed, and Ning Yi’s wit and confidence earned him considerable admiration from the attendees.

Following the ceremony, Ning Yi raised a toast to the guests, expressing his gratitude for their attendance. He then subtly ushered away those who wished to playfully "tease the bride," eager to retire with Su Tan’er. Impressed by his performance throughout the day, Su Tan’er instructed him to no longer sleep in the guest room, but to use the adjacent wing instead. Ning Yi, interpreting this as a positive development, accepted the more modest sleeping arrangements.

Later that evening, Su Tan’er’s father sent a servant to deliver bug repellent to Ning Yi’s room, an act Ning Yi found peculiar, musing that his father-in-law seemed to prioritize his comfort over his own daughter's. The next morning, Ning Yi began his duties by serving tea to the elders. The Elder Master merely instructed him to remain honest and dutiful, not expecting grand achievements from a matrilocal husband.

When Ning Yi attempted to serve tea to Su Tan’er’s mother-in-law, he was refused, with his mother-in-law coldly remarking that his presence as Tan’er’s husband was already settled. Ning Yi then proceeded to the Second Master’s residence. There, he witnessed Su Wenxing tormenting a steward, demanding he verify thousands of account entries overnight, an impossible task. Ning Yi intervened, using his quick calculations to expose the absurdity of Su Wenxing’s demand.

Incensed by Ning Yi’s interference, Su Wenxing, who viewed him as a "loser," repeatedly subjected Ning Yi to humiliation during the tea ceremony, forcing him to re-serve the tea multiple times for perceived flaws in temperature or fullness. Finally, Ning Yi, having reached his limit, deliberately splashed the tea onto Su Wenxing's face. A physical altercation ensued between Ning Yi and Su Wenxing. Ning Yi displayed surprising agility and martial skill, holding his own against Su Wenxing.

Guard Geng subtly aided Ning Yi by tripping Su Wenxing’s assisting servants. The fight was abruptly halted when Su Zhongkan arrived with a prominent guest, a potential father-in-law for Su Wenxing, witnessing the undignified spectacle. Su Zhongkan immediately ordered his son to stop. Later, as Guard Geng applied ointment to Ning Yi's injuries, Ning Yi discovered that the imposing guard possessed an unexpected fondness for romantic novels, observing titles like "The Biography of Yingying" and "A Story in A Pillow."

Meanwhile, Su Tan’er meticulously prepared for her Cloth Store’s grand opening the following day. She personally supervised the transfer of all 800 bolts of Cloud Gauze into storage. Still, feeling a touch of anxiety, she visited a temple to pray for good fortune, but was disheartened when she drew an inauspicious fortune stick. Worried, she returned to the store with Chan for another thorough inspection of the warehouse, confident that all was secure.

However, that night, a torrential storm broke out. Servants frantically rushed to her room, reporting that the warehouse roof had unexpectedly leaked, and the newly dyed Cloud Gauze, which was extremely sensitive to water, was completely soaked. Heartbroken and desperate, Su Tan’er ran into the downpour, trying to salvage the ruined silk, a sight that filled Ning Yi with deep empathy.

Episode 3 Recap

The opening of Su Tan'er’s cloth store was highly anticipated, with long queues forming outside even before dawn, including dignitaries like Prefect Zhang and Magistrate Li. However, the warehouse had been ruined overnight, with nearly all the Cloud Gauze soaked. Su Tan’er, despite efforts to save the fabric, knew it was useless; the delicate Cloud Gauze, made from different silks, would be damaged if dried by fire. Only thirty bolts remained, a number far too small for the anticipated demand.

Manager Xi apologized for the oversight, but Su Tan’er took responsibility, recalling how they had both thoroughly checked the store the previous day. Ning Yi, upon inspecting the warehouse, discovered a problem, leading him to suspect deliberate sabotage aimed at preventing the store's opening. Meanwhile, Su Wenxing, along with his father, Second Master, had already reported the incident to Elder Master, blaming Su Tan’er's inexperience for not adequately preparing for the rainy season.

Su Wenxing then arrived at the store to gloat, mockingly suggesting that Su Tan'er was not cut out for business and should hand over the management to the Second Master’s family. Outside, the waiting customers grew increasingly restless, demanding to know if the store would open and threatening to smash it. Ning Yi, observing the chaos, subtly rebuked Su Wenxing, reminding him of his recent injury and implying his involvement.

He then told Su Tan’er to rest, assuring her he would handle the announcement. Despite Manager Xi's protests about the lack of fabric, Ning Yi then confidently declared the official opening of Su's Cloth Store, knowing that to delay would fulfill the Second Master’s wishes.

After some hesitation, Su Tan’er decided to trust Ning Yi, acknowledging that a successful opening would solidify her position in front of Elder Master and that she had little to lose by betting on Ning Yi. Once the crowds were inside, Ning Yi dramatically unveiled bolts of Cloud Gauze, tossing them into the air for all to see. The fabric's exquisite beauty, with its iridescent colors shimmering in the light, captivated the customers.

Su Tan'er then stepped forward to describe the Cloud Gauze: made from various silk textures, it reflected different light under the sun like changing clouds, and when made into clothes, it was as thin as cicada's wings, cool in summer, and fragrant with every step. Ning Yi announced the initial price of 3,000 pence per bolt, which initially shocked some customers, but then he revealed his "Buy Together" (Pin Dao Dao) marketing strategy.

Customers could spin a discount wheel with a pair of scissors to "cut" the price. They could also invite up to five friends, each friend granting an additional spin, with the total discount deducted from the 3,000 pence. The final price would be recorded, and customers would receive a receipt for future pickup.

Despite not receiving the cloth immediately, the prospect of significant savings delighted the crowds, who eagerly began inviting friends to help them get further discounts, boosting the store's publicity and pre-sales. The "Buy Together" (Pin Dao Dao) event was a resounding success, far exceeding expectations. Ning Yi then apprehended the ruffian who incited the crowd. The ruffian confessed to being hired by Su Wenxing, and Ning Yi broke the ruffian's hand as a warning before releasing him.

Su Wenxing and the Second Master’s family were astounded when the account books revealed a net profit of over 15,000 taels, an unprecedented feat for a new store opening. The Second Master initially criticized Ning Yi, accusing him of raising prices threefold and violating the Su family's ancestral rules of fair pricing.

Ning Yi clarified that the initial high price was his idea and not Su Tan'er’s, explaining that the "Buy Together" (Pin Dao Dao) activity, utilizing probability and people's desire for a bargain, resulted in an average price of 1,500 pence per bolt, which was effectively the original price.

Elder Master was impressed by Ning Yi's ingenious method, declaring that no family rules had been broken, and subtly favored Su Tan'er's success over the Second Master's complaints, though he still advised Su Tan'er to learn from her second uncle and cousin. Ning Yi then revealed to Su Tan'er that the leaky roof was indeed the work of the Second Master’s family.

He also showed Su Tan'er physical evidence: a distinct footprint belonging to Sun Erhu, a known thief in our family, which matched the one he found in the warehouse. Ning Yi advised Su Tan'er to remain calm and observe the Second Master's actions, stating that they could use Sun Erhu to monitor their movements, thus maintaining the advantage of "enemy in the light, we in the dark."

Su Tan'er, overwhelmed by the successful outcome and Ning Yi’s strategic thinking, expressed her deep gratitude, admitting that as a woman venturing into business, she faced immense pressure and felt his help was invaluable. Ning Yi acknowledged her spirit, noting that she, like many ambitious women, refused to "accept her destiny." He then, with a playful demand for a bonus, asked for 500 taels, which was equivalent to two years of his allowance.

Despite the servant's shock at the amount, Su Tan'er readily agreed, recognizing his contribution. With his newly acquired funds, Ning Yi decided to venture out. To circumvent Guard Geng's duty of keeping him confined to the manor, Ning Yi presented him with a specially written romance novel titled "High-handed Son-in-law Falls in Love with Me." Guard Geng, quickly engrossed, agreed to accompany Ning Yi on his outing.

They first bought various interesting items, but Ning Yi desired something "more interesting," leading Guard Geng to bring him to the Xinmen Brothel. There, the madam, noticing Ning Yi's apparent wealth, quickly arranged for the renowned courtesan, Yuan Jin'er, to entertain him in a private room. Ning Yi initially declined Yuan Jin'er’s direct company, only agreeing to enjoy the view and music from a private room.

However, an informant from the Second Master's family witnessed Ning Yi entering the brothel and immediately reported it. Su Wenxing then exaggerated the situation to Elder Master, claiming Ning Yi was openly affectionate with Yuan Jin'er, prompting Su Tan'er to cleverly point out that this would mean Su Wenxing himself was at the brothel. Su Wenxing quickly corrected himself, stating his servant was the witness.

Second Master urged Elder Master to punish Ning Yi by drowning him for his "promiscuous behavior" and "ruining the family name." Elder Master, visibly displeased, instructed Su Tan'er to handle the matter. Su Tan'er arrived at the Xinmen Brothel to find a heavily inebriated Ning Yi singing modern songs, while Yuan Jin'er and the madam were trying to change his clothing after he spilled a drink. Unaware of his surroundings, Ning Yi even began singing to Su Tan'er.

To save Ning Yi from severe punishment, Su Tan'er proposed sending him to the Academy of Male Virtuousness instead of expulsion or drowning. Elder Master agreed to this compromise. At the Academy, Ning Yi was publicly shamed as a lesson for other male virtuousness students.

Episode 4 Recap

Ning Yi found himself at the Academy of Male Virtuousness, where students recited a creed emphasizing a husband's duties, such as cooking and cleaning, while wives remained distant from the kitchen. The creed also stated, "Wife rises late, husband makes good soup," and "Wife guides husband." The master introduced Ning Yi, stating his unnamed "guilt" was "too serious," and "difficult to speak of," urging him to turn over a new leaf.

He asked his deskmate, Li Pin, about the institution, learning it was specifically for matrilocal husbands. Li Pin and Gao Qiu had a friendly bet on why Ning Yi was there; Gao Qiu speculated it was for "lacking proper service for his wife," while Li Pin thought it was for being "poor at housework." Ning Yi revealed he had simply gone to Xinmen Brothel, which shocked everyone, as they considered it a violation of the "lust prohibition."

Ning Yi clarified he was merely interested in "melody," and that he sang songs which led to the courtesan spilling wine on him. Intrigued, the students pressed for more details about Xinmen Brothel. Ning Yi described its "normal environment," "not good" service, lack of "sofa seats" (only "private rooms"), "high minimum charge," and inability to "store wine."

He did, however, praise "Procuress Yang" for her "good service attitude" and mentioned the courtesan, Yuan Jiner, "looks pretty good, but her singing skill is general." Their boisterous discussion attracted the attention of Feng Yuan, the "monitor of virtue," who tried to quiet them, but he too grew curious about the brothel. The master soon appeared, angrily sending them all to stand outside, scolding Feng Yuan for "mixing with these bad guys."

Once the master left, Ning Yi defiantly put down his basin, encouraging the others to do the same, asserting that such a "penalty" wasn't worth complying with. The other students, impressed by his courage, joined him. While resting, they shared their reasons for being at the Academy. Feng Yuan claimed he came "voluntarily to learn capabilities" to "share his wife’s burdens," while Li Pin admitted he was sent for "forgetting his wife’s birthday."

Shen Miao, a "poor scholar" who "flunked the examination for many years," was sent by his family to learn to be a matrilocal husband, hoping to "marry rich." Gao Qiu was sent because he was "not good at speaking and slow to react," essentially being considered a fool by his wife. Ning Yi, finding these reasons trivial, pointed out the real issue was the low status of matrilocal husbands.

He passionately declared that matrilocal husbands "should have human rights," and that "both husband and wife are equal no matter what," advocating for mutual support without distinguishing "lowliness and nobleness." His words resonated deeply, inspiring the students to demand dignity. When the master returned, calling them "useless good-for-nothings," Ning Yi directly confronted him, asserting they were there to learn, not to "have corporal punishment or be insulted."

He broke the master's ruler, stating he would personally discuss the matter with his wife that night. With a grand exit, Ning Yi walked out, mistakenly using the wrong door, while the other students watched with admiration. Ning Yi, having walked out of the classroom in defiance, was still at the Academy of Male Virtuousness. While strolling alone, he happened upon the Wu Dynasty's Right Chancellor Qin Siyuan and the Emperor's Son-in-Law Kang Xian playing chess.

Qin Siyuan invited Ning Yi to join, and when Kang Xian returned, they had already begun a new game. Ning Yi's unconventional style led him to a surprising victory over Qin Siyuan, earning Kang Xian's immediate respect and friendship. Kang Xian, who was also the dean of the Academy of Male Virtuousness, inquired why Ning Yi was at his institution, but Ning Yi artfully dodged the question.

Just as Qin Siyuan offered to play another game, a servant from the Su household urgently summoned Ning Yi to the cloth store. He politely excused himself, promising to continue the game later. Upon his arrival, he found officials present, who, based on a "tipped-off" clerk, accused the store of fraud and threatened to seal it.

Su Tan'er tried to explain that fabricating receipts to give away more cloth made no sense for their business, but the officials insisted on taking all receipts for investigation, prompting an outcry from agitated customers. At this critical moment, Su Wenxing, Ning Yi's cousin, appeared, feigning concern and offering a solution: he would lend Mùyún yarn from his warehouse if Su Tan'er agreed to "manage this cloth store together" with him.

Feigning desperation, Su Tan'er agreed, and they began to sign a contract, with Su Wenxing smugly remarking on Ning Yi's supposed "bad idea" and calling him an "outsider." However, Ning Yi suddenly stepped forward, declaring it was "time to catch the thief." Su Tan'er, with a knowing smile, took the receipts from an official and demonstrated an ingenious anti-counterfeit watermark using water.

She explained that she had implemented this system based on Ning Yi's prior advice: her genuine receipts had a hidden personal seal that only appeared when soaked. This revealed that the fabricated receipts lacked her personal seal, proving they were counterfeits. Su Tan'er then logically deduced that the culprit must be the "other one who has Su’s Cloth Store seal," pointing directly to the Second Master’s family.

The officials moved to arrest Su Wenxing, who desperately pleaded for mercy and tried to shame Su Tan'er, claiming she was "disobeying the doctrine of a woman" and that sending her own brother to jail would lead to her being "discussed by people" and hated by the Su family.

Ning Yi sharply countered, asserting that family unity required "cutting losses in time" from individuals like Su Wenxing, who only relied on "gender advantage" and whose actions amounted to "disrupting the market," a crime punishable by at least three years. Ignoring Su Wenxing's pleas, Ning Yi ordered the officials to take him. In a last-ditch effort, Su Wenxing broke free and blamed Sun Erhu, one of the managers, as the true culprit.

Su Tan'er, understanding the leverage, simply stated that she had "punished the domestic thief" and allowed the officials to take Sun Erhu. Back at the Su Mansion, Su Zhongkan, enraged by his son Su Wenxing's actions, began to savagely beat him. Ning Yi stepped in, feigning sympathy for his "brother-in-law" and suggesting that Su Wenxing was "still a child."

Yet, under the guise of compassion, Ning Yi handed Su Zhongkan a "wrapped cane, which has many thorns," to "teach him a lesson" by hitting him "five hundred times." The Elder Master did not intervene, leaving Su Zhongkan no choice but to use the thorny cane on his wailing son. Ning Yi and Su Tan'er left the scene, pleased with the outcome.

Ning Yi then asked Su Tan'er if he could be excused from returning to the Academy of Male Virtuousness, given his significant help in resolving the cloth store crisis. Su Tan'er agreed, but warned him to be mindful of his "personal morals" and not give the Second Master's family any further "leverage." Ning Yi hinted that his previous visit to Xinmen Brothel had been for a hidden purpose.

He later sought out Guard Geng, asking him to accompany him to Xinmen Brothel once more, claiming he had "drank too much last time" and needed to "take the Family Representative Seal for your lady." Guard Geng, perplexed, questioned his motives. While discussing this, Ning Yi unexpectedly encountered the First Master, his biological father. The sight of him triggered a chilling memory for Ning Yi, as he recognized the First Master from the day he was attacked and knocked out.

Ning Yi, curious why the First Master had sent someone to knock him out, later questioned Chan about him, learning that he was a "strange man" who avoided family business, preferring to study or seclude himself. Chan further revealed that the First Master had always "looked down upon" Ning Yi and had been "too angry and didn’t go out for three days" when Su Tan'er decided to marry him.

This information, coupled with a "mosquito coil" that the First Master had given him earlier (which Ning Yi now found suspicious, sensing "a trick"), made Ning Yi reconsider things. He pressed Guard Geng further, who reluctantly admitted that the First Master had indeed sent him to accompany Ning Yi to Xinmen Brothel the first time, with instructions to "keep an eye on" Ning Yi and "deal with him on the spot" if he "behaved with misconduct."

Realizing he had been caught in a "sting operation," Ning Yi immediately began packing his belongings, intent on escaping the mansion for his safety. Guard Geng, still misunderstanding, believed Ning Yi was simply "mad at me." The First Master was quickly informed that Ning Yi had "run away from home."

Episode 5 Recap

Ning Yi, having just escaped, saw a young woman fall into the river. Without hesitation, he jumped in to save Nie Yunzhu, who lived alone by the Qinhuai River. With their clothes soaked, Nie Yunzhu invited Ning Yi to stay and dry his clothes. Ning Yi was surprised she lived alone by the river despite not knowing how to swim, and he introduced himself, asking her to call him "Young Master Ning," though she preferred "benefactor."

He also boasted about his health and noted her good lifestyle, particularly the corn, which he said was sweet and good for health. Meanwhile, Su Tan'er discovered Ning Yi was missing from home. She found Guard Geng engrossed in a novel titled "High-handed Young Master Falls in Love with Me, Part II," realizing Ning Yi had bought him off. Su Tan'er threatened to burn the book, prompting Guard Geng to immediately lead her to find Ning Yi.

They found Ning Yi’s luggage by the river, and a watermelon vendor informed them he had jumped in, causing Guard Geng to cry out in distress. Su Tan'er then heard Ning Yi's voice nearby and followed it. They found Ning Yi at Nie Yunzhu's house, where he was playfully catching geese, while Nie Yunzhu dried his clothes. Ning Yi went inside to change after his clothes were dry, but Nie Yunzhu accidentally spilled water on him again.

As she helped him take off his wet clothes, Su Tan'er walked in, witnessing the scene. Ning Yi knew a dramatic moment was upon him and was speechless, so he grabbed the basket of duck eggs Nie Yunzhu offered as thanks and pursued Su Tan'er to explain, claiming it was all a misunderstanding.

He tried to tell her he had heroically saved Nie Yunzhu from drowning and that she had pledged "duck eggs" in return, but Su Tan'er was angry, complaining he always got his clothes wet when he went out alone. Ning Yi even mentioned "Danmu" (live commenting) laughing at them, which confused Su Tan'er, who thought "Danmu" was a girl. She then had Ning Yi confined to the kitchen to reflect, though he insisted he was wronged.

Soon after, the Elder Master and his servant A Da entered the kitchen, wielding a stick, ready to punish Ning Yi for "hanging out with other girls." Su Tan'er's mother, Yao, had informed her of the Elder Master's fury. Su Tan'er rushed to the kitchen, fearing for Ning Yi, but found him chatting amicably with A Da, complaining that both Su Tan'er and her father were stubborn. Ning Yi then realized his initial accusations against the Elder Master were mistaken.

A Da clarified that the Elder Master had actually saved Ning Yi from the black-clad assailants in the forest and had given Ning Yi the expensive Western mosquito repellent as a goodwill gesture, wanting him to treat Su Tan’er well. It also turned out that the Elder Master had sent Guard Geng with Ning Yi to Xinmen Brothel specifically to test his character; had Ning Yi misbehaved, he would have been severely punished.

Ning Yi then earnestly pledged that all his actions were solely to help Su Tan'er secure the Family Representative Seal, finally understanding his father-in-law's stern but caring nature. Now understanding the Elder Master's good intentions, Ning Yi enthusiastically began assisting Su Tan'er with the cloth store. He declared the store closed for a day for "business training," reorganizing the layout by removing cluttered counters and tables to create more space.

He also trained the staff on polite greetings and service slogans, having them practice "Welcome, guest of honor! Please choose at will. What can I do for you?" with a smile. Ning Yi also took the initiative to mark out dedicated parking spaces outside the store. Su Tan'er was initially puzzled by these changes, but trusted Ning Yi and decided to follow his lead.

Ning Yi explained his reasoning: he had observed that despite Su's Cloth Store's superior location compared to Dachuan's, it had fewer customers. He realized that selling high-quality fabric at low prices made customers doubt their product.

Citing the Su clan’s ancestral motto, "to protect and expand the family business, to make the world better in its prosperity," Ning Yi proposed that rather than selling expensive fabric cheaply, they should raise prices on premium fabric for profit, and simultaneously develop practical, affordable fabrics for common people. This "precise positioning" would ensure each fabric sold to those who truly needed it, fulfilling the ancestral motto. Su Tan'er was greatly impressed, realizing Ning Yi genuinely wanted to help her.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, she felt a flicker of something more, and quickly made an excuse about household duties to leave. Ning Yi later noticed the Elder Master frequently passing by the cloth store, observing from afar but never entering. He even knew Su Tan'er’s favorite part of lamb for dinner, revealing his deep care for her. Ning Yi urged him to be more open and communicate directly with his daughter.

The new parking spaces quickly drew in more affluent customers, with some, like Li Pin, noting the convenience compared to the parking issues at other establishments like Wu's. When some of the cloth store's staff resisted Ning Yi's orders, Su Tan'er publicly announced that Ning Yi’s authority was equal to her own, surprising Li Pin, who admired Ning Yi’s status despite his "transgressions." Ning Yi warmly welcomed his classmates, inviting them to choose high-priced garments as gifts for their wives.

Meanwhile, Wu Qihao went to Xinmen Brothel and purchased the services of all the courtesans, prohibiting them from serving other establishments. The madam, Yang Mama, was content as long as she received the payment, regardless of Wu Qihao's motives. With business booming, Manager Xi worried that the workshop couldn't keep up with the overwhelming orders, risking delayed deliveries. Ning Yi, however, had already anticipated this.

When the Elder Master arrived for an inspection, Ning Yi unveiled a new steam-powered weaving machine designed to significantly increase production efficiency and ensure timely deliveries at low cost for mass production. The Elder Master was extremely pleased with the dramatic increase in profits, praising Su Tan'er's and Ning Yi's efforts. He even chastised the Second Master, noting that Su Tan’er's monthly turnover now matched the Second Master's annual profits, instructing him to learn from her.

Ning Yi congratulated Su Tan'er on getting closer to the Family Representative Seal, though she seemed downcast, making him wonder if he'd said something wrong. Meanwhile, Yao, Su Tan'er's mother, boasted to her friends about Ning Yi's "wife-prospering face" and how he had made their cloth business flourish, leading her friends to believe the First Master's family would surely secure the Family Representative Seal. Yao then expressed concern and sought advice from her friends.

Later that night, Ning Yi was ambushed by black-clad figures. Wu Qihao appeared, revealing he was behind the previous attack as well, and intended to kill Ning Yi this time for impacting his business with the parking spaces and for marrying Su Tan'er. Just as Wu Qihao was about to deliver a final blow, his father intervened, scolding him for causing trouble over a woman and ordering him to return home. Ning Yi was saved, and Wu Qihao angrily declared they would settle things at the upcoming Jade Garden Poetry Meeting.

Episode 6 Recap

Upon seeing Wu Qihao discard his stick, Ning Yi recalled Wu Qihao's earlier mention of the Pu Yuan Poetry Meeting, and a plan began to form in his mind. He returned to his wing, unaware that Su Tan'er's mother was praising his talents to her close friends, acknowledging his help with Su Tan'er's business. However, she lamented the lack of progress in their personal relationship regarding having children and continuing the family line.

Her friends suggested a method, providing a special "tiger wine" to make men "passionate and energetic." Su Tan'er's mother, accompanied by her friends, then cornered Ning Yi and insisted he drink the potent wine, despite his polite refusals. Overwhelmed, Ning Yi was eventually escorted by them to Su Tan'er's room, with her mother urging him to quickly provide her with a grandson.

Inside the room, a flustered Su Tan'er watched as Ning Yi explained that her mother had forced him to drink the wine. As the effects of the "tiger wine" took hold, Ning Yi felt an unbearable heat and declared he could not stand it, then excused himself before vigorously shaking the bed and using a hammer to break through the wall, creating a large hole that connected their rooms to his ear-room.

Outside, Su Tan'er's mother and her friends, hearing the loud noises, mistakenly believed the couple was engaged in intimacy and were relieved about the supposed progress towards grandchildren, though Su Tan'er's mother worried her daughter might be too frail for such "intensity" and resolved to prepare tonic for her. Ning Yi instructed Su Tan'er to take over shaking the bed, ensuring the noise was just right to maintain the illusion and prevent her mother from seeing through their ruse.

Once the coast was clear, Ning Yi explained how this new passage allowed him to escape to his own room whenever such a situation arose, by simply removing the covering. With the immediate crisis averted and the wine's effects subsiding as he sweat, Su Tan'er confessed to Ning Yi that she had long wanted to share her true feelings, thanking him for his repeated assistance with the Su Cloth Store, which he helped put back on track.

She admitted her initial misjudgment, having thought him merely a dull scholar. Puzzled by his capabilities, she questioned why he chose to remain in a small village rather than pursuing business or scholarly honors. Ning Yi gave her an abstract explanation about coming from "the other side of a magic hole," a concept Tan'er struggled to grasp but still felt he had greatly improved.

Su Tan'er then shared her deeply held belief that appearance, background, social status, or gender were insignificant, emphasizing that only one's conduct and capabilities truly mattered. She explained her ambition to take over the Family Representative Seal was driven by her concern that if it fell into the hands of her greedy uncle and cousin, the cloth store's future would be bleak.

She recounted past conflicts with her father, who vehemently opposed her involvement in business, fearing the hardships a woman would face in that world, leading to a strained relationship where they rarely spoke. Ning Yi then revealed that her father, despite his strict demeanor, actually cared deeply for her, having secretly asked Ning Yi to ensure she obtained the Family Representative Seal, believing it to be her greatest wish.

Ning Yi pointed out that both father and daughter were equally stubborn, each waiting for the other to make the first move in reconciliation. Meanwhile, Ning Yi had been busy promoting Su's Cloth Store. He visited the Academy of Male Virtuousness, distributing new business cards for the store to his classmates and encouraging them to spread the word.

His friends informed him that the Su family clan meeting was scheduled for that day, where the seal would be handed over to Su Tan'er, making her Jiangning's first female head of a household. After his friends left, Ning Yi was left to eat watermelon alone, reflecting on his restricted status as a matrilocal son-in-law, preventing him from directly participating in clan affairs.

He also visited Master Kang and Master Qin, providing them with business cards and inquiring about the Pu Yuan Poetry Meeting. Master Kang explained it was a grand event where various cloth stores invited singers to showcase their fabrics through performances and poetry. At the annual Su Family clan meeting, Elder Master announced his decision to transfer the Family Representative Seal to Su Tan'er.

However, the Second Master's family immediately objected, claiming Tan'er's accounts were inaccurate, with over a hundred thousand taels of figures not matching, and questioned the rash handover. They accused her of forging the books, asserting that her initial quick success must have been fraudulent. Su Tan'er requested two hours to sort out the accounts. Knowing the severity of the situation, Guard Geng rushed to alert Ning Yi.

Ning Yi quickly arrived at the meeting, presenting a complete collection of all purchase and sales receipts since Tan'er took over the cloth store, proving the accuracy of her meticulously redone accounts. He calmly presented the evidence, silencing the Second Master's family's accusations, who then tried to dismiss him as a mere son-in-law without a right to be present.

Ning Yi retorted about their lack of legal awareness and their luck, then gracefully excused himself, stating he would not interrupt their "corporate internal meeting" further. Despite the proven accuracy, the Second Master's family continued to object, citing Tan'er's gender and arguing that it was inappropriate for a woman to hold the Family Representative Seal, as it would cause outside criticism.

Just as Elder Master seemed to waver, Su Tan'er's father, who had previously been unsupportive of her business ambitions, unexpectedly stepped forward. He passionately defended his daughter, highlighting her innate talent in weaving and business, which he said was well-known throughout Jiangning. He pointed out the undeniable fact that the cloth store's business had flourished under her management.

Elder Master then addressed Su Tan'er, questioning if she truly understood the immense responsibility of the seal and the tenfold effort a woman would need to exert on such a challenging path. He also asked if she could uphold the Su family motto: respecting elders, helping peers, and protecting the weak, and if she could balance family business with wider societal contributions. Su Tan'er confidently affirmed her commitment to all these responsibilities.

When the Second Master's family raised the historical precedent of no female seal holders, her father boldly declared, "Then we’ll make history today!" His powerful words convinced the Elder Master, who then formally handed the Family Representative Seal to Su Tan'er. Afterwards, Su Tan'er sought out her father to express her heartfelt gratitude for his unexpected support, a gesture that helped fulfill her father's long-held dream for her.

However, their tender father-daughter moment was abruptly interrupted by Ning Yi, who enthusiastically called out to his "Father-in-law," causing the proud father to huff and leave. That evening, Su Tan'er and Ning Yi celebrated her achievement. Overjoyed with the seal and her father's support, Su Tan'er decided to share a celebratory drink with Ning Yi, unaware that her mother was secretly listening and smiling from outside the door, pleased that her plan to bring them closer seemed to be working.

Ning Yi then brought out his "little treasure," preserved eggs, also known as Songhua eggs, made from duck eggs. He insisted Su Tan'er try them with chili sauce. Though she found the first bite disgusting, she admitted to a subtle fragrance upon reflection, noting the eggs' surprising quality. Ning Yi jokingly warned her not to eat too much, as preserved eggs could make one "dizzy."

Su Tan'er, already feeling the effects of the wine, playfully hit him, accusing him of teasing her by listing ridiculous things to dip the eggs in. As they bantered, Su Tan'er decided to "punish" Ning Yi by demanding he accompany her to the Pu Yuan Poetry Meeting in a few days. He tried to refuse, claiming he wasn't a poet, but she insisted, reminding him that as a married couple, she couldn't go alone.

Ning Yi relented but jokingly demanded payment for his attendance. As they negotiated the price, leaning closer and closer, the atmosphere became increasingly intimate. Suddenly, Ning Yi realized something. The strong, familiar taste of the wine, combined with their rising body heat, struck him. He quickly identified it as the "tiger wine" her mother had given him earlier.

Su Tan'er, realizing the wine's true nature and purpose, immediately chastised Ning Yi, calling him "shameless" and "perverted" for letting her drink such a thing. She desperately cried out for water, while outside, her mother continued to chuckle, delighted by the outcome of her scheme.

Episode 7 Recap

Feeling the lingering effects of the drugged wine, Su Tan’er and Ning Yi were both desperately thirsty when they stumbled upon their original divorce agreement. Tan’er had achieved her goal of getting the Family Representative Seal, which meant Ning Yi was now free. She casually asked him if he would leave, and Ning Yi, believing she was eager to be rid of him, readily agreed.

Stunned, Su Tan’er then offered him half of her personal fortune, but Ning Yi refused, insisting he would leave with nothing. That night, neither could sleep. The next morning, Su Tan’er hurried to the wing room, only to find Ning Yi gone, leaving behind the divorce letter. Su Tan’er pretended not to see it and proceeded to prepare for the Puyuan Poetry Meeting, hoping to hire performers for Su’s Cloth Store.

However, she found all the local brothels had already been booked by Wu’s. Meanwhile, Ning Yi was making his rounds. He visited the Elder Master, teaching him a new game he called "horse ball on the ground," which the Elder Master found very amusing. Next, he presented a "facial mask" to Su Tan’er’s mother, promising it would preserve her "timeless beauty," though she initially mistook it for food.

He then shared a renewed cup of tea with Su Tan’er’s father, who expressed his deep love and concern for his daughter, regretting her potential unhappiness in marriage despite her immense talent. Ning Yi acknowledged the father's unspoken love and gifted him a book, suggesting it would help resolve their father-daughter relationship issues. Finally, Ning Yi visited the Second Master's family, presenting them with "Su’s Account Book," a mathematics-based ledger he created to help them avoid being cheated in business.

Though Second Master initially rejected it, his father, recognizing its value, accepted it and chided his son for his lack of foresight. Guard Geng reported to Ning Yi that Wu’s had indeed booked all the singers, leaving Su Tan’er without performers to showcase her fabric at the Poetry Meeting. Su Tan’er, aware of Ning Yi's impending departure, felt helpless. Chan, seeing her mistress’s distress, offered to perform herself.

However, as Chan stepped out, she spotted Ning Yi and Guard Geng with their luggage, seemingly preparing to leave for good. She spoke to Ning Yi, asking if he was leaving and if he had anything to say, then wished him a safe journey before returning to the room. Unaware of Chan's thoughts, Ning Yi and Guard Geng departed to handle matters.

Ning Yi sought out his friends from the Academy of Male Virtuousness, asking for their help at the Poetry Meeting, and they all enthusiastically agreed. Kang Xian, the Dean of the academy, also joined them, and Ning Yi engaged him in recounting his stories with the princess, filling the air with laughter and camaraderie.

In the days leading up to the Poetry Meeting, Su Tan’er's poems took on a sorrowful tone, prompting Chan to note the unusual change in her mistress's style. As evening fell, they made their way to the Puyuan Poetry Meeting. Unbeknownst to them, it was the Second Master’s family who had secretly informed Wu’s that Su Tan’er had no written contract with Xinmen Brothel, allowing Wu’s to preemptively book all the performers, aiming to humiliate Su Tan’er.

Wu’s Cloth Store performed after several lackluster presentations by other competitors, who could only put forth their footboys due to lack of performers. Wu's, however, put on a spectacular show with nine renowned beauties, drawing thunderous applause and overshadowing all other competitors. Next was Su’s Cloth Store. Chan, meant to perform, trembled with nervousness. Just then, a mist began to rise from under the bridge, captivating the audience.

Ning Yi emerged, expertly poling a boat across the water, carrying the ethereal beauty Nie Yunzhu. His friends from the Academy of Male Virtuousness, including Guard Geng, provided musical accompaniment from behind. Ning Yi sang a soft melody as Nie Yunzhu appeared like a celestial fairy. She then took the stage, performing a captivating dance that perfectly highlighted the beauty and flow of Su’s fabric. All eyes were drawn to Su’s Cloth Store, and the crowd erupted in praise.

Seeing their meticulously planned scheme utterly foiled, Wu’s father and son left in a fit of rage. Back at the Su family residence, the servants gathered around Ning Yi, eager to learn the secrets behind his spectacular performance. Ning Yi explained how he created the colorful lights using special lanterns with copper wires and black cloth to focus the light, covered with vibrant silk.

For Nie Yunzhu's "flying" act, he revealed it was achieved using tough steel wires, a technique he called "wire fu," dismissing his ingenuity as a mere trifle. As Su Tan’er entered, the crowd dispersed. Ning Yi presented her with a bowl of his specially made Cherry shaved ice with cheese, an exclusive delicacy in Wu Dynasty, saying it was only for her.

As he reached out, Su Tan’er noticed a small scrape on his hand, likely from his strenuous preparations for the performance. She gently took out her medicine box and carefully applied ointment to his wound. After a moment of hesitation, Ning Yi confessed to Su Tan’er that he had "lost" the divorce letter, claiming it was accidental and that rewriting it would be too much trouble.

He also mentioned looking for it that morning and thinking she had taken it, which made him happy for nothing. He then began to list his many uses to her, hoping to persuade her to let him stay—managing the store, keeping her happy, making her favorite shaved ice, and even remarking on his small appetite.

Before he could finish, Su Tan’er leaned in and silenced him with a kiss, then quickly turned away, pretending to engross herself in a ledger, her face flushed with shyness. Ning Yi stood frozen, utterly stunned, yet understanding her gesture, feeling a rush of overwhelming joy.

Episode 8 Recap

Ning Yi reflected on Su Tan'er's unexpected kiss from the previous night, unable to fathom its meaning. He went to the Academy of Male Virtuousness seeking advice from his friends. Posing it as a question about a friend whose wife suddenly kissed him without warning, Ning Yi received a flurry of confused and contradictory suggestions.

Some thought it was a sign of a hidden wrongdoing by the husband, while others believed the wife might be seeking a male companion, given that matrilocal husbands traditionally defer to their wives. Ning Yi found their discussions chaotic and unhelpful, leaving him still puzzled. At the Academy, Prince Consort Kang Xian highly praised Ning Yi, noting his refreshingly genuine demeanor.

Unlike others who flattered him while secretly mocking his status as a matrilocal husband, Kang Xian found Ning Yi's directness appealing, remarking that those who do not flatter others are often the most honest. Kang Xian revealed he had merely given Ning Yi the blueprints for the Puyuuan Garden and offered some guidance, jokingly adding that Ning Yi often helped him win at chess against Qin Siyuan, so he felt obligated to reciprocate.

Qin Siyuan also expressed his admiration, marveling at Ning Yi's unexpected knowledge of music and poetry. He observed the Su family's dazzling performance at the poetry meeting, feeling a sense of satisfaction in witnessing the rise of a new generation, like 'the new wave pushing the old'. In the fifth year of Jinghan, the Jing Kingdom rose to power, engaging in repeated conflicts with the Liang Kingdom, aiming to monopolize the annual tribute from the Wu Dynasty.

The northern regions suffered greatly from the ongoing warfare, leading to widespread misery. In the capital of Wudu, Emperor Zhou Zhe listened to his ministers debate the dire situation. Some advocated for an immediate alliance with Jing, while others pressed for military intervention to reclaim lost territories from both warring sides, seizing a strategic advantage. However, the Emperor, weary of the incessant arguments and reminded of a past forced alliance that caused great suffering, dismissed his ministers.

He decided to postpone any military action and temporarily suspend the annual tribute of cloth to Liang. Unbeknownst to many, Grand Tutor He Yuanchang, having anticipated the Emperor's decision, was already making his own moves. While leisurely fishing in the imperial garden, he instructed his subordinates, including Commandant Song and Commissioner Han, to travel to Jiangning to find new suppliers and secure an order of 500,000 bolts of tributary cloth, hinting at a deeper strategic game beyond mere acquisition.

Back in Jiangning, Ning Yi visited the Su Cloth Store. He found Manager Xi arguing with employees who, having benefited from Ning Yi's training, now held him in high regard, treating his words as law. Manager Xi, feeling undermined, was visibly displeased. Su Tan'er, seeing Ning Yi, became noticeably shy.

To the delight of the staff, she announced a reward of a piece of Moon Silk fabric for each employee to make clothes for their wives or daughters, subtly encouraging the unmarried ones to express their affection to their beloved. After the employees dispersed, Ning Yi seized the opportunity to quickly lean in and give Su Tan'er a swift kiss, mirroring her earlier gesture. Su Tan'er giggled with delight, while observant staff members exchanged knowing glances.

Meanwhile, Wu Qihao, still seething from Ning Yi's triumph at the poetry meeting, met with Manager Xi, attempting to lure him away from the Su family. Wu Qihao offered Manager Xi an opportunity to join the Wu family, hinting at a significant business deal on the horizon, playing on Manager Xi's current discontent and suggesting it was better to switch allegiance before being completely ousted from the Su family.

Elsewhere, Ning Yi visited Nie Yunzhu's food stall to thank her for her help at the poetry meeting. He met Nie Yunzhu’s younger sister, Yuan, and decided to try Nie Yunzhu's new pancake, only to find it terribly unappetizing. Sensing their financial struggles, Ning Yi offered Nie Yunzhu a recipe for making preserved eggs, a more profitable venture, suggesting she sell them instead of pancakes.

Later, Ning Yi returned to the Academy of Male Virtuousness, where he joined Qin Siyuan and Prince Consort Kang Xian for a game of chess. He lightheartedly commented on the intense, almost warlike, atmosphere of their game, attributing it to a friendly wager for a meal. Ning Yi then proposed a similar wager for himself and Kang Xian, the loser fetching the chairs.

He humorously reminded Kang Xian, the Prince Consort, that he shouldn't hold a grudge over chair-fetching and also downplayed his own newfound fame as a poet, crediting the original compositions to "Mr. Su" and admitting his own limited poetic abilities. The imperial envoys arrived in Jiangning. Commandant Song was warmly welcomed by the Wu family, quickly reaching an agreement to supply tribute cloth.

Song informed the Wu family that the Grand Tutor's decision to seek new suppliers in Jiangning, instead of the established Lou family in Lin'an, was a strategic move to renegotiate prices. Separately, Commissioner Han, Su Wenxing’s maternal uncle, met privately with the Second Master's family at the Xinmen Brothel.

He revealed that Liang’s defeat in the northern war was imminent, which would nullify Wu’s current alliance with Liang and lead to a new, more demanding agreement with Jing, inevitably increasing the demand for tribute cloth. Commissioner Han advised the Second Master’s family to aggressively hoard silk from Jiangbei, ensuring they would profit from the increased demand and warning them to be wary of Su Tan'er.

Su Tan'er received a letter from her friend Lou Shuwan, revealing that the court might increase the quota for tribute cloth for Jing. This news coincided with her uncle, Commissioner Han, arriving for a family dinner. At the dinner, Commissioner Han openly mocked Ning Yi’s status as a matrilocal husband, questioning his right to sit at the table and suggesting it would damage his own official reputation.

Ning Yi, incensed, retorted sharply, causing a tense exchange before he dramatically threw his wine and left. Later, when the Elder Master inquired about the rumored increase in tribute cloth, Commissioner Han feigned ignorance, claiming business was as usual. This made Su Tan'er suspicious, as it contradicted Lou Shuwan's information. She confided in Ning Yi, suspecting her uncle intended to secretly hand the lucrative tribute cloth business to the Second Master’s family.

Ning Yi confirmed her suspicions, revealing he had overheard Commissioner Han and Su Wenxing discussing a corrupt deal to monopolize the Jiangbei silk and earn illicit profits. Despite her indignation at their dishonest tactics, Su Tan'er was resolute. She declared her determination to compete for the tribute cloth business, confident that her superior fabric and honest dealings would prevail. While Ning Yi agreed to support her, he had not yet devised a concrete plan.

However, he suggested that they could still secure the silk from Jiangnan. Su Tan'er grew anxious, realizing she needed to secure the Jiangnan silk before the Second Master’s family could. But they were unaware that Wu Qihao was also actively acquiring all available silk from Jiangnan.

Driven by his deep obsession with Su Tan'er and his burning desire to crush Ning Yi, Wu Qihao was willing to pay any price to monopolize the silk supply, aiming to leave the Su Cloth Store without raw materials for the crucial tribute cloth order. He was determined to ensure the Su family would be unable to compete.

Episode 9 Recap

Wu Qihao acquired all the silk in Jiangnan, boasting that with the silk in his hands, the Su family would be ruined within three days. Meanwhile, at the Su Cloth Store, Manager Xi reported to Su Tan'er that all the familiar silk merchants had given their orders to the Wu family, leaving almost no silk available in Jiangning. Su Tan'er expressed her frustration, reminding him that they must find silk and not give up easily.

Ning Yi, overhearing their conversation, suggested that the tributary cloth business itself seemed unreliable and might lead to significant losses. Manager Xi's expression subtly changed upon hearing this. Ning Yi lightheartedly proposed that if all else failed, they could sell preserved eggs, a business that wouldn't be easily monopolized. Su Tan'er, determined to uphold the family legacy, dismissed his comments as unhelpful, insisting she would not let the Su Cloth Store fall on her watch.

Unbeknownst to Su Tan'er, Manager Xi secretly met with Wu Qihao. Wu Qihao praised Manager Xi's shrewdness and offered him positions as an owner of several shops under the Wu family, far beyond a mere manager's role, in exchange for his loyalty. Manager Xi, feeling undervalued by Ning Yi and seeing an opportunity for upward mobility, accepted Wu Qihao’s offer.

Later, Manager Xi informed Su Tan'er that he had found a private source of silk in the East Market, though the price was steep. Su Tan'er, desperate, immediately followed him to inspect the goods. At the same time, Ning Yi, still uneasy about the tributary cloth business, visited the Academy of Male Virtuousness.

He sought advice from Kang Xian and Right Chancellor Qin, explaining that while his wife was keen on the business, the lack of an open tender for the historically royal-exclusive tributary cloth and the ongoing northern war between Liang and Jing suggested something was amiss. He reasoned that the current situation should allow their dynasty to profit from the conflict, not increase tribute.

Both Kang Xian and Right Chancellor Qin were impressed by Ning Yi's foresight, which mirrored their own concerns, and urged him to explain his insights to Su Tan'er immediately. Right Chancellor Qin then silently watched him leave. Su Tan'er was led to a private residence, where she was shocked to discover that the silk belonged to Wu Qihao, who had orchestrated the trap.

Wu Qihao boldly admitted to misleading Manager Xi to lure her there, offering all the Jiangning silk, both spot and future goods, if she would cooperate with him. Su Tan'er rejected his offer, asserting that his wealth did not prove his competence and that he was merely riding on his ancestors' glory.

Infuriated by her refusal and her perceived preference for Ning Yi, Wu Qihao grew desperate, confessing his obsession with her and his belief that he was Jiangning's most outstanding businessman, a prodigy praised by all. He lashed out, questioning why she chose a lowly matrilocal son-in-law over him, a man of such talent and influence. As Wu Qihao attempted to force himself on her, Manager Xi stood by the door, revealing his true allegiance to Wu Qihao.

Back home, Ning Yi grew suspicious when Guard Geng mentioned Su Tan'er had gone to the East Market with Manager Xi to check new silk. Knowing that genuine silk was impossible to find in Jiangning, Ning Yi immediately realized Su Tan'er was in danger and rushed to rescue her. He burst into the private residence, ordering Guard Geng to handle Wu Qihao's men while he pursued Wu Qihao, who had fled upstairs.

Ning Yi brutally beat Wu Qihao, leaving him half-dead. Just then, Wu Qihao's father, Old Wu, arrived with Commandant Song, whom he had been entertaining, and intervened, saving Wu Qihao. As Ning Yi led Su Tan'er away, Wu Qihao defiantly swore that the Su family would never acquire another strand of silk in Jiangning. Ning Yi retorted that the Wu family would soon go bankrupt.

Back at the Su family mansion, Su Tan'er, overwhelmed by the ordeal and the stress of the tributary cloth business, broke down crying. Ning Yi gently comforted her, explaining that Manager Xi's betrayal was not her fault, but rather a reflection of his character.

He promised her that such an incident would never happen again and reassured her that he would handle everything related to the two "fools" (referring to Wu Qihao and Manager Xi) and the tributary cloth business, telling her to focus only on eating well, sleeping well, and trusting him. That night, seeing that Su Tan'er was still scared, Ning Yi moved his bedding to the main bedroom and slept on the floor beside her bed, offering her comfort.

The next morning, Su Tan'er, touched by his gesture, quietly left him breakfast, a gesture that warmed Ning Yi's heart, and instructed her maid to keep his bedding in her room. Ning Yi went to the cloth store and announced Manager Xi's departure. He promoted Manager Liao, who had the best performance, to the position of manager.

Ning Yi then instructed Manager Liao to post an announcement at all Su Cloth Store branches: the Su family was willing to purchase any silk orders held by Wu Qihao at ten times the original price, and would even cover the breach of contract fees. Upon seeing this announcement, two silk merchants immediately sought to cancel their contracts with the Wu family, eager for Ning Yi's generous offer.

However, Wu Qihao, still recovering from Ning Yi's beating, furiously appeared and, with Manager Xi's help, used Commandant Song's name and the court's implied backing to threaten the merchants, claiming that the Wu family was destined to be the royal merchant for the tributary cloth. Wu Qihao even boasted that he could pay twenty times the price, though the intimidated merchants hastily agreed to uphold their contracts with him, fearing the wrath of official power.

Ning Yi was exasperated, lamenting that Wu Qihao's foolish arrogance had dragged Commandant Song into the open. When Su Tan'er questioned Ning Yi's seemingly reckless strategy of offering tenfold the price, he explained his elaborate plan. He reasoned that if the court truly needed to pay tribute to Jing, they would require immense quantities of silk. Should the court fail to procure enough, they would inevitably raise prices, ultimately benefiting the merchants.

His calculations showed that their costs would only outweigh their profits if silk prices surged to twenty-five times the initial rate. Su Tan'er worried about competing with the Wu family's vast capital and Commandant Song's backing, fearing the entire cloth store would be lost. Ning Yi calmly stated that losing it all was an acceptable risk. His detailed explanation ultimately convinced Su Tan'er, who exclaimed her approval.

Elsewhere, Nie Yunzhu and her sister Yuan Jin’er were struggling to sell Ning Yi's "preserved eggs," which beggars even shunned for their unusual appearance. Commandant Song, passing by, was captivated by Nie Yunzhu's beauty. He offered to buy all their preserved eggs as an excuse to flirt and take advantage of her.

Yuan Jin’er fiercely protected her sister, unafraid of his official status, and boldly declared her identity as Yuan Jin’er from the Xinmen Brothel, inviting him to seek her out if he wanted trouble, but to leave her sister alone. Commandant Song, intrigued by Yuan Jin'er's spirit, vowed he would indeed seek her out.

Episode 10 Recap

When Yuan Jin’er and Nie Yunzhu were selling preserved eggs, a rude official, Commandant Song, approached and attempted to flirt with Nie Yunzhu. To protect her sister, Yuan Jin’er deliberately provoked him, bravely confronting him and telling him she was Yuan Jin’er from Xinmen Brothel, suggesting he bother her instead. Impressed by her spirited demeanor, Commandant Song, who was in Jiangning for the unresolved tributary cloth matter, found the prospect of a "fiery girl" like Yuan Jin’er entertaining.

Nie Yunzhu, however, worried about the consequences of offending an official, but Yuan Jin’er assured her she had ways to handle him, her greater concern being their slow-selling preserved eggs. Soon after, Ning Yi’s friends arrived, having been asked by Ning Yi to assist. They promoted the preserved eggs, which they called "Songhua eggs," describing them with captivating stories and poetic phrases.

Despite initial skepticism about the eggs' unusual appearance, the public was drawn in by the persuasive marketing and the unique taste, leading to a bustling business and a daily net income of over 30 strings of coins. To show her gratitude, Nie Yunzhu offered to teach Ning Yi's friends how to make preserved eggs, and the friends soon began experimenting with new recipes like preserved egg congee and fried rice.

Ning Yi, aware that his friends felt he had favored Nie Yunzhu with the recipe, then appeared and proposed a "Zhu" alliance business. He suggested establishing a flagship store, "Zhu," and inviting them to join as franchisees. Ning Yi explained that the flagship store would produce the eggs, which the franchisees could buy at cost and sell at a unified price, ensuring profitability.

Despite one friend's initial financial concerns about the franchise fee, credit was offered, a system initiated by Ning Yi, provided they undergo training at the flagship store. This initiative quickly gained momentum, with more people joining the alliance, and Ning Yi's friends diligently promoted the "Zhu" name.

Meanwhile, Manager Xi, now working for the Wu family, had successfully replicated many of Su’s business strategies, and Wu Qihao further aimed to monopolize customer parking by purchasing surrounding land near the Su’s Cloth Store, which Su’s had initially monopolized. Manager Xi also informed Wu Qihao about Ning Yi’s booming preserved egg franchise. Annoyed by Ning Yi's continued success, Wu Qihao decided to assert his dominance in Jiangning.

He then sent his men to smash the preserved egg stands, claiming Commandant Song had issued a notice citing the eggs’ strong smell as a public nuisance, despite no official public announcement. During the ensuing chaos, Shen Miao, one of Ning Yi's friends, was injured. Enraged, Ning Yi vowed to make Wu Qihao pay tenfold for hurting his friend and destroying their business.

Geng Guard advised caution initially due to the Wu family's power, but Ning Yi's unwavering resolve to avenge his friend and business convinced Geng Guard and all his friends to join him in seeking revenge. The destruction of the preserved egg business coincided with the devastating decline of the Su’s Cloth Store, as all its customers had flocked to the Wu family.

Heartbroken, Su Tan’er made the painful decision to close all the cloth stores, sell off inventory for cash, and hoped to reopen when a new strategy emerged. This decision, coupled with Ning Yi's confrontation with Wu Qihao, provoked a strong rebuke from the Second Master’s family, who accused them of squandering the family's assets and destroying the Su clan.

The Elder Master, though initially hesitant and expressing distrust, listened as Su Tan’er made a solemn pledge: she requested one month to revive their fortunes by selling preserved eggs. If they failed, she would return the Family Representative Seal, and the First Master’s family would never again meddle in the Su family’s business. Furthermore, she and Ning Yi would use all their personal assets to compensate for any losses.

Ning Yi, confirming he had a plan for the displaced workers, then revealed their new venture: selling preserved eggs. Despite Geng Guard's skepticism, Ning Yi assured him to trust his judgment, promising clarity soon. Ning Yi sold the remaining cloth stores to purchase numerous preserved egg carts. He launched the "Zhu Club" membership system, with Nie Yunzhu and Yuan Jin’er providing training and collecting detailed customer information to understand their preferences.

This innovative approach proved immensely successful, generating a net profit of over 14,000 taels in just one month. Ning Yi then proposed using these earnings to open a permanent "Zhu Restaurant" to serve as the flagship store, which would spare Nie Yunzhu the hardship of street vending. All his friends enthusiastically agreed and were invited to invest. To celebrate, Yuan Jin’er offered to sing a celebratory song. Meanwhile, at a banquet, Wu Qihao hosted Commandant Song.

Wu Qihao, boasting of his success, inadvertently revealed to Song that he had publicized Song’s support for the Wu family’s tributary cloth dealings. Angered by this indiscretion, Commandant Song severely reprimanded Wu Qihao, threatening him with dire consequences if he ever compromised official matters again. During the banquet, Song was captivated by Yuan Jin’er’s singing from the neighboring room. Wu Qihao's subordinate then went to retrieve Yuan Jin’er, who reluctantly left the celebration to perform for Song.

Afterward, Ning Yi sent Nie Yunzhu and his friends home, despite their humorous bickering about who would escort Nie Yunzhu. Ning Yi then noticed the commotion from Song’s room and heard Yuan Jin’er’s cries for help. Rushing to her aid, he confronted Commandant Song, who was attempting to force himself on Yuan Jin’er. Ning Yi tried to defuse the situation, but Song drew his sword.

Just as Ning Yi's life was in peril, a mysterious black-clad woman, Lu Hongti, intervened, attacking Commandant Song and saving Ning Yi. Though she managed to escape the ensuing pursuit by the officers, she was wounded. Ning Yi, grateful for her intervention, secretly followed her. Finding her injured and still pursued, he came to her rescue, leading her to a small courtyard.

Ning Yi, eager to befriend his rescuer, talked profusely, praising her heroism and declaring them allies due to their shared animosity towards Song Xian. Lu Hongti, however, remained silent, leading Ning Yi to wonder if she was mute, only for her to defensively raise her sword when he approached.

Episode 11 Recap

Ning Yi saved Lu Hongti and observed her aloofness, but respecting her as a heroine, he kindly offered her a small courtyard—a secret place his friend used to avoid his wife—for temporary shelter while she recovered. Ning Yi introduced himself as Ning Yi, courtesy name Liheng, childhood name Jiang Haochen, and told her that anyone wearing the "Zhu" emblem could be commanded by her if she ever needed assistance.

Soon after, Ning Yi selected a location for the Zhu Restaurant, declaring his four friends—Li Pin, Feng Yuan, Shen Miao, and Gao Qiu—as the founders and shareholders who contributed ideas and capital. He attributed the greatest credit to Nie Yunzhu, stating that the idea for preserved eggs came from seeing her duck eggs. Despite her modesty, Ning Yi insisted she become the Master of Zhu Restaurant, as most customers came for her, viewing her as the establishment's "poster girl."

The others agreed, and Nie Yunzhu accepted the title deed. Ning Yi also presented his newly designed "trademark" or emblem for the restaurant and mentioned he had a solution for Yuan Jin'er regarding Commandant Song. On its grand opening day, Zhu Restaurant buzzed with customers. Nie Yunzhu, initially nervous, gained confidence from Ning Yi's encouragement.

He reminded her of her brilliance at the Puyuan Poetry Meeting and urged her to embrace her new role as the capable manager of Zhu Restaurant. This boosted her self-assurance, allowing her to greet guests warmly and skillfully resolve customer disputes, such as when Shen Miao accidentally spilled something on a customer, for which she offered a discount on drinks and complimentary side dishes.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Han’s annual attempt to visit Master Qin (Qin Siyuan) ended in vain, as he was once again refused entry. Master Qin, accompanied by Master Kang (Kang Xian), surprised Commissioner Han by showing up at Zhu Restaurant. Ning Yi enthusiastically welcomed them. Master Kang and Master Qin praised Ning Yi's preserved eggs. Seizing the opportunity, Ning Yi asked them to name his new dishes, which they christened "Jade Amber" and "Drizzle Lingering."

Commissioner Han, observing the esteemed elders interacting warmly with Ning Yi, was visibly flustered and left without a word. Back at his residence, Commissioner Han, now eager to curry favor, praised Ning Yi's intelligence and close ties to Master Qin and Master Kang. He then requested Ning Yi to deliver a worship letter to Master Qin, asking how Ning Yi managed to get acquainted with such influential figures.

Ning Yi, after examining the letter and finding two gold leaves inside, returned them, stating that "courtesy demands reciprocity," and subtly implying a request for a favor in return for his help in delivering the letter. Faced with this indirect pressure, Commissioner Han immediately agreed, and unexpectedly transferred the entire Jiangbei silk business, including the tributary cloth rights, to Su Tan'er, even commending Ning Yi's capabilities to her. Su Wenxing was baffled by his uncle's sudden change of heart.

Commissioner Han explained that Ning Yi’s ability to casually converse with Qin Siyuan and Kang Xian proved he was not someone to be trifled with, advising Su Wenxing to give up competing with Ning Yi to avoid further humiliation. He even returned Su Wenxing's commission. To counter the Wu’s family's monopoly, Su Tan’er met with Boss Xue, who was frustrated by the scarcity and exorbitant prices of silk in Jiangning.

Su Tan'er proposed a collaboration: she would sell her newly acquired Jiangbei silk to Boss Xue at a price below market rate. Her strategy was to force the Wu's family to release their monopolized silk, effectively making them "spit it out." Concurrently, Ning Yi intensified his scheme by leveraging his connections at Yuan Jin'er's New Gate Art House and Zhu Restaurant.

He spread rumors that the imperial court would significantly increase its demand for tributary cloth due to ongoing northern conflicts, leading to a surge in silk prices. He also subtly circulated news that Boss Xue would soon release a batch of Jiangbei silk to the highest bidder, inciting widespread interest and a scramble among merchants to secure silk supplies. Upon hearing the news, Wu Qihao was eager to sign a contract for the Jiangbei silk.

However, his more cautious father, influenced by Manager Xi, advised against it. Manager Xi, a trusted aide, suspected it was a trap orchestrated by Ning Yi, especially given that the silk had passed through Su's Second Master's hands before reaching Ning Yi. They decided to wait and observe the situation. To further provoke the Wu's family, Ning Yi’s friends, including Li Pin, visited Wu's Cloth Store.

They openly discussed Ning Yi's desperate measures to acquire silk, including borrowing money from an illegal private bank to secure Boss Xue's order. A secret message was also sent to Manager Xi, inviting him to a meeting at Zhu Restaurant. After Manager Xi left hastily, Ning Yi's friends loudly questioned his sudden departure, ensuring that Wu Qihao's informants would relay the suspicious activity to him.

Manager Xi, after his humiliating encounter with Ning Yi at Zhu Restaurant, quickly realized he had been played. Ning Yi had deliberately insulted him, calling him a "matrilocal husband" (a jab at Ning Yi's own status) and offering him preserved eggs as a "gift." As Manager Xi tried to leave, he spotted Wu Qihao's carriage, confirming his fears.

He attempted to explain, but Wu Qihao, already convinced of Manager Xi's betrayal, dismissed him coldly, telling him to return to the Su family and only speak to him when "the smell of those preserved eggs disappeared." Convinced by the rumors and Manager Xi's perceived betrayal, Wu Qihao confronted Boss Xue, demanding to know the buyer of the Jiangbei silk.

Boss Xue, bound by a non-disclosure clause, initially refused but eventually revealed that Ning Yi had bought it, paying the full amount at a price Boss Xue simply couldn't refuse. Wu Qihao, scoffing at Ning Yi's supposed inability to handle the royal silk business, declared he would offer double the price Ning Yi paid, confident that Ning Yi would eventually default on the contract. Unfazed, Ning Yi continued his counter-offensive.

He sent Guard Geng, who introduced himself as "Geng Zhi, the angel of fortune," to meet a silk supplier. Geng Zhi subtly spread rumors about Wu Qihao offending Commandant Song, implying the Wu family's future in the tributary cloth business was now uncertain. Ning Yi then offered the supplier a staggering fifteen times the original price for his silk, including payment for any breach penalty with the Wu's family.

Despite initial hesitation due to an existing contract, the supplier, seeing the immense profit and Ning Yi’s commitment, eagerly agreed. Ning Yi instructed the supplier to relay his offer to other silk merchants, stating he would buy as much silk as they could provide.

Episode 12 Recap

Wu Qihao, confident that he had cornered Ning Yi, secured the silk order from Da Chuan Cloth Store at a reported price of 3500 wen per bolt, which he boasted to his father was twentyfold higher than the usual price. However, his existing silk suppliers, who had long felt exploited by the Wu family's use of Commandant Song to force them into selling silk at cost price, were enraged by the preferential high price paid to Boss Xue.

Their simmering discontent erupted, leading them to protest at Wu’s Cloth Store. To save face, Wu Qihao, despite his initial threats, grudgingly agreed to pay them the full increased price for their silk, but warned them against any association with Ning Yi.

After the suppliers left, the steward informed Wu Qihao that the Wu family’s coffers were nearly empty, drained by Commandant Song’s extravagant expenses, a large transfer of cash to Boss Xue, and now the payments to the other silk merchants. Fearing his father's wrath, Wu Qihao desperately sought a loan. He approached an illegal private bank and borrowed 20,000 taels of silver, promising to repay it with interest by the end of the next month.

Su Wenxing, having caught wind of Wu Qihao’s desperate move, saw a lucrative opportunity in the royal silk business. He eagerly convinced his father to lend all of their branch's savings to Wu Qihao, anticipating a profitable return. Wu Qihao readily accepted the partnership upon learning of their shared animosity towards Ning Yi. Su Wenxing declared his unwavering loyalty, promising that Wu Qihao would be his boss in the future. Meanwhile, a major shift in the political landscape occurred.

Jing had definitively conquered Liang, leaving the Wu Dynasty in a precarious position. The Emperor, in dire need of strong leadership, was informed that Left Prime Minister Li Gang had immediately rushed to Jiangning. Indeed, Li Gang burst into Right Prime Minister Qin's residence, vehemently urging him to return to court. Right Prime Minister Qin, however, remained calm, having seemingly anticipated Li Gang’s arrival, and offered him preserved egg porridge.

Right Prime Minister Qin stated he was waiting for one more person, having already sent his mysterious men to Zhu Restaurant to summon Ning Yi. Ning Yi, engaged in a discussion with fellow matrilocal husbands about launching a home delivery service and "big data analysis" for Zhu Restaurant, observed the unusual attire and non-ordinary demeanor of Qin’s messengers. He calmly agreed to accompany them, instructing his friends to inform Su Tan'er to wait for his return.

Su Tan'er, arriving at Zhu Restaurant, was distraught to hear that Ning Yi had been taken by armed men. Grabbing a knife, she frantically pursued them to Right Prime Minister Qin's mansion. Mistaking the situation, she rushed forward to protect Ning Yi, who was in fact conversing peacefully with Right Prime Minister Qin. Ning Yi quickly introduced her to Right Prime Minister Qin, his friend.

Realizing her impulsive error, an embarrassed Su Tan'er mumbled an excuse about needing to finish cutting fruit at home and awkwardly retreated. Right Prime Minister Qin, unperturbed, settled down with Ning Yi to discuss the past. He recounted the devastating war four years prior between the Wu and Liang dynasties, where Wu's forces suffered a crushing defeat due to a lack of provisions, forcing them into the humiliating Heshui Alliance.

This treaty demanded immense annual tributes of coins, cloth, salt, and iron. Ning Yi, astute as ever, quickly grasped Right Prime Minister Qin's underlying intention: to seek his assistance in a grander scheme to reclaim the lost northern territories. Right Prime Minister Qin proposed that Ning Yi join the court as an official, inviting him to strategize together to reshape the Wu Dynasty’s destiny. After a moment of contemplation, Ning Yi politely declined.

He explained that he now had a person dear to his heart, viewing the Su Mansion as his entire world, and was content to remain a humble matrilocal husband in Jiangning. Understanding Ning Yi's firm resolve, Right Prime Minister Qin did not press the matter further.

After sharing a final cup of tea, Right Prime Minister Qin departed for Wudu, but not before leaving Ning Yi with a significant token, believing it might prove useful in a time of great need. Later, Ning Yi visited Lu Hongti in the secluded courtyard, bringing her food. Though still wary, Lu Hongti grew increasingly impatient with Ning Yi's incessant questions about her background, training, and personal life.

Finally, exasperated, she revealed her true motive for attempting to assassinate Song Xian: he was a corrupt official who shamelessly kidnapped women, and as a martial artist, she was committed to upholding justice. She conceded that her tolerance for his presence was solely due to his having saved her life. Noticing her uncharacteristic chattiness, Ning Yi, ever opportunistic, eagerly requested to become her disciple.

However, Lu Hongti flatly rejected him, curtly stating that true masters were not as talkative as he was. In Wudu, the court ministers were unanimously urging the Emperor to concede to Jing's demands and pay tribute. Just as the Emperor was preparing to visit Grand Tutor He, who was reportedly ill and refusing all visitors, Right Prime Minister Qin and Left Prime Minister Li Gang arrived.

Right Prime Minister Qin, ready for this moment, presented a posthumous edict from the previous Emperor. The edict clearly stipulated that Right Prime Minister Qin was to assist the current Emperor in reclaiming the lost northern territories and unifying the realm. Right Prime Minister Qin explained that his four years of seclusion in Jiangning had not been idleness but a period of strategic accumulation, preparing an overwhelming force for this very opportunity.

He revealed the establishment of a massive military depot in Linan, equipped with 500,000 catties of black powder and 300 cannons, all ready for immediate deployment. Faced with such overwhelming preparation and a clear mandate, the Emperor found no reason to refuse Right Prime Minister Qin's proposal for an immediate northern campaign, recognizing it as the defining moment for the Wu Dynasty’s future glory.

Episode 13 Recap

Right Chancellor Qin Siyuan, having meticulously prepared for the coming conflict, informed the Emperor that a massive munitions warehouse in Lin'an, filled with black powder and cannons, stood ready for immediate deployment. He stressed that the future prosperity and peace of the Wu Dynasty hinged on their actions now.

Soon after, Minister Liang frantically sought out the Grand Tutor, who, far from being concerned, calmly revealed that the entire situation, including the mission of Commandant Song to Jiangning to collect tributary cloth, had been a calculated performance designed to gain public trust. The news of the court halting the annual tribute and planning a northern expedition quickly reached Jiangning.

The Wu family was plunged into a state of panic; the patriarch was visibly shaken, and Wu Qihao could scarcely believe the devastating blow this dealt to their vast silk reserves, which would now lead to unprecedented losses and difficult times. Meanwhile, Ning Yi and Su Tan'er's elaborate plan was set into motion. They exchanged words, each vowing to make the other the most formidable merchant in Jiangning.

Ning Yi then left the Su's Cloth Store and launched a signal flare into the sky. Across the city, his friends from the Male Virtuousness Academy, who had been operating preserved egg stalls, promptly ceased their sales. In a swift transformation, the preserved egg carts were converted into Su’s cloth stalls.

Ning Yi announced a revolutionary new business model: customers could now select fabrics online and have them delivered offline by "deliverymen" who would retrieve the goods from the flagship store. If unsatisfied, they could visit the main store for a personalized fitting. This novel approach drew immense crowds, and Su's Cloth Store's business boomed.

When Wu Qihao learned of these developments, particularly that Ning Yi had named the new enterprise "Su Ning Yi Buy" by combining his and Su Tan'er's names, he was beside himself with anger. The Wu family's financial woes deepened as hordes of angry silk suppliers, owed money for their earlier high-priced purchases, descended upon the Wu's Cloth Store, demanding immediate payment. Unable to pay, Wu Qihao and his father tried to avoid them.

The situation worsened when representatives from the money shop, to whom Wu Qihao had secretly mortgaged the cloth stores, arrived, threatening to destroy their mansion if the debt wasn't settled. Wu Qihao was cornered. The money shop boss gave him a strict three-day deadline for repayment, even suggesting he try to borrow from the now flourishing Su family. Wu Qihao, feeling pushed to the edge, bitterly accepted the ultimatum.

Ning Yi continued to innovate, introducing a "suit your taste" service that analyzed customer preferences from membership data to offer tailored clothing. He also launched "rating cards" for customer feedback, aiming to improve logistics and eliminate the need for large inventories. Nie Yunzhu meticulously explained these new systems to the staff at Zhuji, highlighting how consultant Yuan Jin'er, through her years at Xinmen Performance House, could even predict fashion trends like the upcoming popularity of "garnet" colored fabrics.

She emphasized the importance of continuous customer feedback for sustained growth. Despite the massive surge in orders, Ning Yi remained composed, revealing his foresight in establishing an efficient production line with advanced weaving machines. When other cloth merchants, feeling threatened by Ning Yi's disruptive practices, protested at his store, Ning Yi was prepared. He presented them with a "Su's Cloth Store Franchise Guidance" manual, inviting them to join his alliance and "make money and be rich together."

Boss Xue was quickly convinced, and soon, other cloth stores began converting into "Su's Dachuan Cloth Store" branches, forming a widespread and prosperous alliance. In their desperation, Wu Qihao and his father sought help from Commandant Song. Song Xian, however, was eager to distance himself from the struggling Wu family, pointedly refusing their hospitality. Wu Qihao, infuriated, confronted Song Xian, accusing him of abandoning them despite their agreement to give him fifty percent of the profits.

Song Xian flatly denied ever receiving any payment. Wu Qihao's father chastised him for his reckless outburst, stressing that Song Xian was their only connection in court and their sole hope if the tributary cloth business were to resume. Meanwhile, Manager Xi, desperate to prove his loyalty to the Wu family, attempted to present Wu Qihao with detailed portraits and information about Ning Yi’s "matrilocal husband alliance" from the Male Virtuousness Academy, accusing them of colluding to inflate silk prices.

However, a preoccupied Wu Qihao, consumed by his own mounting problems, dismissed him without a second thought. Commandant Song, still determined to marry Yuan Jin'er, arrived at Xinmen Performance House. Yuan Jin'er, defiantly seizing her indenture from Procuress Yang, declared her intention to buy her freedom with her fifteen years of earnings and then dramatically leaped into the river, preferring death over forced marriage.

An enraged Commandant Song ordered his men to find her, dead or alive, vowing that she would remain his. Unbeknownst to him, Yuan Jin'er was an adept swimmer and made her way safely to Nie Yunzhu's home. Ning Yi and Li Pin later discussed the escape; Li Pin was impressed by the loyalty of the Xinmen Performance House staff for not exposing Yuan Jin'er's swimming ability.

Ning Yi revealed that even Procuress Yang was in on the plan, having tacitly allowed Yuan Jin'er to escape as part of a strategy Ning Yi had previously devised for her during a meeting at the Male Virtuousness Academy. As Procuress Yang and officials scrambled to locate Commandant Song, Wu Qihao arrived at Xinmen Performance House. He volunteered to enter Song Xian's private room, which the others were hesitant to approach. Upon entering, Wu Qihao found Song Xian unresponsive.

As he moved to light a lamp, the light revealed Song Xian’s lifeless body; he had been murdered. As a city-wide curfew was imposed and officials began their search for the killer, Lu Hongti, the assassin, cleverly hid in one of Ning Yi’s preserved egg carts, which was quickly overlooked by the searching officers due to its smell. Ning Yi, having anticipated her hiding place, found her and provided a carriage and supplies to help her escape the city.

Recalling Ning Yi’s previous request to become her disciple, Lu Hongti, grateful for his help in her escape, finally agreed to take him on and teach him martial arts. Ning Yi immediately accepted, bowing in respect. On his way home, Ning Yi's clothes became wet, prompting a humorous exchange with Li Pin about how his wife always seemed to appear whenever he got wet, as if a "wicked scriptwriter" was conspiring to keep him from other women.

Upon reaching home, Ning Yi found Su Tan'er waiting for him. He quickly excused himself from Li Pin to join his wife, who expressed concern about his damp clothes. Ning Yi promised to teach her about "waterproof cloth" once they were inside their home. Meanwhile, Yuan Jin'er, now free, decided to join Nie Yunzhu in the preserved egg business.

Nie Yunzhu, recalling her own past, shared that Procuress Yang, despite her harshness, had a kind heart and had helped her achieve her freedom. Yuan Jin'er, however, remained steadfast in her desire for self-reliance, declaring that relying on men was not a lasting solution and aspiring to become a powerful female manager like Nie Yunzhu.

Back at the struggling Wu mansion, Wu father, desperate for funds, informed Wu Qihao of his plan to mortgage some of their remaining cloth stores to borrow from the underground money shop. To his dismay, Wu Qihao confessed that he had already done so, leaving them with no more assets to leverage. Enraged, Wu father chased Wu Qihao, determined to beat him. Amidst this chaos, the Su Second Master’s family arrived to reclaim their invested money. Wu father admitted the Wu family had nothing left, but Wu Qihao, ever resourceful, quickly interjected, claiming he knew someone who could provide the necessary funds.

Episode 14 Recap

As creditors descended upon Wu’s Cloth Store, demanding their money back, Wu Qihao was confident that someone could provide the large sum. His father, Wu Chenghou, angrily tried to physically reprimand his son. Su Wenxing arrived, finding himself trapped amidst the chaos with Wu Qihao, who confessed that while the Wu family had no funds, he knew someone who did.

Meanwhile, Ning Yi and Su Tan’er were experimenting with a newly developed waterproof coating for fabric, with Guard Geng as their test subject. Su Tan’er enthusiastically praised Ning Yi’s invention, eager to learn its secrets, but Ning Yi playfully insisted it was a "business secret." Their playful banter was cut short by Su Wenxing, who, putting on a rare humble front, pleaded with Su Tan’er for financial help for the struggling Second Master’s branch.

Su Tan’er firmly refused, explaining that as a married woman, her own small family was her priority and she couldn't constantly support those who wouldn't help themselves, implicitly calling him an idiot. Su Wenxing then turned to Ning Yi, who acknowledged his ability to provide the money but stated his condition: the person truly behind Su Wenxing's plea must come and beg him in person. With that, Ning Yi took Su Tan’er’s hand and led her into the inner room.

Once alone, Ning Yi remarked on Su Wenxing’s surprisingly "cute" and "idiotic" demeanor that day. Su Tan’er, surprised to find their hands still intertwined, shyly looked at him. Ning Yi then praised her for standing up for herself and urged her to continue doing so to prevent future bullying. Su Tan’er, however, expressed a desire for him to face challenges alongside her, asking if she still had to handle things alone.

Ning Yi replied that some things couldn't be helped, and when she pressed if he couldn't face them with her, he remained quiet. The situation at Wu’s continued to deteriorate. Creditors, growing increasingly aggressive, burst into Wu’s Cloth Store and seized all the fabric as payment, while Su Wenxing managed to escape in the chaos. Wu Qihao sat amidst the wreckage, utterly defeated, as outsiders pointed and whispered.

Wu Chenghou, seeing his family’s legacy in ruins, was heartbroken and tearfully advised his son to humble himself before Ning Yi. Wu Qihao initially resisted, claiming he would rather die than beg Ning Yi, but upon seeing his father's failing health and recognizing that he had ruined his father's painstaking efforts, he finally wavered and reluctantly agreed. Wu Chenghou then warned his son against being undisciplined, stating that "desire is like a knife above one's head".

Before Wu Qihao’s arrival, Ning Yi instructed Su Tan’er to orally convey the waterproof fabric formula to Manager Liao, ensuring no written records were left behind to prevent theft. Soon after, Wu Qihao appeared at the Su residence. Su Wenxing, who was also present, anxiously urged Wu Qihao to speak up. As Ning Yi turned to leave, Wu Qihao finally called out to him and, as Ning Yi had predicted, knelt down.

Ning Yi sternly reminded Wu Qihao of his past misdeeds, including humiliating Su Tan’er and mistreating his own friends, stating that Wu’s bankruptcy was merely a "small punishment." Wu Qihao, prompted by Su Wenxing, swallowed his pride and apologized, admitting he had been obsessed and made mistakes. Ning Yi then agreed to purchase all of Wu’s silk, but only at a price of 10% of the original value.

Despite Wu Qihao’s desperate pleas, trying to negotiate up to 70% then 50%, Ning Yi remained firm at 10%, reminding Wu Qihao that he was the one begging. Faced with no other options, Wu Qihao reluctantly accepted the offer and signed the agreement. Wu Qihao, curious about his undoing, then asked Ning Yi to explain how he orchestrated Wu’s downfall step by step. Ning Yi, in a detailed exposition, revealed that he never intended to compete for the silk.

His initial high bids were merely part of a trap to lure Wu Qihao in. He explained that silk, being a futures good, had fluctuating prices, allowing him to "short sell" it when he anticipated a drop, then buy it back cheaply. To "hedge against loss," they started selling preserved eggs to accumulate cash, leading Wu Qihao to mistakenly believe Su’s Cloth Store was closing due to defeat.

Ning Yi bypassed Song Xian's blockade by selling in alleys, recognizing the general public's preferences. He then established the Zhu Club to collect customer data, all to prepare for innovation in the cloth industry. Ning Yi also revealed how he manipulated Commissioner Han to transfer the Jiangbei silk orders to Su’s, only to then sell them to Boss Xue at a discount.

He spread rumors of increased tributary cloth demands, causing other Jiangning cloth merchants to flock to Xue, who then held out for Wu Qihao. When Wu Qihao didn't appear (due to Manager Xi's advice), Ning Yi arranged for a friend to sow discord between Wu Qihao and Manager Xi. This led Wu Qihao to finally buy Xue’s silk at an exorbitant price.

This inflated price then incited the other silk merchants, who had signed normal-priced contracts, to demand higher prices from Wu Qihao, effectively draining all of Wu’s liquid capital and forcing him to borrow from underground money lenders. Ning Yi concluded by explaining that he had simply waited for the Northern war to conclude, then reopened Su’s with an innovative online ordering and home delivery system, completing the industry reform. Wu Qihao, astonished by the elaborate scheme, admitted his defeat.

Ning Yi further elaborated on his understanding of the political climate, foreseeing the cancellation of the tribute cloth due to the Jing-Liang conflict, asserting that no nation would willingly bow to another, and that the tribute business was never a long-term strategy. He highlighted that while Su’s could afford to wait out the changes, Wu’s could not. Despite his ruthlessness, Ning Yi expressed a strange admiration for Wu Qihao’s "boldness" and offered him a Su’s Cloth Store franchise manual.

Wu Qihao, surprisingly, accepted it with a thank you before leaving the Su family mansion in a daze. Following this, Ning Yi playfully asked Su Tan’er how she would reward him for securing such a major deal. Su Tan’er, with a happy glow, promised a reward. Su’s Cloth Store subsequently flourished, with endless customers praising their excellent service, and the Zhu Ji business also boomed.

Ning Yi asked Su Tan’er if she had any unfulfilled wishes, to which she promptly replied, "I want to have 30 more stores." Ning Yi diligently worked to fulfill this, and the businesses continued to expand. The Su family rapidly ascended to become the richest in Jiangning. The Elder Master, reviewing the impressive financial records, showered Ning Yi and Su Tan’er with praise, acknowledging their exceptional talent.

He declared his complete trust in Su Tan’er to hold the "Family Representative Seal," confirming that from then on, no one would dare question a woman's authority in the family business.

He then emphasized the family’s ancestral motto, "Protect and hand over the family business while helping the world become better," and announced the family’s decision to open "sheds to give out porridge" to aid the impoverished, stating, "We gained our success because of them, and we also pay them back with it." He sternly warned the Second Master’s family to remain loyal to Su Tan’er and the family, or face expulsion.

Moved by Ning Yi's influence (after he gave him a book), Su Tan'er's father, for the first time, bravely patted her head and told her she had "worked hard," a gesture that brought great joy to Su Tan’er, signifying a long-awaited improvement in their relationship. The next day, as the Su family distributed porridge and new clothes to the needy, the people of Jiangning lauded them as a paragon of generosity among merchants.

Later, as Ning Yi and Su Tan’er walked home, discussing hot pot, they were ambushed by Manager Xi and his men. Ning Yi instinctively pushed Su Tan’er away, but Manager Xi seized her, using her as a hostage to force Ning Yi to drop his hidden firearm. Ning Yi was brutally beaten, but just as he was about to collapse, a mysterious projectile struck one of the attackers.

Seizing the opportunity, Ning Yi retrieved his repaired firearm and fired a shot at Manager Xi’s feet, scaring off the assailants. From the shadows, Lu Hongti emerged, having saved Ning Yi. She then presented him with a book titled "300 Moves of Practical Martial Arts." Ning Yi, excited to finally learn martial arts, declared he would adopt the moniker "Bloody Slaughter." Lu Hongti then revealed her own name: Lu Hongti. Ning Yi, ever playful, remarked that her name sounded "delicious" before being chided by his new Master to begin his training.

Episode 15 Recap

Ning Yi expressed his desire to coin a heroic alias, proposing "Butcher of Bloody Hands" for himself, before inquiring about his master's name. Lu Hongti revealed her name, which Ning Yi commented sounded "delicious." Without further ado, Lu Hongti demonstrated a series of complex martial arts moves once before vanishing, leaving Ning Yi bewildered and complaining about her brief instruction.

Meanwhile, Su Tan'er's mother, now the wife of Jiangning's wealthiest family, engaged in a Mahjong game with her friends, proudly displaying her elaborate jewelry and the success of her son-in-law. Her joy quickly faded, however, as her friends subtly, then overtly, boasted about their adorable grandchildren, making her long for a grandchild of her own. Upon returning home, she confronted Su Tan'er, urging her to have children.

During their conversation, she unexpectedly discovered that a passage had been opened between Su Tan'er's main room and Ning Yi's wing room, indicating they were sleeping separately. Su Tan'er, feeling helpless, explained that such matters required Ning Yi's consent. Undeterred, her mother assertively ordered Chan to demolish Ning Yi's wing room, believing this would leave him no option but to sleep in the main bedroom. Seeing her mistress's implicit approval, Chan eagerly began dismantling Ning Yi's room.

Unbeknownst to them, Guard Geng, upon seeing the room in disarray, mistakenly believed it was an earthquake and diligently restored it to its original state. This cycle of demolition by Chan and restoration by Guard Geng continued, much to Chan's exhaustion. Eventually, the wing room's ceiling developed two large holes. Ning Yi, witnessing the damage, did not suspect Guard Geng, as they had been together the whole time.

Despite the open roof, Ning Yi remained in his wing room, much to Su Tan'er and Chan’s frustration as they waited in vain for him to move. A chance remark by a servant about the Second Branch's room accidentally catching fire in the past, forcing Young Master Wenxing to share a room with the Old Master, gave Su Tan'er an idea.

She began subtly removing all fire-fighting equipment, like buckets and dippers, from Ning Yi's wing room, feigning the need for repairs. Then, she deliberately set the wing room on fire. From a distance, Ning Yi and Guard Geng watched. Realizing Su Tan'er’s true intention, Ning Yi instructed Guard Geng to delay assisting with the fire, allowing it to burn further before finally calling for help. The fire was eventually extinguished.

Guard Geng lamented the potential loss of his beloved novels, but Su Tan'er calmly revealed that she had already packed all of Ning Yi's belongings, including his books, and even his preserved eggs and kite, in anticipation of this event. Guard Geng found her preparedness "too obvious." Seizing the opportunity, Su Tan'er's mother declared that with Ning Yi’s wing room burnt down, he had no choice but to share Su Tan'er’s room.

Su Tan'er feigned reluctance before agreeing, and Ning Yi, seeing no escape, reluctantly accepted. That night, in Su Tan'er's room, Ning Yi felt awkward. As they prepared for bed, they began to chat. Ning Yi asked about a bottle of "Tiger Wine," and Su Tan'er confirmed she had placed it there. She then took the initiative, pulling Ning Yi down.

Unbeknownst to the couple, Su Tan'er's mother, Chan, Guard Geng, and even Su Tan'er’s father were eagerly observing from the rooftop and courtyard, hoping for the consummation of the marriage. Elsewhere, in Wudu, Prime Minister Qin and Prime Minister Li summoned General Dong and General Wang to discuss a crucial northern expedition against Jing. Qin expressed confidence that the Emperor would soon formally endorse the plan, as the court was weary of the humiliating tributes paid to Jing.

They laid out a strategic two-pronged attack, planning for Generals Wang Bing and Yang Shike to advance along Xizhou and Qizhou, while Dong and Wang would lead cavalry through existing trade routes to surprise Jing's capital. Simultaneously, in the He Mansion in Wudu, the Grand Tutor appeared displeased, hinting at opposition to Prime Minister Qin's military ambitions. The morning after, Ning Yi and Su Tan'er discussed their plans for a "honeymoon" trip to the south.

Ning Yi explained that a honeymoon was the most joyful month a couple spent together after marriage. Su Tan'er, misunderstanding, worried this meant they would separate after a month, but Ning Yi earnestly reassured her that he would always find her, no matter where she went. Su Tan'er insisted on bringing Chan, declaring she wouldn’t go otherwise. Ning Yi, though initially desiring a private trip, conceded. Guard Geng then interjected, volunteering to join them, claiming he could protect them.

Ning Yi initially teased him about his weight and suggested he exercise more at home. However, Guard Geng surprised everyone by displaying an encyclopedic knowledge of southern travel routes, local landscapes, and hidden delicacies. He passionately advocated for a route directly south, culminating in Lin'an City, which he described as one of the richest and most culturally vibrant cities in the Wu Dynasty.

Impressed by Guard Geng's unexpected expertise, Ning Yi enthusiastically appointed him as their official guide, celebrating their upcoming adventure. As Ning Yi and Su Tan'er prepared for their journey, Su Tan'er's mother meticulously packed an excessive amount of luggage, including an entire carriage filled with clothes, beddings, edible bird’s nests, and preserved fruits, making it seem as though they were fleeing a disaster.

Su Tan'er urged her mother to lighten their load, reminding her they would only be gone for half a month and only needed necessities. Just as they were about to depart, the Second Master and his son appeared and called out to Ning Yi.

Episode 16 Recap

As Ning Yi made preparations for his upcoming journey, Su Zhongkan and his son, Su Wenxing, approached him, offering an anti-bug balm for his trip south, where they claimed poisonous insects were rampant. Ning Yi, seeing through their feigned generosity, directly asked what they wanted. Su Zhongkan explained that since Ning Yi had closed all of Su’s Cloth Store, they had been idle and wished for some work, with Su Wenxing complaining of his mind growing dull.

Ning Yi initially refused, stating there were enough hands. However, the father and son desperately pleaded, promising to undertake any task, no matter how arduous. Convinced by their earnestness, Ning Yi suggested they seek employment at Nie Yunzhu’s newly opened Zhu Restaurant, which was in need of staff. Overjoyed, the two men expressed their gratitude, believing Ning Yi was testing their humility.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Nie Yunzhu confirmed Ning Yi’s introduction but expressed concern the work might be beneath them. Su Zhongkan, dismissing such worries, insisted they were willing to do anything and eagerly donned the restaurant’s uniform, enthusiastically greeting customers and even reprimanding his son for trying to take over. Su Tan’er embarked on her first distant journey. Her mother had prepared an excessive amount of supplies, reminding her to write letters frequently.

Ning Yi reassured his mother-in-law that he would care for Su Tan’er. Though her father did not come to see them off in person, he sent a servant with a pouch. Su Tan’er later opened it to find a small pair of scissors. She recounted that these were from her childhood, given by her father to make clothes for her dolls.

As she grew older, she dreamed of owning her own cloth store, a desire her father strongly opposed, and the scissors had mysteriously disappeared. Ning Yi told her that her father returning the scissors now signified his heartfelt acceptance of her aspirations. Unseen by them, her father had watched their carriage recede into the distance from a mountainside before finally turning for home.

In the imperial capital, Right Chancellor Qin Siyuan’s influence was widespread, with many high-ranking officials, including Minister of War Tan Chen, Minister of Works Liu Juyuan, Vice Minister of Revenue He You, Vice Minister of War Wu Min, and Minister of Works Yan Daozhang, being his former students. They were gathered at his mansion, eager for the imminent northern expedition against Jing.

Meanwhile, in his own residence, Grand Tutor He remained calm amidst the urgency, telling his aide that they needed to be patient for the "fish to bite the hook." Soon after, an imperial edict arrived, summoning Grand Tutor He to court. The Emperor, surprised by Grand Tutor He’s prompt and humble acceptance after decades of absence, inquired about the process. His eunuch confirmed that Grand Tutor He had indeed knelt respectfully and promised to attend court early.

The eunuch then presented a special rice cake, homemade by Grand Tutor He, who ostensibly wished to ease the Emperor’s burden from tirelessly governing the nation. The Emperor, after a brief look, promptly gifted the delicacy to his eunuch. Ning Yi and his companions began their journey, relying on Guard Geng’s self-drawn map. Ning Yi initially praised the map for its detailed listings of scenic spots and local delicacies.

Their first stop, a place marked for plum syrup, turned out to be an outhouse. Guard Geng tried to explain it away, but an elderly local confirmed it had always been an outhouse. Undeterred, Guard Geng led them to the "Fanghuachi Spring," which was nothing more than a shallow puddle. Exasperated, Ning Yi and Chan told Guard Geng to return to Jiangning with his "crap map."

Guard Geng insisted the water was warm and urged them to dig for the true spring. Ning Yi, refusing to indulge him further, declared that trusting Guard Geng had been his life's biggest mistake. Guard Geng then begged for another chance, suggesting they go west to Chaoyin Cave, promising ancient wonders and mountain delicacies. Ning Yi, however, decided to head east to "Ziluo Sea," believing a large body of water couldn't be a fabrication.

As they departed, Guard Geng excitedly pointed out that water was indeed bubbling from the "puddle" he had dug, but his calls went unheard. Their eastward journey led them to "Ziluo Sea," which was a sheer cliff. Guard Geng, pointing to seashells, argued it was "evidence" of a prehistoric sea, but eventually admitted his entire map was concocted from a novel, "Classic of Mountains and Seas."

Frustrated beyond measure, Ning Yi declared they would go directly to Lin'an, which Chan confirmed was a real city, as Su Tan'er was born there. Simultaneously, in the outskirts of Lin'an, a swordsman named Chen Fan intercepted four farmers, instructing his men to exchange clothes with them and adopt their guise, while he settled into a sedan chair for travel. That night, they reached Lin'an's North City Gate, only to find it sealed.

Ning Yi, irritated, boasted he possessed Right Chancellor Qin Siyuan’s personal dagger, claiming it could open any gate, even those of the imperial palace. However, the guards on the wall, unable to see the dagger in the dark, brusquely told him to leave, threatening to shoot arrows. With no other option, they sought lodging at a house outside the city walls.

An elderly woman initially suspected them of being bandits but let them in after Ning Yi assured her of their good intentions. She offered them a small upstairs room, which could not accommodate everyone. Ning Yi arranged for Su Tan’er and Chan to share the room, while he and Guard Geng would sleep on the floor downstairs. Inside, Chan asked Su Tan’er when she had fallen in love with Ning Yi.

Su Tan’er mused that it had happened naturally and gradually, explaining that love meant constantly thinking of the other person, wishing to see them day and night, and being unable to sleep from missing them. Chan loudly repeated this to Ning Yi, who, despite his own longing, remained downstairs due to the lack of space. As Ning Yi tried to rest, Guard Geng's unruly sleeping habits made it impossible.

Ning Yi got up, and seeing him awake, Guard Geng also rose and presented a few pages of a novel he was writing, asking for Ning Yi’s critique. Ning Yi noted its brevity, and Guard Geng admitted he was stuck. Ning Yi advised him that truly great writing required vast life experience, "seeing all walks of life."

Guard Geng then confessed his previous tales of a wandering swordsman’s life were fabrications; he was simply a poor man who, unable to conduct business, became a guard in the Su family. He admitted he gained worldly knowledge only through novels and expressed profound admiration for Ning Yi and Su Tan'er's business success, wishing for such capabilities in a future life. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by sounds of fighting emanating from the forest.

Ning Yi, instructing Guard Geng to stay behind and watch over Su Tan’er, stealthily followed the commotion. He discovered a fierce battle between soldiers and bandits. He noticed a young girl, Liu Xigua, calmly perched in a tree, eating watermelon and observing the conflict. Ning Yi advised her to go home, as the area was dangerous, but she vanished the moment he turned his head.

Without hesitation, Ning Yi fired his firearm into a tree, the loud blast bringing the chaotic fight to a sudden halt. He confronted the bandits, chastising them for attacking imperial soldiers. When asked for his name, Ning Yi boldly declared himself "Wu Qihao of Jiangning," daring them to leave or face his "bullets." Intimidated by the unfamiliar weapon, the bandits retreated, with Ning Yi mockingly shouting after them to seek revenge in Jiangning.

A Captain from the Wude Camp, Yuan Dingqi, approached and thanked "Wu Qihao" for his timely intervention. Ning Yi then clarified his true identity as Ning Yi, courtesy name Liheng, explaining that "Wu Qihao" was merely the name of his rival in love, a revelation that amused Yuan Dingqi.

Yuan Dingqi identified the attackers as a notorious group of "bandits," their primary leader being Xu Fang, a formidable fighter known for his dual knives, and their ultimate chief, Liu Dabiao, also called "Lord of Sword," a rough individual recognized for his full beard and chest hair. Ning Yi admitted he hadn’t noticed the chest hair. Yuan Dingqi reiterated his gratitude, offering Ning Yi assistance at the Wude Camp if he ever encountered trouble in Lin'an, before departing.

Ning Yi assured him he would cover their retreat. In the imperial court, Right Chancellor Qin Siyuan and his allied ministers, including Tan Chen and Liu Juyuan, vigorously urged the Emperor to immediately sanction the northern expedition, emphasizing that General Dong’s forces were prepared. Their impassioned pleas were cut short by the unexpected arrival of Grand Tutor He, who had long been absent from court.

After a respectful greeting, Grand Tutor He, having been granted a seat, declared his intention to impeach Right Chancellor Qin Siyuan. A brief commotion ensued, with some officials defending Qin Siyuan’s loyalty and others upholding Grand Tutor He’s authority. The Emperor intervened, silencing the debate, and demanded to know Qin Siyuan’s crime. Grand Tutor He accused Qin Siyuan of "deceiving the Emperor," citing the existence of a secretly built powder magazine in Lin'an as evidence.

He pressed the Emperor on whether he had been aware of this facility before Qin Siyuan’s return to power, to which the Emperor admitted his ignorance. Grand Tutor He then argued that constructing such a massive armory without imperial consent constituted an undeniable act of deceit. As the Emperor sought his ministers' counsel, many echoed Grand Tutor He’s sentiment, condemning Qin Siyuan’s "arrogance" and demanding punishment according to imperial law.

Amidst the rising clamor for his downfall, Qin Siyuan stepped forward, knelt before the Emperor, and calmly accepted his guilt. He confessed to deceiving His Majesty and secretly manufacturing gunpowder after his four-year retirement. He acknowledged his crimes of usurpation and deceit deserved death, and, recognizing his high position as Right Chancellor, accepted that his guilt was compounded, meriting the implication of his entire family.

Episode 17 Recap

Qin Siyuan knelt before the Emperor, confessing his grave crimes of secretly building a gunpowder depot and deceiving the monarch. He declared that these actions warranted execution and the implication of his entire clan. His disciples were distraught and planned to plead on his behalf, but Qin Siyuan, having anticipated this situation, instructed them to instead fully second Grand Tutor He Yuanchang's impeachment against him in court. He believed this daring, indirect move was their only chance for survival.

The Emperor, though acknowledging Qin Siyuan's deception, recognized that the creation of the Lin'an military gunpowder warehouse and the three hundred cannons were ultimately for the benefit and prosperity of the Wu Dynasty. Consequently, the Emperor commuted Qin Siyuan's death sentence, punishing him instead with a three-year salary deduction and a demotion by half a rank. Relieved, Qin Siyuan expressed his gratitude.

Feeling weary, the Emperor then dismissed the court, preventing further discussion on pressing matters such as the northern expedition. Meanwhile, Ning Yi, Su Tan'er, Chan, and Guard Geng arrived in Lin'an, a bustling city that impressed Su Tan'er, especially as it was the first day of the market. They stopped at a portrait stall where Ning Yi and Su Tan'er decided to draw each other.

Ning Yi's modern drawing style amused Su Tan'er, who playfully criticized his depiction of her as looking like a "wanted poster." She then showed off her own drawing of Ning Yi, complimenting his handsomeness, much to his delight. They then looked at Chan’s drawing, which Ning Yi teased was her self-portrait or a depiction of her future husband.

Finally, they saw Guard Geng's drawing of a beautiful woman whom both Su Tan'er and Ning Yi felt they recognized from Jiangning, though they couldn't place her. Guard Geng, blushing, quickly tried to hide his drawing. While wandering, Ning Yi and Guard Geng noticed a crowd gathered around an old man, Qian Xiwen, a renowned and respected figure in Lin'an, known for his regular charitable acts during festivals.

Guard Geng shared that he had read Qian Xiwen's well-known sinology editorials, which were considered enlightening across the Wu Dynasty. After buying some snacks for Su Tan'er, Ning Yi suggested exploring more local sights like Mountain Qingyue and Hui’s Lake. However, Su Tan'er revealed she had arranged to meet an old acquaintance from her childhood in Lin'an, with whom she had maintained correspondence for years. She asked Ning Yi and Guard Geng to explore on their own.

Feeling a pang of jealousy and suspicion, Ning Yi discreetly followed Su Tan'er, who entered the Lou Family Cloth Store after purchasing a book. Guard Geng informed Ning Yi that the Lou Family Cloth Store was the largest in Lin'an, with close ties to the Su Family and a history as royal merchants, supplying tributary cloth to the imperial court. The family was led by Lou Shuheng and Lou Jinlin, with Lou Shuheng managing the cloth store.

Guard Geng speculated that Su Tan'er's old friend might be Lou Shuheng. Ning Yi noticed the Lou Family's store layout, including designated parking spaces, high-priced and low-priced sections, and clothing displays, mirrored the innovations he had introduced to the Su Family Cloth Store. He immediately suspected Su Tan'er of "betraying" their family's business by sharing their designs with the Lou Family. Agitated, Ning Yi confronted a clerk, demanding to know Su Tan'er's whereabouts, his accent betraying his urgency.

The clerk revealed Su Tan'er and the "manager" were in the fitting room. Enraged, Ning Yi rushed upstairs, where he found Su Tan'er emerging from the fitting room in a new dress. Convinced she was with Lou Shuheng, Ning Yi drew his blunderbuss and demanded the "Mr. Lou" inside to come out. To his astonishment, a beautiful woman emerged. Startled, Ning Yi covered his eyes, accidentally discharging the blunderbuss and injuring a customer.

Realizing his colossal mistake, Ning Yi profusely apologized to both Su Tan'er and the injured customer, taking full responsibility for the damages. He learned that Su Tan'er's actual old friend was Lou Shuwan, the young lady who had emerged from the fitting room. Lou Shuwan, understanding Ning Yi's concern for Su Tan'er, forgave him.

Ning Yi was further surprised to discover that all the modern business ideas he'd observed in the Lou Family Cloth Store – the parking spaces, partitioned sales areas, and clothing displays – were entirely Lou Shuwan's own innovations. This led Ning Yi to suspect that Lou Shuwan might also be a transmigrator from a modern era. On the carriage ride to the Lou Mansion, Ning Yi attempted to test Lou Shuwan by asking for her "Wi-Fi code" and "QR code."

Lou Shuwan, completely unfamiliar with these terms, offered to show him her family's horses and later suggested cooking chicken, mistaking "mobile phone" for a type of "chicken." Su Tan'er, embarrassed by Ning Yi's increasingly bizarre behavior, finally slapped him, which brought him to a halt. Upon arriving at the Lou Mansion, Lou Shuwan led Su Tan'er to an old loom.

They fondly reminisced about their childhood, making a pinky swear to one day open the largest cloth store in the Wu Dynasty, big enough to clothe everyone. Su Tan'er expressed how Lou Shuwan had inspired her to pursue the fabric business despite opposition. Meanwhile, outside, Ning Yi continued to tease Guard Geng about the woman in his portrait, guessing various household maids before finally identifying her as Procuress Yang from the Jiangning Xinmen Brothel.

Guard Geng, embarrassed, begged Ning Yi to keep his secret until he had enough money to marry her. As they were playfully bickering, Lou Shuheng, Lou Shuwan's brother, grandly entered, immediately turning his attention to Su Tan'er. He tried to flirt with her, dismissing Lou Shuwan and disrespectfully telling her to "roll back to the cloth store." Lou Shuheng then attempted to force Su Tan'er to a restaurant for drinks.

Seeing Su Tan'er in distress, Ning Yi quickly intervened, confronting Lou Shuheng and ordering him to release Su Tan'er. Lou Shuheng, looking down on Ning Yi as a mere matrilocal husband, arrogantly boasted about his status and threatened to break Ning Yi's legs. Without hesitation, Ning Yi fired his blunderbuss, shooting off Lou Shuheng's topknot, demonstrating his resolve. Terrified, Lou Shuheng backed down.

Lou Shuwan pleaded with Ning Yi to spare her brother, which he did before leading Su Tan'er away. Unbeknownst to them, after their departure, Lou Shuheng, enraged and humiliated, took out his frustration on his sister. He confiscated her right to manage the cloth store and demanded that she arrange a private meeting with Su Tan'er at the Dongli Restaurant.

When Lou Shuwan hesitated, pointing out that Su Tan'er was a married woman, Lou Shuheng slapped her violently to force her compliance. Later, Ning Yi, Su Tan'er, and Guard Geng were enjoying a meal at a restaurant in Lin'an, sampling various regional delicacies. They were surprised when a plate of preserved eggs was sent to their table. Recognizing this as a signal, Ning Yi called out, and his four "brothers" from the Men's Virtue Academy quickly rushed down.

Ning Yi led everyone to a beautiful, elegant mansion in Taiping Alley, which he had secretly purchased for Su Tan'er, intending for it to be their permanent residence in Lin'an. That evening, Ning Yi gathered his friends for a drink, and Su Tan'er, uncharacteristically, didn't object.

Ning Yi revealed he had anticipated their arrival and had already devised a comprehensive plan to dominate Lin'an's market, recognizing it as a crucial commercial hub and "the country's granary," key to capturing half the national market. Their first target was the South Gate. However, that very night, calamity struck as a horde of bandits stormed into Lin'an City through the South Gate, overwhelming the local soldiers and ruthlessly attacking the populace.

Episode 18 Recap

Ning Yi and his companions, oblivious to the growing unrest outside their secluded courtyard, celebrated their ambitious plans for Lin'an. Ning Yi outlined their strategy to open a branch of Zhu near the local government office after securing key city streets, envisioning a thriving future. As his friends vied for the position of shopkeeper, Ning Yi surprised them all by entrusting the role to Guard Geng.

Ning Yi explained his decision, praising Guard Geng's talent as a writer and emphasizing that the new position would provide him with valuable experiences necessary to enrich his storytelling. Guard Geng was deeply touched by Ning Yi's unexpected foresight and care, especially when Ning Yi encouraged him to consider his own happiness and marry the woman he loved. While the group raised toasts to Zhu and Lin'an, outside their joyful gathering, a terrifying reality unfolded.

Bandits had violently breached Lin'an's North Gate, immediately descending into a brutal campaign of plunder, burning, and killing, and were about to enter the Prefecture Yamen. The city's officials desperately mobilized the Wude Camp to defend the government office and protect the powder magazine. Amidst the spreading terror, Grand Tutor He, in a stark contrast to the city's plight, appeared unsettlingly content and restless, enjoying the night sky, seemingly excited by the chaos.

The following morning, Ning Yi, still hazy from the night's revelry, ventured out for breakfast. He initially mistook the numerous bodies littering the streets for drunken revellers, even scolding some for sleeping in broad daylight. However, the sight of blood quickly shattered his illusions, revealing the grim reality of a city devastated by the bandit invasion. He cautiously returned to his small courtyard, which had also been infiltrated by bandits.

Outnumbered, Ning Yi, Guard Geng, and their companions were forced to hide and use fire-guns to fend off the intruders. Shortly after, Lou Shuwan arrived, having braved the perilous streets to bring them food. She explained that bandits were specifically targeting merchants, making it dangerous for them to venture out. Lou Shuwan, confident in her ability to navigate the city's narrow alleys unnoticed, then delivered the dire news: the Wude Camp was struggling, and Lin'an had likely fallen.

She confirmed that all four city gates were under bandit control, leaving no apparent escape route. As they absorbed this bleak information, bandits detected their presence in the courtyard, forcing them to prepare for another confrontation. Just as Ning Yi's group braced for impact, the distinct sound of gunpowder explosions erupted outside, followed by the unexpected appearance of General Yuan Dingqi of the Wude Camp, who had cleared the immediate threat.

General Yuan informed them of the overwhelming number of bandits, confirming them as Fang Tianlei's formidable forces, and relayed the Wude Camp's new defensive orders: to protect Lin'an while evacuating civilians. He revealed a potential escape route – a wharf north of the city, accessible via a narrow gate on the west, where boats would be waiting. Relieved, Ning Yi and his friends expressed gratitude and began preparing to leave, some humorously anticipating their return home.

Lou Shuwan, however, insisted on returning to her own home first to gather her father and brother before joining them at the wharf, and Ning Yi asked General Yuan to escort her to ensure her safety. Meanwhile, within the bandit ranks, Commander Liu Xigua confronted her subordinates for abducting women, expressing strong disapproval despite their attempts to justify it by citing Commander Bao Wenhan's preferences. She quickly sought out Bao Wenhan, finding him in crude revelry with captured women.

Liu Xigua sharply criticized his actions, arguing that his widespread looting and abduction were creating deep public resentment in Lin'an, their intended base. She reminded him that her Badao Camp had opened the city gates for his Xuanwei Camp not for such atrocities.

Bao Wenhan defiantly stated that his camp's role was to acquire wealth, not maintain public order, and asserted that all his actions were sanctioned by the Holy Master, daring Liu Xigua to seek recourse from him directly upon his expected arrival that night. Enraged, Liu Xigua sliced a table in half, vowing to personally intervene against anyone causing further chaos.

Separately, Liu Xigua also displayed a surprisingly compassionate side, correcting a child who called her "uncle" to instead call her "brother," and advising the family to lock their doors, store food, and protect each other, even in her absence. Ning Yi, amidst the preparations for departure, tried to give Su Tan'er the dagger bestowed upon him by Right Chancellor Qin Siyuan for her protection. Unaccustomed to weaponry, she declined, fearing it might fall into enemy hands.

General Yuan Dingqi, observing their exchange, immediately recognized the dagger as Qin Siyuan's personal blade, a symbol of authority for the Commander-in-Chief of the Secret Investigation Department. He respectfully saluted Ning Yi as "Commander Ning," proclaiming him the future hope of the department, and implored him to stay and lead the defense of Lin'an. Ning Yi initially protested, citing his status as a mere matrilocal husband, but his indecision was cut short by a signal flare in the sky.

General Yuan revealed that the flare signaled the death of Chen Damu, Commander Bao Wenhan's vice general, in Taiping Alley, indicating that all city bandits were now converging on their position. With the main powder magazine lost and only four remaining boxes of gunpowder, General Yuan prepared to sacrifice himself to buy precious time for civilians to reach the wharf. However, Ning Yi, recognizing the futility of such a small sacrifice against overwhelming odds, made a swift decision.

Despite Su Tan'er's tearful pleas, he ordered Guard Geng to take her to safety at the wharf. Ning Yi then took command, rallying the Wude Camp soldiers for a decisive last stand, wielding Qin Siyuan's dagger as a symbol of his authority. News of Lin'an's fall quickly reached the imperial court, igniting a fierce debate among ministers.

One faction advocated for an immediate northern expedition against a supposedly weakened Jing, while others warned against the dangers of a two-front war, citing Lin'an's strategic importance as a military stronghold and granary, especially with bandits having seized firearms. The Emperor, caught in the dilemma, remained secluded in his chambers, unwilling to face his officials.

He acknowledged his decree to conquer Jing but expressed deep concern that losing Lin'an would severely impact the nation's food supply, thus delaying any northern military action. Right Chancellor Qin offered a comprehensive plan, suggesting a two-pronged attack with a main army heading north and a forbidden army moving south to support Lin'an, promising swift victory and the consolidation of all available gunpowder for the northern campaign.

Yet, the Emperor, though praising Qin's foresight, merely dismissed the court session, postponing any decision. Meanwhile, Grand Tutor He, fully aware of the court's deadlock and Qin Siyuan's frustrated private meeting with the Emperor, remained outwardly unperturbed, even meticulously ordering a subordinate to acquire a sweet cake with red beans, emphasizing the need for ice to keep it fresh, a stark display of his calculated indifference amidst the national crisis.

Back in Lin'an, Ning Yi sat calmly atop a gunpowder box, eating noodles, having already devised a plan to leverage their limited explosives against the approaching bandit horde. Su Tan'er's group, attempting to reach the wharf under escort, was ambushed. Their accompanying officers were quickly overwhelmed and killed, leaving the civilians exposed.

Seeing Su Tan'er in peril, the four trembling brothers from the Academy of Male Virtuousness courageously stepped forward, shouting challenges to divert the bandits' attention, allowing Su Tan'er and Guard Geng to continue their escape to the wharf. Soon after, Commander Bao Wenhan arrived with a large contingent of bandits at Taiping Alley, confronting Ning Yi. He demanded to know if Ning Yi was responsible for Chen Damu's death, to which Ning Yi, unfazed, merely chastised him for interrupting his meal.

Episode 19 Recap

In the chaotic streets of Lin'an, Ning Yi sat calmly, eating noodles, as Bao Wenhan and his men arrived, demanding the return of his vice general, Chen Damu. Bao Wenhan ordered Wang Jin to seize Ning Yi, but Ning Yi swiftly lit a fuse, causing an explosion that killed several of Bao Wenhan’s men, terrifying the rest. Ning Yi then lit a thick fuse, bluffing about a massive explosion that would result in mutual destruction.

Bao Wenhan, disbelieving, sent more men, but after seeing the initial explosion, his men hesitated. Ning Yi, knowing his second fuse was a dummy, pretended to calmly walk away. Realizing he had been tricked when the fuse burned out without an explosion, Bao Wenhan ordered a full pursuit. Observing from a rooftop, Liu Xigua found Ning Yi quite interesting and subtly aided his escape by misdirecting Bao Wenhan’s men.

Despite her help, Ning Yi eventually found himself cornered in a dead end, where Bao Wenhan prepared to set him ablaze with a wine jug. General Yuan timely rescued Ning Yi, and they sought refuge in an old house. Ning Yi tried to warn General Yuan that Liu Dabiao was actually a woman, but General Yuan scoffed at the idea, describing Liu Dabiao as a fierce, rough, and even hairy man.

Concerned about their dire situation, General Yuan asked Ning Yi to deliver a message to his mother if he survived, a request Ning Yi immediately dismissed, claiming such words always precede a character's death. Meanwhile, at the wharf, Su Tan'er waited anxiously for Ning Yi, refusing to board a ship without him, despite the urgent pleas of her guard, who warned her of the danger.

Back at the sand field, General Yuan and his remaining Wude soldiers, who had suffered heavy losses, had set up their final defense line, planting black powder. General Yuan urged Ning Yi to escape to the wharf and ensure his own safety. As Ning Yi departed, Chen Fan, observing with Liu Xigua, remarked that Ning Yi was nothing but a coward deserter. Liu Xigua, however, believed there was more to Ning Yi and decided to continue watching.

At the wharf, Ning Yi, recalling General Yuan's solemn vow to fight to the last man, firmly sent Su Tan'er and her group onto a ship. Just as the Wude soldiers clashed with the bandits, Ning Yi returned to the battle, crossbow in hand. Bao Wenhan, surprised but disdainful of Ning Yi's return, had captured General Yuan’s subordinate. To prevent himself from becoming a burden, the subordinate bravely committed suicide.

Enraged, Ning Yi fired his crossbow, igniting a pile of black powder amidst the bandits, which exploded, destroying Bao Wenhan and his remaining forces along with the fallen Wude soldiers. Concurrently, Minister He visited the Emperor late at night, finding him engaged in revelry. Upon seeing Minister He, the Emperor quickly composed himself. Minister He, leveraging their long-standing relationship, brought up state affairs.

The Emperor shared Right Chancellor Qin's plan to continue the northern expedition against Jing while sending a separate force south to Lin'an. Minister He offered what appeared to be counsel, but effectively pushed the difficult decision back to the Emperor, stating that the nation was the Emperor's home, and he, like a piece of cake, could be chosen or discarded at the Emperor's will.

He emphasized that the decree for the northern expedition could not be revoked and that only the Emperor could decide where to deploy the singular General Dong. In the suburbs of Lin'an, Holy Master Fang Tianlei, accompanied by his trusted lieutenants Fang Qiong and Shao Xianying, inspected the captured powder magazine.

He became enraged upon seeing a subordinate using an open flame and instantly killed him, asserting that the area was a crucial military stronghold where even a spark could cause a massive explosion. Fang Qiong expressed concern about the sheer amount of captured gunpowder and the inevitable attention it would draw from the imperial court. Fang Tianlei dismissed her worries, explaining that one box of gunpowder was just gunpowder, but ten thousand boxes represented "prospect."

He then ordered the captured craftsmen to convert one thousand large cannons into firearms within seven days, threatening to kill one person for every firearm not produced. When the elder craftsman refused, Fang Tianlei demonstrated his ruthlessness by killing another craftsman, forcing the remaining workers to comply. News of Lin'an's fall, the annihilation of the Wude Camp, and the seizure of the powder magazine by Fang Tianlei's forces quickly reached the capital.

The Emperor, now deeply distressed, immediately drafted an imperial decree, ordering General Dong Daofu to abandon his northern campaign and instead lead 100,000 troops south to Lin'an to suppress the bandits. Ning Yi awoke in a room, disoriented, remembering Bao Wenhan's attempt to kill him. Chen Fan appeared, offering him clothes, and led him outside to the dilapidated Wude Camp, now overrun by bandits.

Ning Yi was brought before Liu Dabiao, who revealed herself to be Liu Xigua, the adopted daughter of Holy Master Fang Tianlei, and offered him the position of military counselor for her 4,000-strong Badao Camp. Ning Yi, initially unwilling, sarcastically accepted, remarking that he had previously warned the Wude soldiers that Liu Dabiao was a girl, but no one believed him, leading to their downfall.

Liu Xigua instructed her men to treat Ning Yi with respect as their new military counselor, but kept his firearm, ensuring he remained dependent. Chen Fan offered to keep an eye on Ning Yi, doubting the ability of Liu Xigua’s men to control him, but Liu Xigua dismissed him, confident Ning Yi would not escape. In Jiangning, Su Zhongkan and his son meticulously drew parking lines outside Zhu’s shop, feigning diligence for show.

Yuan Jin'er rushed back to inform Nie Yunzhu of Lin'an's fall and the unconfirmed fates of Ning Yi and Su Tan'er. Nie Yunzhu, distraught, immediately went to the Su family mansion, bringing Su Zhongkan and his son with her. The Su family elders were horrified; First Master Su collapsed upon hearing that Su Tan'er might be executed on the spot. While everyone else worried, Su Zhongkan privately saw an opportunity. He then theatrically presented a "solution" to the Elder Master.

He suggested that Ning Yi and Su Tan'er's trip was a "honeymoon," implying they would travel slowly and might not have reached Lin'an yet. He proposed sending men to search for them along the trade route. If that failed, he and his son, Wenxing, would "risk their lives" by sneaking into Lin'an to rescue them, proclaiming their loyalty and regretting their past resentments towards Ning Yi and Su Tan'er. Su Zhongkan swore that he would rescue them even if it meant sacrificing himself, earning the Elder Master’s approval.

Episode 20 Recap

Elder Master sent household guards and armed escorts with Su Zhongkan and Su Wenxing for their journey, but Su Zhongkan refused them. He asserted that a large entourage would only slow them down and endanger Su Tan'er and Ning Yi, insisting that he and Su Wenxing would travel alone in a carriage to save time and increase their chances of a swift rescue.

The Elder Master, though hesitant, ultimately agreed, cautioning them to be careful and not to overextend themselves if they couldn't find the couple. Nie Yunzhu and Yun Jin'er, impressed by what they perceived as Su Zhongkan's selflessness and righteousness, promised that Zhu Restaurant would not let them down. Nie Yunzhu even pledged to entrust the management of Zhu Restaurant to them if they successfully brought Ning Yi back.

Both Su Zhongkan and Su Wenxing readily accepted, vowing to risk their lives for the mission. Once away from Jiangning, Su Wenxing expressed confusion about traveling to Linan, knowing it was overrun with bandits. Su Zhongkan revealed his true intentions, producing a travel sketch he had stolen from Guard Geng’s room, which outlined Ning Yi and Su Tan'er's honeymoon itinerary, featuring attractions like plum juice and hot springs.

Su Zhongkan explained their real plan: to follow this map for their own leisurely trip, enjoying the sights and comforts. He instructed Su Wenxing that if they found Ning Yi and Su Tan'er, they would bring them back for accolades and to take over Zhu Restaurant. If they failed to find them, they would simply return looking disheveled and exaggerate the hardships they faced, thus earning "hardship" credit and still laying claim to Zhu Restaurant.

Su Wenxing finally grasped his father’s clever, two-birds-with-one-stone strategy and expressed his admiration. Meanwhile, the wealthy Lou family had been seized by the bandits. Lou Jinlin, who claimed his lifetime savings were all accounted for, was beaten when the bandits found little money, while Lou Shuwan was injured attempting to protect her father. Lou Shuheng, discovered trembling under a table, desperately offered all his hidden silver to the bandits of Xuanwei Camp, begging not to be thrown into jail.

In the capital, Right Chancellor Qin, faced with an unchallengeable imperial decree, dispatched General Dong to Linan. Qin provided Dong with a battle plan to retake the city swiftly, emphasizing Linan's critical military importance to the Wu Dynasty, especially with ongoing conflicts in the north. General Dong assured the Right Chancellor he would not fail in his mission.

In the bandit camp, Ning Yi, now a "military counselor," found himself constantly monitored by four large, burly guards named "A Life For A Life." He shared watermelon with them and commented on their unusual name, joking they should be called "Repay the Debt," only to be told that group existed elsewhere. The guards explained they were adopted by Holy Master Fang Tianlei, and had followed Commander Liu Xigua since childhood.

Ning Yi found their constant surveillance, even accompanying him to the latrine, incredibly frustrating. Unable to sleep, he pretended to work on documents and threatened his guards with menial and unpleasant chores like cleaning latrines and cesspits. This tactic worked, as the guards, though still keeping him in sight, moved away to play dice. Ning Yi then joined their game, using his cunning to win all their money.

He generously returned their winnings, then encouraged them to invite other patrolling guards to join the game, turning his room into a raucous gambling den filled with drinking. The next morning, with all the guards in his room still passed out drunk, Ning Yi seized his chance to escape. His attempt was short-lived, however, as he stumbled into Chen Fan's private bathing courtyard and was immediately apprehended.

Chen Fan dragged him back, scolding the "A Life For A Life" guards for their lax watch and reiterating Liu Xigua's command that Ning Yi was not to leave until all official documents were processed. The guards, now even more vigilant and less friendly, resumed their watch, treating Ning Yi like a prisoner. Ning Yi reluctantly resigned himself to the task, lamenting having to do "homework" years after graduating.

Elsewhere, Bao Wenhan, still seething from Liu Xigua's intervention, was summoned by Holy Master Fang Tianlei. During the meeting, a subordinate reported that while most prominent families like Qian, Mu, Tang, and Chang had surrendered after the Lou family, Master Qian Xiwen remained defiant. Bao Wenhan argued for his immediate execution as a warning.

Fang Tianlei, however, cautioned against such a hasty move, citing Master Qian's high prestige and the risk of public unrest, as they had just taken the city. Bao Wenhan dismissed the concerns, insisting that anyone unwilling to submit should be killed to instill fear.

Liu Xigua sharply rebuked him, calling him a "reckless brute" and arguing that killing Master Qian would make it impossible for them to gain a foothold in Linan, which they needed to govern like a home with established rules. She further criticized Bao Wenhan's Xuanwei Camp for their rampant abuses, including looting and kidnapping women, which were turning the people against them.

Enraged by her defiance, Bao Wenhan attempted to strike Liu Xigua, but Holy Master Fang Tianlei intervened, stopping him and sternly reprimanding his conduct. Fang Tianlei then issued a clear decree: anyone who arbitrarily killed would be severely punished, even executed. As Bao Wenhan left, he was openly scorned by the public. He secretly ordered his subordinate, Zheng Biao, to discretely eliminate the ringleaders of the dissenting crowd, ensuring Fang Tianlei remained unaware.

Later, Liu Xigua expressed her discontent to Fang Tianlei, believing he hadn't sufficiently punished Bao Wenhan. Fang Tianlei patiently explained that Bao Wenhan's considerable influence within the Xuanwei Camp made a harsh punishment impractical at a time when they needed all capable hands, as it could destabilize the morale. Liu Xigua's aunt then approached, attempting to set her up for marriage, suggesting the handsome Young Master of the Dou Minzhong family.

Liu Xigua, flustered, quickly excused herself, claiming urgent matters in her camp, and hurried away, leaving her aunt and Fang Tianlei to discuss her reluctance and Chen Fan's apparent admiration for her. Liu Xigua then confronted Ning Yi in his room, questioning if his role as her military counselor felt beneath him given his escape attempt.

Ning Yi, in turn, offered sharp, unsolicited advice, urging her to accelerate repairs on the south city wall, halt the ineffective grain distribution in the eastern part of the city, and ensure Master Qian was treated with respect and care in prison, as his well-being was crucial for the populace's peace of mind. He subtly blamed Chen Fan for hindering his work and confining him.

Impressed by Ning Yi's strategic insights, Liu Xigua defended her "military counselor" and instructed Chen Fan, who was present, to return to his security duties and stop loitering around the Badao Camp. Ning Yi then requested a walk, and Liu Xigua readily permitted it, with Chen Fan unable to object. Meanwhile, Su Zhongkan and Su Wenxing’s "honeymoon" trip led them to a location on their stolen map marked "plum juice." To their dismay, it turned out to be a latrine.

Su Wenxing tried to rationalize it, suggesting it might be a local delicacy that, like stinky tofu, smelled terrible but tasted good, but Su Zhongkan was exasperated by his son's foolishness, still hoping to find the advertised plum juice within the unsavory locale.

Episode 21 Recap

Chen Fan expressed his apprehension about Liu Xigua appointing Ning Yi as her Counsellor, fearing she had been deceived by a stranger. Liu Xigua, however, believed Ning Yi was Wu Qihao, the man who had saved General Yuan.

She had sent people to Jiangning to investigate Wu Qihao, and the report confirmed he was the esteemed young master of the Wu’s Cloth Store, known for his decisive nature, but also notorious as a lecher who once attempted to assault a wealthy young lady. Despite this information, Liu Xigua decided to keep him, reasoning that his abilities outweighed his moral character, much to Chen Fan’s frustration. She even remarked that their camp already had its share of rogues.

Ning Yi soon attempted to leave the camp but was repeatedly stopped by guards who informed him that only the Commander’s token permitted exit. Realizing he needed this token, he returned to Liu Xigua’s office, subtly observing her. Liu Xigua, mistaking his intentions due to the reports of “Wu Qihao’s” lecherous nature, asked if he truly had such a peculiar hobby.

Ning Yi, misunderstanding her completely and believing she was referring to his keenness for making money, proudly admitted to it, which only solidified Liu Xigua’s misconception that he was a lecher. She declared that the Badao Camp was a united family that would accept his "hobby" because she valued his capabilities.

Later, while Ning Yi was lost in thought, reminiscing about his wife Su Tan’er, the four guards, Sha, Ren, Chang, and Ming, mocked him, thinking he was indulging in lewd fantasies. Liu Xigua chided them, reminding them to be tolerant and let Ning Yi feel at home. Seizing an opportunity, Ning Yi tried to snatch the token from Liu Xigua’s waist.

She caught him, twisted his arm, denounced him as a lecher, severely beat him, and kicked him out of the camp. Ning Yi protested vehemently, shouting that he was not Wu Qihao. Chen Fan, sent to re-verify Ning Yi’s identity, confirmed he was indeed Ning Yi from Jiangning, though no other details were known. After Chen Fan helped reset Ning Yi’s dislocated arm, Ning Yi continued to berate Liu Xigua for her ingratitude.

Exasperated, Liu Xigua forced water down his throat. Chen Fan questioned Ning Yi’s ingratitude, given they had saved his life and made him Counsellor. Ning Yi explained that anyone, waking up with eight broadswords pointed at their neck and forced into a role, would try to escape. Liu Xigua acknowledged her own recklessness, advising her subordinates to learn from her mistake and strive to win respect through morality rather than violence.

To Ning Yi’s surprise, she handed him the token, assuring him it would guarantee his safety within Lin’an. Ning Yi, elated, swaggered around the camp, basking in the deference of others, only to discover that the token still didn't allow him to leave the camp. He realized Liu Xigua had outsmarted him. Meanwhile, Lu Hongti, after rescuing some refugees, received information that Fang Tianlei was in Lin'an and immediately rushed there.

Back at the camp, Ning Yi, still desperate to escape, supervised the repair of the city wall. He sent the workers off to eat, pretending he wouldn't eat until the wall was finished, and planned to use the hoisting rope to descend.

Coincidentally, the four brothers from the Academy of Male Virtuousness also intended to escape using the same rope, having been forced to work for Fang Tianlei after Feng Yuan's loud stomach noises gave away their hiding spot to villains. As Ning Yi was lowering himself, the brothers pulled him back up.

Li Pin explained their plight, and Ning Yi, seeing his chance, tried to get them to lower him again, but Li Pin insisted on joining him, despite the risk of overloading the basket. Just as they were halfway down, Chen Fan discovered their escape attempt and stopped them.

Ning Yi, in a desperate attempt to talk his way out, immediately accused his Academy brothers of being escapees he had "captured" while supervising the wall repairs, turning them over to Chen Fan. The four brothers were then imprisoned, lamenting Ning Yi’s betrayal and his new role as a "Counsellor" to the villains. They tried to tell the jailers they worked for Commander Fang Qiong and Mrs. Shao, but their pleas were ignored.

Brought before Liu Xigua, Ning Yi continued his elaborate lie, claiming Chen Fan had interfered with his work while he was diligently supervising and apprehending the "escapees," thereby delaying the project. He even dramatically offered to resign, suggesting Chen Fan would be a better fit. Chen Fan, speechless and seething at Ning Yi's audacity, could only glare.

When Liu Xigua sought corroboration from the four guards, Sha, Ren, Chang, and Ming, they, having been prompted by Ning Yi's considerate actions earlier, spoke in his favor. They praised his dedication to wall repairs, mentioned he had let them eat first, and pretended he hadn't had time to eat his black rice buns. Ning Yi then feigned hunger and fainted.

Liu Xigua believed Ning Yi's act, criticizing Chen Fan for his inability to discern priorities, emphasizing that she valued Ning Yi’s ability to process documents. Chen Fan, though frustrated, could only watch as Ning Yi continued his charade of selflessness. Elsewhere, Su Zhongkan and Su Wenxing, having used Geng’s misleading map, realized its absurdity after discovering the "syrup of plum" was a latrine, the "hot spring" a mere puddle, and the "dead sea" a perilous cliff.

Concluding the map was useless, they decided to abandon their fake rescue mission and tour the "nine townships and three counties" surrounding Lin’an, believing their money would ensure a comfortable journey. However, Lu Hongti, whose horse was exhausted, suddenly appeared and stole their carriage, along with all their silver, leaving them penniless and forced to chase after her on foot.

Back in Lin’an, Liu Xigua's aunt attempted to set her up on a blind date with Dou Jingzhi, a young man whose father, Dou Minzhong, was a renowned scholar. Chen Fan, visibly agitated and jealous, vented his frustration by throwing spears. Ning Yi, noticing Chen Fan’s feelings, offered to help him, hinting he would teach him how to win a girl’s heart and rhetorically asking if the Holy Master would marry his daughter to someone who couldn't care for her.

Unable to endure the blind date, Liu Xigua pulled Ning Yi into the room, demanding his assistance. Ning Yi, introducing himself as Liu Xigua’s exclusive Counsellor and an expert in relationships, proceeded to "fortune-tell."

He declared that Liu Xigua, born on the third day of the seventh lunar month and a "Fate of Fire," was fierce, independent, and best suited for a "Wind-fated" man—a loyal individual who would only have eyes for her, even if a line of admirers stretched from here to the city gate.

He then stated that Dou Jingzhi, born on the fifth day of the sixth lunar month and a "Fate of Water," was a "player" with broad affections for all women, making him disloyal. Therefore, Liu Xigua and Dou Jingzhi were fundamentally incompatible, like "fire and water." Convinced, Liu Xigua’s aunt promptly led a bewildered Dou Jingzhi away.

Impressed, Liu Xigua announced that Ning Yi would handle all future blind dates and asked him to teach her about "star knowledge" so she could identify and avoid "Wind-fated" men, ensuring romantic entanglements would not derail her grand ambitions. Realizing that he himself was "Wind-fated," Ning Yi quickly made his excuses and fled, feigning concern about his clothes being blown away by the strong wind, leaving Liu Xigua to ponder if he, too, was a Wind-fated man.

Episode 22 Recap

Linan City’s affluent merchants found themselves under renewed pressure from Bao Wenhan’s forces. After an initial plundering, they were now mandated to pay 10,000 taels of silver monthly. When the Lou family could not meet this exorbitant demand, the bandits seized all the cloths from their store, declaring it closed and giving them only five days to gather the money or face severe consequences.

Lou Shuheng, the family’s eldest son, cruelly suggested his sister, Lou Shuwan, should resort to begging to raise the funds. Lou Shuwan, heartbroken and betrayed by her brother’s shamelessness, wandered the streets in despair. Her striking beauty caught the eye of Bao Wenhan, who was inspecting women for his pleasure, finding all previous candidates common and dull. He immediately ordered his men to apprehend her. However, Lou Shuwan, deeply familiar with every corner of Linan, managed to evade capture.

Meanwhile, Ning Yi, eager to escape the Badao Camp, strategically complained to Liu Xigua about the overwhelming requests for fortune-telling he received from her aunt, who was fixated on finding her a "wind-sign" match. Liu Xigua, exasperated by the persistent blind dates, firmly declared she would personally handle her aunt and reject any more "disgusting men."

Following Ning Yi's advice to be more "thoughtful," Chen Fan made clumsy attempts to impress Liu Xigua, first by offering a brush and then holding an oil-paper umbrella for her on a sunny day. Liu Xigua found his behavior strange, though she did accept the shredded ice he later offered. Chen Fan, frustrated by his lack of success, confronted Ning Yi, who explained that Chen Fan had overdone the "thoughtfulness" and ended up acting like a fawning sycophant.

Later that evening, with the city's granaries under the control of Bao Wenhan’s Xuanwei Camp and food supplies dwindling, Liu Xigua decided to lead her men to raid the Xuanwei Camp for grain to feed the suffering populace. Seeing an opportunity to escape, Ning Yi tried to slip away, but Chen Fan and the others quickly caught him. To prevent his escape, Chen Fan bound Ning Yi securely to a pillar and gagged him.

Liu Xigua's attempt to seize grain from Xuanwei Camp proved futile; Bao Wenhan, having anticipated their move, had his archers ready and ambushed them. He offered Liu Xigua a choice: surrender her military power to him, and her men would be well-fed, or face the Holy Master’s wrath. With no other option, Liu Xigua and her forces were forced to retreat empty-handed. Unbeknownst to Chen Fan, Ning Yi had concealed a small dagger in his shoe.

With great effort, he managed to retrieve it and cut through his ropes, freeing himself. He immediately made his way to the prison where the four brothers from the Academy of Male Virtuousness were being held. The brothers, sharing a meager meal and lamenting their misfortune, blamed Ning Yi for their predicament, calling him a traitor and a disgrace for siding with the bandits. One of the brothers suggested they focus on escaping by digging through the prison wall.

When Ning Yi arrived, he convinced the skeptical brothers that his surrender was merely a ruse to save himself, and urged them to seize the opportunity to escape while the camp was empty. Though still distrustful, they agreed to follow him one last time. However, as they exited the prison, they encountered "Sha Ren Chang Ming," a group of Badao Camp guards. Ning Yi, thinking quickly to save himself, immediately accused the Academy brothers of attempting to escape. "

Sha Ren Chang Ming" then beat the four brothers and threw them back into their cell, with Ning Yi even instructing the guards to reinforce the prison to prevent future escapes. The brothers, enraged by Ning Yi’s renewed betrayal, screamed insults at him from their cell as they were beaten. Back in the main camp, Chen Fan tied Ning Yi up again, accusing him of attempting to flee to the prison.

Ning Yi, employing his silver tongue, cleverly spun the narrative, claiming he had foreseen Liu Xigua’s failed grain raid and had only gone to the prison to apprehend four escaped convicts, thus preventing a major security breach. He even had "Sha Ren Chang Ming" confirm his story, including his instructions to reinforce the prison. Liu Xigua, convinced by Ning Yi’s elaborate lie, untied him.

Expressing her distress over the impending famine, Liu Xigua asked if anyone had a plan to acquire food. Ning Yi confidently stepped forward, proposing he lead a small team out of the city to "collect" grain, promising that Linan's citizens would have enough food within ten days. Impressed, Liu Xigua agreed, offering him full command of the Badao Camp if he succeeded.

Ning Yi then mockingly asked Chen Fan if he wanted to tie him up again, to which Liu Xigua sternly warned Chen Fan not to dare touch her Counsellor. Chen Fan, seething with anger but unable to act, stormed off, threatening future retribution against Ning Yi. Meanwhile, the Second Master’s family, stubbornly following the wheel tracks of their stolen carriage rather than a map, convinced themselves they were not heading towards Linan City, which they believed to be dangerous.

They continued their pursuit of Ning Yi, unaware of the actual peril ahead. Inside Linan, Lou Shuheng, upon seeing a public notice for Lou Shuwan's capture, perversely suggested to his father that they should offer Lou Shuwan to Bao Wenhan in exchange for the family’s future peace and the reopening of their Cloth Store.

Lou Shuwan returned with only two bowls of hot rice she had begged, but her brother cruelly presented her with the wanted poster and demanded she sacrifice herself for the family's survival. Her father, enraged by Lou Shuheng’s monstrous suggestion, drove him away, vowing to protect Lou Shuwan even if it cost him his life.

Preparing for the grain collection, Ning Yi rejected the robust Badao Camp fighters, arguing that their appearance would only scare away potential donors and attract unwanted attention from government troops. Instead, he selected a group of elderly, weak, and ailing refugees, believing their pitiable state would evoke sympathy and ensure successful donations. He also included the four brothers from the Academy of Male Virtuousness from the prison, deeming them suitable for the task.

Chen Fan insisted on accompanying them, ostensibly to protect Ning Yi, much to Ning Yi's annoyance. As they prepared to leave Linan, Ning Yi gathered the Academy brothers, who were still muttering curses at him, and revealed his true plan: to use this trip as an opportunity to escape. He showed them a sleeping drug, explaining he would use it to incapacitate the large-built Chen Fan, allowing them to flee.

Despite their lingering distrust and continued name-calling, the four brothers reluctantly agreed to trust Ning Yi one last time, with Ning Yi insisting they call him "Expert Ning" henceforth. Outside the city, Ning Yi led the group to a remote village temple, showing no urgency in gathering grain. Chen Fan grew increasingly impatient, reminding Ning Yi it was already 9:00 p. m. and they needed to find grain by 3:00 a. m. or their plan would fail.

Ning Yi calmly assured him the grain would be neatly stacked by morning. Suddenly, a ragged figure, who was Li Pin in disguise, rushed into the temple, theatrically praising Ning Yi as "Expert Ning of Mount Dianzu," a legendary hermit "highly intelligent and knowledgeable," capable of telling fortunes, and known across the land for his wisdom. Chen Fan listened, completely bewildered by the extravagant praise.

Episode 23 Recap

Li Pin and the other members of the Academy of Male Virtuousness, taking advantage of Chen Fan's unawareness of their alliance, concocted a scheme to portray Ning Yi as a reclusive master. Li Pin approached Ning Yi, claiming he and his wife struggled with infertility and sought guidance.

Ning Yi, in a mystical manner, advised Li Pin to find eighteen cobblestones from the Tongqu River in Watang Town, near Jiangning City, and place them under his bed, promising abundant offspring within a month. Chen Fan, listening from outside the room, expressed skepticism, dismissing Ning Yi's methods as mere gimmicks and Ning Yi himself as a charlatan. Feng Yuan, feigning disbelief, challenged Ning Yi's authenticity, sparking a staged argument with the other Academy members who defended Ning Yi's reputation.

Ning Yi attempted to dismiss the argument, suggesting they rest for the morning's grain count. However, Chen Fan intervened, insisting that Ning Yi's reputation must be cleared. He proposed a test: Ning Yi must accurately recount Feng Yuan's life story. Feng Yuan conveniently provided a written account to verify the claims.

After a deliberate pause to heighten the suspense, Ning Yi began to reveal Feng Yuan's past, starting with his full name, Feng Yuan, courtesy name Wen Quan, and his former occupation as an herb tradesman in Wudu City. Ning Yi recounted how Feng Yuan’s family fortunes collapsed after his father succumbed to drug addiction when Feng Yuan was eight, forcing his mother to take him to Jiangning to find his uncle.

They were pursued by debt collectors, leading Feng Yuan to live in a school library. The most astonishing detail came when Ning Yi accurately described a scar on Feng Yuan’s left chest, left by a debt collector's hot iron, a fact Feng Yuan had never revealed to anyone. Convinced by this accurate account, Feng Yuan and the other Academy members earnestly pleaded for Ning Yi’s guidance. Chen Fan, now thoroughly impressed, asked Ning Yi to predict his own marriage prospects.

Ning Yi foretold that Chen Fan would marry a refined lady from a noble family, accomplished in various arts and of stunning beauty. Chen Fan, while initially pleased, expressed concern that such a delicate lady might not be suitable for a man like him, who lived a dangerous life. He then asked for a way to sever this "karma." Ning Yi, feigning profound wisdom, offered a prepared sleeping medicine, suggesting Chen Fan consume it with wine for better effect.

Chen Fan readily complied and soon fell into a deep, snoring slumber. With Chen Fan incapacitated, Ning Yi and the four men from the Academy of Male Virtuousness swiftly departed, taking with them the weak and elderly commoners they had previously rescued. Ning Yi and his companions led the commoners to a refugee station. As they were about to leave, they encountered a large group of villagers emerging from the wilderness.

These villagers, though carrying some food, revealed that their relatives were trapped and starving in Lin'an City, which was sealed off by bandits. They pleaded with Ning Yi to deliver their meager provisions to their trapped families. Ning Yi initially hesitated, explaining the impossibility of finding specific individuals in the chaotic city and advising them to keep their own food. However, a small child tugged on Ning Yi's hand, tearfully begging him to save her father.

Moved by the child's desperate plea and the plight of the villagers, Ning Yi and his friends decided to help, promising to find a way to feed all the people in Lin'an City. The refugees they had just escorted to the station, witnessing this resolve, chose to return and offer their assistance in this monumental task. Their first stop was a nearby Local Yamen. The Magistrate, disturbed by the commotion, initially assumed they were bandits and prepared to fight.

He was surprised to find only "old, weak, women, and children" at his doorstep. He condescendingly offered a few bags of grain. Ning Yi stepped forward, declaring that such a small amount was insufficient given the widespread suffering. He demanded "five hundred dans of supplies," citing the desperate situation in Lin'an. The Magistrate scoffed, claiming his storehouse did not hold such a vast quantity.

Ning Yi, undeterred, instructed him to collect it from every household or from neighboring towns, insisting on having all five hundred dans delivered to a specified location by dawn. Infuriated by Ning Yi's audacity, the Magistrate questioned his authority. Ning Yi then produced a dagger, which the Magistrate initially mistook for an assassination weapon. However, upon closer inspection, he recognized it as the dagger of Lord Qin Siyuan.

Terrified by the powerful symbol, the Magistrate immediately changed his tune, pledging the full cooperation of the Three Towns of Lin'an to gather the supplies. He swiftly mobilized his officials, managing to collect over three hundred dans. Soon after, news arrived that two adjacent counties, hearing of the urgent need, had sent the remaining two hundred dans, fulfilling Ning Yi's demand. Chen Fan eventually woke up, disoriented, on a grain cart, astonished by the vast amount of supplies gathered overnight.

Ning Yi, not blaming him, even credited Chen Fan with a share of the achievement, vaguely attributing the success to his own "master" abilities and urging Chen Fan to maintain secrecy to avoid "trouble." Chen Fan, completely convinced and grateful, promised to be tight-lipped. Back at the camp, Chen Fan's attitude towards Ning Yi and the four men from the Academy of Male Virtuousness had undergone a complete transformation.

He ordered subordinates to prepare a bath for Ning Yi and ensure comfortable lodging for the others. Chen Fan then went to Liu Xigua, exaggerating his role in acquiring the grain, claiming he bravely fought through "a series of crisis" and was like "a tiger rushing into a flock of sheep," facing near-death experiences to secure the "five hundred dans." Liu Xigua, observing his impeccably tidy appearance, saw through his story and wanted to question Ning Yi directly.

However, Chen Fan interceded, stating that Ning Yi was exhausted from his all-night efforts and needed rest. Liu Xigua was taken aback by Chen Fan's uncharacteristic protectiveness of Ning Yi. Mindful of the risk of Bao Wenhan intercepting publicly distributed food, Liu Xigua devised a plan to have her men secretly deliver food to each household under the cover of night. The grateful citizens received the much-needed supplies.

Ning Yi, having overslept due to exhaustion, woke up well after dark and felt hungry. Heading to the kitchen, he discovered Gao Qiu secretly eating a steamed bun, learning that Chen Fan had only arranged lodging for them, not food. Ning Yi, apologetic, brought them some bird's nest porridge, promising a proper meal the next morning. Eating the warm porridge, Feng Yuan felt a pang of longing for his wife.

Ning Yi admitted to similar feelings, often imagining his wife, Su Tan'er, smiling and calling his name. Li Pin also expressed missing the daily bickering with his wife, though Gao Qiu jokingly suggested their wives might have remarried. Despite their yearning for home, they acknowledged their duty to the people of Lin'an, realizing the current supply would only last for ten days. Ning Yi, looking at a portrait of Su Tan'er, clearly missed her.

Liu Xigua, encountering Ning Yi later, casually took a bite of his cherry ice cream. She confided in him that the current grain supply was insufficient for Lin'an's "too many victims" and pressed him for new solutions to secure more food. She also returned Ning Yi's homemade firearm. Ning Yi admitted that most of the grain from "nearby towns" had already been collected, making further procurement challenging.

Liu Xigua emphasized her responsibility for the city's plight, asking him to understand her concern. Ning Yi promised to find a way. Liu Xigua then told Ning Yi to stop addressing her as "Lord," suggesting he call her "Liu Dabiao," "Dabiao," or even "Xigua," stating that she could tolerate any form of address as long as he was not her enemy, recognizing his exceptional abilities.

Meanwhile, in Bao Wenhan's Xuanwei Camp, a subordinate reported that Bao Wenhan was still searching for the woman in the portrait (Lou Shuwant). The subordinate also reported a drastic decline in grain sales over the past three days, with no sales at all that day. They had discovered that Badao Camp was secretly distributing food for free. Bao Wenhan remained unconcerned, confident that Liu Xigua could not sustain free distribution for long.

Elsewhere, Fang Tianlei visited the armory to inspect a batch of firearms. The old artisan proudly presented "a thousand firearms," completed within seven days, assuring Fang Tianlei that these weapons would make their army "undefeatable." Fang Tianlei expressed eagerness to discuss their next military objective, but Shao Xianying quietly reminded him to focus on the task at hand. Fang Tianlei examined the firearms, praising their re-matched weight for better handling and their improved, faster fuses.

He rewarded the artisan and suggested further modifying the grip to be curved for even better ergonomics. The artisan complimented Fang Tianlei's profound knowledge of "building weapons." The artisan then announced he had "one more weapon" to present to Fang Tianlei, prompting Shao Xianying to warn Fang Tianlei to be cautious of any potential trick.

Episode 24 Recap

A master craftsman, having delivered firearms, eagerly presented a new weapon to Fang Tianlei, urging him to inspect it personally. Fang Tianlei, excited, proceeded despite warnings from Fang Qiong and Shao Xianying to be cautious. The craftsman opened the box, revealing it was filled with gunpowder. A hidden dart struck, and Fang Tianlei instinctively pushed the gunpowder box away just as Lu Hongti appeared, throwing fireballs.

Though she narrowly escaped capture, Lu Hongti successfully ignited the gunpowder, causing a massive explosion that destroyed a thousand firearms. Fang Tianlei, protecting his wife, watched in fury as his arsenal was ruined and immediately ordered the trembling artisans to repair all the damaged blunderbuss within ten days, threatening to kill one man for every firearm short. Meanwhile, in the Linan suburbs, the Second Master and his son had been walking for days, starving.

They ate wild fruits by the roadside, which unfortunately caused severe stomachaches. The son complained about being hungry and unable to continue, wanting to return to Jiangning. However, the Second Master explained they were broke and their carriage had been stolen, making a return to Jiangning impossible. He pointed out that Linan was close and the wheel marks they followed led there, asking his son to choose between bandits or starvation.

The son chose bandits, and they pressed on, only to suffer from severe stomachaches and the son even getting bitten on the left buttock by a snake. In Linan city, Lou Shuwan used her last hairpin to buy some steamed buns, her thoughts consumed by her father and brother. Unbeknownst to her, they were plotting to hand her over to Bao Wenhan.

Her father explained his elaborate plan to his son: since Lou Shuwan was closer to him, the son would first pressure her, and then the father would step in as the "good guy." They arranged for Xuanwei Camp to "capture" them, forcing Lou Shuwan to willingly offer herself to Commander Bao to save them. He feared her strong will would otherwise lead her to suicide if directly forced.

He also revealed his deep resentment for Lou Shuwan, blaming her birth for her mother's early death, admitting he only kept her around as a "cash cow" due to her business acumen, otherwise he would have disowned her years ago. He saw the chaos in Linan as an opportunity to secure their lives and future by giving her to Commander Bao, ending his pretense of being a loving father.

Overhearing this heartbreaking conversation, Lou Shuwan dropped the buns and fled her mansion, running to the river, intent on ending her life. Ning Yi, who was distributing food nearby, stumbled upon her desperate act and rushed to her rescue. He questioned her reasons for wanting to die, telling her that suicide was an act of escape that would only leave regrets.

When she claimed to have none, Ning Yi reminded her of her creativity and fresh ideas in the Lou's Cloth Store, knowing she was a person who loved life and work. He stressed that her friends, including Su Tan'er and himself, cared for her. He argued that if she died, her business would fade, those who wronged her would never face consequences, and she would never discover the person she was meant to become.

He emphasized that life was indeed challenging, but it was precisely these difficulties that made life more meaningful. His words resonated with Lou Shuwan. She returned home, walking boldly past her surprised father and brother into her room. There, she decisively destroyed all her dolls, shedding her old self and embracing the change Ning Yi inspired in her, determined to live life on her own terms, defying societal norms and expectations.

Ning Yi had offered her his help, telling her to come to Badao Camp if she ever needed anything and to never attempt suicide again. Her father and brother, still searching for her, were shocked to see her return, and though they tried to coax her, she remained resolute, eventually forcing her father to order the door to her room smashed open.

Liu Xigua informed Ning Yi that their grain supply was running critically low, barely enough for another day, especially in the poorer western district. Ning Yi calmly stated he hadn't been worrying, as he intended to "borrow" grain from Bao Wenhan. He laid out his plan: he and Chen Fan would publicly "send out food," and Liu Xigua's role was to ensure Bao Wenhan heard about it, as he was sure that would force Bao Wenhan to open his granary.

Liu Xigua noted Chen Fan's recent absence, and Ning Yi admitted a twinge of guilt. Chen Fan had been sleeping for days due to Ning Yi's "medicine." When Chen Fan tried to get a refill at a pharmacy, the pharmacist identified it as "dodgy" stuff, only available in the black market, causing Chen Fan to realize he had been taking a sleeping potion. Chen Fan confronted Ning Yi, furious about being duped into taking a sleeping potion.

Ning Yi, unfazed, admitted it was indeed a sleeping potion but assured Chen Fan he wasn't being played. He explained that since fate could not be changed, the medicine was designed to alter Chen Fan's waking hours, making him sleep longer. This, Ning Yi claimed, would prevent Chen Fan from encountering his "doomed romance" by missing their fated meeting times.

When Ning Yi feigned taking back the medicine, suggesting Chen Fan could then meet his "true love" and marry, Chen Fan, panicked, immediately apologized for doubting Ning Yi and offered to help transport the "grain." Chen Fan found the bags surprisingly heavy and questioned where Ning Yi had acquired so much, to which Ning Yi replied that some secrets should remain unrevealed.

Ning Yi then changed their approach; instead of giving grain away, they began to sell it publicly, starting their price at 15 taels per peck. Bao Wenhan's subordinates reported this development, prompting a furious Bao Wenhan, whose own grain sales had stagnated, to join the price war.

Prices rapidly plummeted in a fierce bidding war: Bao Wenhan quickly dropped his price to 12 taels, Ning Yi responded by lowering his to 10 taels, Bao Wenhan to 8 taels, Ning Yi to 5 taels, and so on. The prices continued to fall, with Bao Wenhan eventually selling for 1. 5 taels (500 cash) and then 100 cash.

Finally, Chen Fan, at Ning Yi's instruction, announced their price at an astonishing one cash per peck, causing a massive surge of buyers from all over Linan, completely undercutting Bao Wenhan's remaining business. Incensed by this perceived humiliation, Bao Wenhan stormed over to confront Ning Yi, accusing him of illegally selling grain.

Ning Yi calmly refuted the accusation, opening his "grain" bags to reveal they contained only sawdust and gravel, which he claimed were materials transported overnight to strengthen the city walls. He pointed out that Bao Wenhan's Xuanwei Camp was responsible for grain distribution, implying Bao Wenhan had foolishly engaged in a price war over useless materials and, in doing so, sold off his "own" valuable grain at rock-bottom prices.

One of Bao Wenhan's subordinates sheepishly confirmed they had indeed sold "most of the grain," making only "a few thousand taels" from it. Ning Yi then mockingly offered Bao Wenhan an embroidered pennant, praising his "charity." When Bao Wenhan, boiling with rage, lunged at him, Ning Yi swiftly aimed a firearm at his head. Just then, Liu Xigua arrived with her archers, forcing Bao Wenhan to retreat, realizing he had been thoroughly outsmarted.

Chen Fan was utterly astonished and expressed immense admiration for Ning Yi's ingenious plan. Liu Xigua, grateful for Ning Yi's pivotal role in solving the city's food crisis, acknowledged his greater potential beyond trivial tasks. Ning Yi, in turn, invited Liu Xigua to celebrate their success with a dinner at the Dongli restaurant. Meanwhile, back at his camp, Bao Wenhan vented his frustration by lashing out at his subordinates for falling into Ning Yi's trap and selling off their grain. At that very moment, Lou Shuwan, elegantly dressed, arrived at his camp, offering herself to him, instantly extinguishing Bao Wenhan's fury and captivating him with her presence.

Episode 25 Recap

Lou Shuwan's father, along with his son, offered Lou Shuwan to Bao Wenhan, hoping to gain tax exemptions and business opportunities for their cloth trade. Bao Wenhan promised they would receive whatever they desired if Lou Shuwan pleased him that night. Meanwhile, the Su family’s Second Master and his son arrived at the closed city gate of Linan, exhausted and starving. They decided to wait until morning to avoid disturbing anyone and risking execution.

A guard on duty, surprised to see people entering the city instead of fleeing, questioned if they were desperate enough to risk their lives. The Second Master explained they were searching for relatives: Su Tan'er and Ning Yi. The guard, astonished, revealed that Ning Yi was the Military Counselor of the Badao Camp.

The Second Master and his son found this hard to believe, thinking it must be a different person with the same name, a notion the guard shared, remarking that Ning Yi would be humiliated by having such shabby relatives. The Second Master insisted their family was wealthy merchants from Jiangning, prompting the guard to inform them that all merchants had been killed days prior, so their nephew-in-law was likely dead.

Upon hearing this, the Second Master and his son cried, lamenting not Ning Yi’s death, but the family fortune they would now not inherit. Liu Xigua, feeling conflicted about a dinner invitation from a friend, sought advice from her aunt, Fang Qiong. Fang Qiong, realizing Liu Xigua's interest in the person, enthusiastically insisted on dressing her up for the occasion.

However, when Liu Xigua arrived at the East Garden Restaurant, she found Chen Fan and other men already present, much to Chen Fan’s surprise given her dressed-up appearance. Everyone at the table was celebrating the successful grain price initiative. Chen Fan lauded Ning Yi for thwarting Bao Wenhan’s plans and proposed a toast, declaring them good friends. Meanwhile, outside the same restaurant, the Su family’s Second Master and his son, desperate for food, were rudely turned away as beggars.

Ning Yi heard the commotion but paid it no mind. Later, while sitting on the street lamenting their recent misfortunes and blaming the carriage thief, they spotted Lu Hongti fleeing from bandits in their stolen carriage. Believing they could recover their belongings, they chased after her. In an alley, they found their carriage with their money still intact, but their brief moment of relief was cut short when they were mistaken for assassins by the pursuing bandits and apprehended.

Inside the restaurant, while everyone else became drunk, Liu Xigua’s aunt-in-law, Shao Xianying, brought a new blind date, Yang Dalang, for her. Liu Xigua, resolute in not marrying until her father's revenge was achieved, tried to refuse. Chen Fan, in a drunken haze, attempted to defend Liu Xigua, only for Ning Yi to quickly escort him upstairs.

There, Ning Yi administered what he claimed was "destiny-altering medicine" to Chen Fan (in reality, knockout powder), advising him to take five more doses for full effect, especially with alcohol. As Liu Xigua was occupied with her unwanted suitor, Ning Yi and the Four Male Virtues, who had been feigning intoxication, seized the opportunity to slip away one by one, using bathroom breaks as an excuse.

When Liu Xigua’s aunt-in-law revealed that Ning Yi had personally arranged the blind date, Liu Xigua realized she had been used and that Ning Yi had fled. Furious, she immediately pursued him. Ning Yi and the Four Male Virtues were heading for the heavily guarded city gates. Feng Yuan, one of the brothers, had tried to disguise Ning Yi, but the new hairstyle only made him more conspicuous.

Just as they were about to make their escape, Ning Yi spotted Xiao Chan in the bustling city. Abandoning their escape plan, Ning Yi and the Four Male Virtues rushed to her. Xiao Chan, distraught and weeping, asked Ning Yi why he had taken so long to return, revealing that she had "lost" Su Tan'er.

Guard Geng then appeared, kneeling and blaming himself for Su Tan'er's disappearance, but Ning Yi reassured him that it was not his fault and promised they would find her together. Ning Yi learned of Su Tan'er's disappearance. He reassured a self-blaming Guard Geng that it wasn't his fault, emphasizing that finding Su Tan'er was paramount.

Guard Geng recounted that after Ning Yi had sent them away on a boat, Su Tan'er insisted on returning to search for him, fearing for his safety. They disembarked, found no sign of Ning Yi among the deceased, and decided to reside in a secluded house in Linan, continuing their search before eventually returning to Jiangning. Xiao Chan corroborated that Su Tan'er diligently searched the streets daily with a portrait of Ning Yi, but to no avail.

Guard Geng further explained that they once saw Ning Yi with bandits, and though Su Tan'er wanted to approach, he restrained her, fearing the dangers. Su Tan'er, however, firmly believed Ning Yi was merely feigning allegiance and began gathering intelligence on the bandit camp. Ning Yi’s faint impressions of calls at the city gate were, in fact, Su Tan'er and Guard Geng trying to get his attention.

Guard Geng then described how, recently, upon learning Ning Yi was selling grain on the street, Su Tan'er eagerly went to him but was abducted. During his struggle with the abductor, Guard Geng managed to cut the assailant's right arm with a dagger. Recognizing that such an opponent must be an extraordinary fighter, Ning Yi surmised the abductor was likely within the Badao Camp.

The Four Male Virtues, along with Guard Geng and Xiao Chan, pledged their unwavering support, insisting on returning to the camp to aid Ning Yi in his search, citing the strength in numbers and their loyalty. Meanwhile, Right Chancellor Qin, while enjoying preserved egg porridge with Left Chancellor, shared exciting news: Ning Liheng, using Qin's personal knife, had remarkably gathered 500 dans of grain from Qingde County and other areas and brought it into Linan overnight.

Qin saw this as a providential intervention, believing Ning Liheng could significantly aid General Dong's approaching army in winning their first battle and subsequently advancing north. Ning Yi and the Four Male Virtues returned to the Badao Camp. Liu Xigua, seeing them calmly drinking tea and hearing that they hadn't left the city, assumed she had misunderstood Ning Yi's intentions and told Chen Fan to cease the search. Ning Yi then took Guard Geng to the camp's dungeon.

The jailer offered assistance, but Ning Yi declined, stating he was handling business from the Holy Master. After searching the single dungeon in the camp and finding no trace of Su Tan'er, Ning Yi concluded she must have been abducted by another camp and decided to proceed to the drill ground. Unbeknownst to Ning Yi, the Su family’s Second Master and his son, still imprisoned, vaguely heard his voice but dismissed it as another hallucination.

Meanwhile, Bao Wenhan presented 50,000 taels of gold to the Holy Master, Fang Tianlei. Fang Tianlei’s wife, Shao Xianying, immediately questioned the small sum, knowing the vast wealth of Linan's merchants. Bao Wenhan defensively stated that despite torture and extensive searches, that was all they found, and blamed Badao Camp for thwarting his plans to exploit the poor through grain sales.

Fang Tianlei, aware of Bao Wenhan’s rampant ambition, calmly dismissed him and reassured his wife that he had his own plans. At the drill ground, Ning Yi instructed all men to roll up their right sleeves. Chen Fan arrived, having been informed by Liu Xigua that the earlier misunderstanding was cleared. Ning Yi revealed that his wife had been abducted.

Surprised to learn Ning Yi was married, Chen Fan immediately rallied his brothers to cooperate fully, vowing to punish anyone who dared to abduct his "brother’s wife." However, after inspecting all the men, they found no one with the distinctive dagger wound Guard Geng described.

Chen Fan suggested that Badao Camp rarely abducted married women, raising the strong possibility that Bao Wenhan's Xuanying Camp was responsible, as Bao Wenhan was a notorious lecher who frequently ordered the abduction of women from the streets. Chen Fan expressed grave concern for Su Tan’er’s fate.

Episode 26 Recap

Suspecting that Bao Wenhan, known as an amorist who plundered women upon arriving in the city, might have abducted Su Tan'er, Ning Yi decided to infiltrate Xuanwei Camp. Disguised as a vegetable vendor, he entered the camp and was spotted by bandits. He quickly sought refuge in Lou Shuwan's room, only to discover she was also there. Lou Shuwan covered for Ning Yi when guards searched, claiming only Commander Bao entered her room.

She then informed Ning Yi that Su Tan'er was definitely not in Xuanwei Camp and suggested he search other camps. Ning Yi tried to persuade Lou Shuwan to leave, urging her not to abandon herself to vice, but she explained she had her own reasons for being there and was safer under Bao Wenhan's protection, adding that she knew the camp better and could help him escape more effectively. With her help, Ning Yi safely returned to Badao Camp.

Upon returning to his camp, Ning Yi saw a pigeon, which made him think of his master, Lu Hongti. Soon after, Lu Hongti, codenamed Mo Ying from the Secret Investigation Department, infiltrated Badao Camp. She had received a confidential letter instructing her to find Ning Yi.

Ning Yi, unsurprised by her presence, showed her a dagger and deduced she was also from the Secret Investigation Department, having observed her appearance in Linan after his grain fundraising efforts using the department's token. Lu Hongti immediately acknowledged him as her superior commander, as per Chancellor Qin's decree that whoever holds the dagger is their commander.

Ning Yi, however, downplayed his role as merely "a person on duty," and humbly requested her help to find his wife, Su Tan'er, as a personal favor from an apprentice to a master. Lu Hongti, recalling seeing Su Tan'er, agreed to help. She searched among human trafficking groups, rescuing many elderly, weak, and disabled individuals, but found no trace of Su Tan'er. They concluded that Su Tan'er was likely held within a bandit camp.

To aid the search within Badao Camp, Ning Yi asked Lu Hongti to change her attire, as her current appearance resembled a killer; she then donned a more ordinary female outfit, allowing Ning Yi to introduce her as his older sister if they were seen together. Meanwhile, Chen Fan accidentally let slip to Liu Xigua that Ning Yi was preoccupied with finding his wife.

Liu Xigua, surprised and annoyed that Ning Yi hadn't confided in her, felt it was a slight, considering she was his Ladyship and had saved his life. She declared her intention to help find Su Tan'er, but Chen Fan insisted his network of connections in the city was more extensive and he could handle the search. Agitated, Liu Xigua began to vent her frustration by furiously wielding her great saber.

Ning Yi then approached her with an official document, asking her to host The Feast for All Officers for the Holy Master, inviting all eight camps, including Bao Wenhan’s Xuanwei Camp. Liu Xigua initially balked at the idea of inviting Bao Wenhan, but Ning Yi earnestly pleaded, reminding her that he had rendered many services for her and had never asked for a favor until now.

Liu Xigua ultimately relented, understanding that the feast was Ning Yi's attempt to locate his wife. Liu Xigua personally presented the proposal to her adoptive father, the Holy Master. Commander Bao Wenhan initially opposed the feast, citing the risk of leaving Xuanwei Camp vulnerable to "bad guys" if all his soldiers attended. Liu Xigua retorted, questioning if he implied she was the "bad guy."

Fang Tianlei tried to mediate, and the Holy Master intervened, emphasizing that the feast was for team building and morale, urging Bao Wenhan to attend. Reluctantly, Bao Wenhan outwardly agreed to participate. However, later, one of Bao Wenhan's subordinates informed him that Ning Yi had orchestrated the feast. Bao Wenhan, disliking Ning Yi, decided not to attend after all. Lou Shuwan intervened, discreetly advising him.

She explained that the Holy Master was unwavering once he made a decision, and Bao Wenhan's absence would not only disrespect the Holy Master but also lead to suspicion of him forming rival factions. Convinced by her shrewd reasoning, Bao Wenhan agreed to attend, pleased to have such an intelligent beauty by his side. That evening, as The Feast for All Officers approached, Liu Xigua prepared a new purple outfit for Ning Yi, promoting him from ninth to seventh rank.

Ning Yi, however, pointed out that purple robes and golden belts were for third-rank officials and above, while a seventh-rank official should wear green. Liu Xigua dismissed green as "unlucky" and insisted on the purple robe. While talking, she accidentally spilled water on Ning Yi's clothes, which triggered a melancholic memory of Su Tan'er.

He recalled how Su Tan'er would always appear whenever his clothes got wet, as if to prevent him from "cheating on her," but this time, she was nowhere to be seen. His spirits fell. To find Su Tan'er's abductor, Ning Yi devised a plan with Guard Geng: during the feast, they would have everyone sign a commemorative banner.

As people signed, Ning Yi would shake hands with each of them, using the opportunity to check for injuries on their right hands, as the abductor had been wounded there. Guard Geng, still in his bandit disguise, was to help identify the culprits. During the feast, Guard Geng coincidentally spotted the Su Family's Second Branch, who had been conscripted for labor.

He led them to the back door, explaining that Su Tan'er had been abducted by bandits and that he and Ning Yi were searching for her. He instructed them to wait there, promising to return for them once his mission was complete. Back inside, Bao Wenhan and his men arrived, refusing to sign the banner and attempting to enter without adhering to Ning Yi's rule. Ning Yi stood firm, insisting they sign.

Bao Wenhan, defiant, threatened to withdraw from the feast, again using Ning Yi's previous offenses as an excuse, and directly appealed to the Holy Master. The Holy Master intervened, urging peace. Ning Yi then de-escalated the situation by humbling himself and apologizing sincerely, asking Bao Wenhan to set aside his grudges and allow Xuanwei Camp to be seated. The Holy Master then affirmed that Bao Wenhan had received the "attitude" he desired and ordered them to take their seats.

Bao Wenhan, still seeking to assert dominance, challenged Ning Yi to drink an entire jar of wine with all of Xuanwei Camp as an apology, implying that this would clear their past conflicts. Despite Liu Xigua's concern, the Holy Master permitted it. Ning Yi accepted the challenge, using the opportunity to his advantage. As he went around, toasting each member of Xuanwei Camp, he would discreetly pat their right arms, checking for injuries.

Ning Yi drank heavily, vomiting several times, yet continued his systematic search. Finally, as he was about to collapse, he touched the arm of a man named Wang Jin and felt the wound he had been looking for. A happy, knowing smile spread across his face, which others dismissed as mere drunken glee. Bao Wenhan declared their "debt was cleared" and instructed his guards, Wang Jin and Shi Bao, to help the drunken Ning Yi. Ning Yi, still feigning intoxication, silently committed Wang Jin's name to memory.

Episode 27 Recap

While waiting by the gate, Su's Second Household was discovered and immediately taken away by bandits. Ning Yi, along with Guard Geng and Lu Hongti, apprehended a bandit involved in Su Tan'er's disappearance. Ning Yi threatened to kill the bandit’s family. The bandit confessed that he had kidnapped Su Tan'er intending to offer her to Commander Bao Wenhan, but two men had intercepted them and bought her at a high price.

When pressed for her location, the bandit repeatedly claimed he had no idea where she was sold. Guard Geng, desperate for information about his lady's whereabouts, furiously beat the already dying bandit to death, but still no information about Su Tan'er’s location was revealed. Guard Geng despaired, wondering who else in the world could possibly know. Heartbroken and disoriented, Ning Yi walked aimlessly through the streets as rain poured down, oblivious to the world around him.

Suddenly, he noticed that the rain did not soak through his new clothes. A glimmer of hope sparked within him as he realized the fabric was the waterproof cloth, a unique invention known only to him and Su Tan'er. Overjoyed, he laughed into the rain and rushed to Liu Xigua's room, asking her where the waterproof cloth came from. Meanwhile, Su Tan'er was held captive at the Lou Family's cloth store, forced to oversee weaving and dyeing.

Due to her unique waterproof cloth, Lou's Old Master had not made things difficult for her. However, this didn't deter Lou Shuheng. He stumbled in, intoxicated, and confronted Su Tan'er for defending the weavers against a harsh supervisor, explaining that if they were beaten to death, no one would weave, and the bandits waiting for cloth wouldn't spare them. The supervisor, aware that the master needed her weaving skills, refrained from hitting her.

Lou Shuheng declared he would teach her "rules." Su Tan'er retorted that the Lou father and son only groveled to bandits and bullied common folk, making them unworthy of teaching anyone rules. Lou Shuheng attempted to physically harass Su Tan'er, claiming her husband, Ning Yi, had already met a tragic end, turned into "rotten flesh" by Commander Bao's Xuanwei Camp. He remarked on her "special body smell" and how long he had waited for this moment.

Just then, Ning Yi and Lu Hongti arrived. Lu Hongti quickly covered Su Tan'er's ears while Ning Yi, consumed by rage, unleashed multiple shots from his firearm into Lou Shuheng’s legs and arms, systematically disabling him before finally killing him. Upon witnessing his son's gruesome death, Lou Shuheng's father charged at Ning Yi, swearing to fight him, only to be swiftly knocked down by Lu Hongti.

After the ordeal, Su Tan'er was deeply traumatized and initially recoiled from Ning Yi's touch. Ning Yi embraced her tightly, reassuring her and carrying her back to Badao Camp. On the way, Su Tan'er finally released her pent-up emotions with a sharp cry, asking Ning Yi why he took so long to find her. Back at the camp, Su Tan'er had regained her composure, and Ning Yi tended to her wounds.

Guard Geng arrived, full of apologies for having lost her, vowing to protect them always and never leave their side again. Ning Yi reassured him, saying it wasn't his fault and that they were both responsible. He then playfully sent Geng away, wanting privacy with Su Tan'er, who admitted the time in Lin'an felt like a nightmare. Meanwhile, after Ning Yi and Lu Hongti departed, Lou Shuwan arrived at her devastated family home.

She slowly approached her father, who was still clinging to life. As he looked at her with confusion and begged for help, Lou Shuwan calmly revealed that she was the one who had withdrawn all the guards, implying she engineered their downfall. Enraged and heartbroken by her confession, her father drew his last breath.

Lou Shuwan then proceeded to bury both her father and brother outside the city, erecting tombstones for them, signaling a complete transformation from her former self, and that she harbored only hatred for them from now on. Later, Liu Xigua arrived at Ning Yi’s room with a box of provisions. Ning Yi introduced Su Tan'er as his wife.

Liu Xigua, also known as Liu Dabiao, introduced herself as the Commander of Badao Camp and assured Su Tan'er that she could simply use her name if anyone in Lin'an dared to bully her. Ning Yi then confessed to Liu Xigua that his true reason for joining Badao Camp was to find his wife.

Liu Xigua understood, stating it was only natural for a man to seek his lost wife, even expressing regret that she hadn't encouraged him to search earlier. Ning Yi shared his concern that Commander Bao Wenhan might seek revenge after the deaths of Lou father and son. Liu Xigua dismissed the threat from Bao Wenhan but did express a slight worry about Lou Shuwan possibly seeking revenge.

Chen Fan then entered, exuberantly complimenting Su Tan'er’s beauty and also offering her his name for protection in Lin'an. Liu Xigua quickly shooed Chen Fan away to allow the couple privacy, joking about him disturbing their reunion. Su Tan'er, observing the interactions, remarked to Ning Yi that the bandits were not what she had imagined, to which Ning Yi playfully asked if they were "quite lovely."

As Dong General's army approached Lin'an, the bandits imposed a strict curfew, causing widespread public anger among the citizens, who protested that Lin'an City had never had a curfew in 100 years.

Liu Xigua asked Ning Yi for suggestions for strengthening the camp's patrols, and Ning Yi advised them to continue routine patrols of existing posts and deploy an additional two hundred men: one hundred to patrol villages along the official road and another hundred to patrol the roads within a five-mile radius around the camp.

Ning Yi informed Lu Hongti that the powder magazine, crucial for the northern expedition, was heavily guarded by Fang Tianlei and could not be taken by force, requiring a strategic approach. Lu Hongti mentioned that Right Chancellor Qin had a plan for the powder magazine but the main issue was that many Secret Investigation Department members in Lin'an were scattered and unreachable.

Ning Yi offered Lu Hongti the dagger given to him by Right Chancellor Qin, suggesting it might be useful for her task of gathering the Secret Investigation Department members. However, Ning Yi expressed his desire to give up the dagger, stating that after the recent ordeal, his only wish was to safely return to Jiangning with Su Tan'er and live a peaceful life, no longer wishing to be involved.

Lu Hongti respected his decision and, without coercion, left the dagger with him. Following this, Ning Yi made a personal request to Liu Xigua, asking her to help escort his wife and friends out of Lin'an, citing the city's increasing dangers.

Liu Xigua initially probed if Ning Yi also intended to leave, but then, with a hint of sadness, assured him she was "just kidding" and, true to her word, promised to protect his wife and family, asking him to await her instructions. Ning Yi thanked her sincerely. Meanwhile, at Bao Wenhan's residence, Lou Shuwan observed someone secretly searching a room. This coincided with Bao Wenhan being summoned by Fang Tianlei, the Holy Master.

Fang Tianlei confronted Bao Wenhan directly, stating that they had worked together for over four years and known each other for over ten, questioning if he had ever treated him badly. Fang Tianlei then accused Bao of years of embezzlement and corruption, revealing that some of Bao's own men had betrayed him and brought him an account book as proof. Fang Tianlei then ordered an aide to compare the seized account book with his own records to verify the discrepancies.

Episode 28 Recap

Fang Tianlei called an elder to verify the accounts seized from Bao Wenhan, doing so right in front of Bao Wenhan. The old man confirmed the accounts tallied perfectly. The informant, Deputy General Hu, was then brought in; he insisted he had seen 50,000 taels missing and diverted. However, with the verified accounts disproving his claim, Fang Tianlei, enraged at the accusation ruining his brotherhood with Bao Wenhan, immediately executed Deputy General Hu.

Apologizing to Bao Wenhan for the misunderstanding, Fang Tianlei reaffirmed his trust in him and assigned him two critical tasks, one of which was to seal all secret passages in the city. Upon returning to his ""Xuanwei Camp"", Bao Wenhan learned from a subordinate that Lou Shuwan had entered his study before the account check. He promptly went to her room. Lou Shuwan offered Bao Wenhan ""Tremella and mung bean soup"" to cool him down. "

"Bao Wenhan had no intention of punishing her, only wanting to find out why she did it." " He directly questioned her about entering his study and touching his account books. After a moment's hesitation, Lou Shuwan admitted she had seen Deputy General Hu inspecting the books and discovered discrepancies. Fearing Bao Wenhan would face the Holy Master's wrath, she had secretly revised the accounts overnight.

Bao Wenhan was impressed by her quick thinking and her financial acumen, realizing her merchant family background made her exceptionally skilled in accounting. He embraced her, expressing his gratitude for saving him from trouble, and then entrusted her with the management of all the camp's accounts. Lou Shuwan readily accepted, pledging to do her utmost. A report came in that Dong Daofu's army had reached Anji, about 140 li from Linan, and was expected to arrive in two days.

Fang Tianlei confirmed that all 300 cannons were in position on the city walls, ready for battle. Liu Xigua then approached the Holy Master, her adoptive father, to request an exit permit for Ning Yi's relatives, who were trapped in Linan. She explained her desire to send them to safety before the war began. The Holy Master expressed his reluctance, citing the city's precarious situation and the recent martial law and curfew.

He questioned her deep concern for Ning Yi, to which Liu Xigua replied that Ning Yi was her most trusted strategist. Despite her repeated pleas, the Holy Master refused, warning her against abusing his favoritism by ignoring his strict orders. Undeterred, Liu Xigua declared that she would find a way to get them out regardless.

Immediately afterward, she sought out Ning Yi, only to be told by Chen Fan that Ning Yi was out for a walk with his wife in ""Ba Dao Camp"", which visibly annoyed Liu Xigua. Ning Yi and Su Tan'er were indeed taking a stroll, with Guard Geng trailing them closely, determined to protect them both despite Ning Yi's gentle nudges to return. Guard Geng suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to properly settle the Second Master's father and son.

Meanwhile, the Second Master's father and son, Su Wenxing and his elderly father, were being "interrogated" by Chen Fan, who was skeptical of their claims to be Ning Yi's relatives. Guard Geng arrived just in time to intervene, preventing further discomfort for the two men. Both men then tearfully embraced Guard Geng and Su Tan'er, recounting their arduous journey to Linan.

They complained about Guard Geng's misleading map and bitterly described how a female thief had stolen their carriage and all their money, leaving them to endure hunger and exposure. Su Wenxing passionately vowed to dismember the thief if he ever saw her again. Just as he finished, Lu Hongti appeared, serving them tea. Su Wenxing immediately recognized her as the female thief, leaping up in shock.

Ning Yi quickly intervened, claiming Lu Hongti was his frail sister, prone to coughing, and thus incapable of being a thief. Lu Hongti played along, feigning weakness, then, with a mischievous smile, vanished from sight, leaving Su Wenxing flailing and sputtering about someone "flying." The others, including Ning Yi, then convinced him he was simply hallucinating from hunger. Later, Chen Fan, still perplexed by how Ning Yi's eleven relatives had entered the heavily guarded city, questioned Ning Yi.

Ning Yi, adopting his "Expert Ning" persona, playfully dodged the question, claiming it was a secret. He then introduced his relatives, ""starting with Chen Fan, then his second uncle and brother-in-law (Su Wenxing), Xiao Chan, and Guard Geng, before specifically highlighting Lu Hongti."

" Ning Yi spun an elaborate tale, describing Lu Hongti as a refined lady from a scholarly family, proficient in lyre-playing, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and emphasizing her loyalty as "more than a sister" due to their families' deep historical ties. Remembering Ning Yi's previous accurate predictions, Chen Fan became convinced Lu Hongti was his destined bride. He directly questioned Lu Hongti about her skills and marital status.

Lu Hongti nearly blurted out a sharp retort, but Ning Yi smoothly covered for her, and she confirmed she was unmarried. Chen Fan then approached Ning Yi, lamenting that this "destined" marriage was unavoidable. Ning Yi, again as "Expert Ning," assured him Lu Hongti was absolutely not his destined bride, finally easing Chen Fan's mind.

Su Tan'er, amused, teased Ning Yi about his newfound "sister," prompting Ning Yi to explain that Lu Hongti was actually his martial arts master and a member of the Secret Investigation Department. He suggested Su Tan'er take the opportunity to teach Lu Hongti proper manners and refined arts. That evening, a lavish dinner was prepared ""by Ning Yi and his companions"".

Liu Xigua watched Ning Yi and Su Tan'er's affectionate interactions from the head of the table, clearly bothered by their intimacy, though she remained unaware of her own burgeoning jealousy. The Second Master's father and son, still full from earlier meals, decided to take a walk to make room for more food. Ning Yi then surprised Su Tan'er with a self-heating spicy beef hotpot, explaining that he used quicklime to heat it.

He pointed to the character on the pot, which he translated as "happy," assuring her that with this invention, she could enjoy Linan's specialties anywhere and always be joyful. They then lovingly fed each other, drawing envious glances. After dinner, Ning Yi suggested a game of "Truth or Dare" (which he called "spit out the truth and who is brave") hoping to create a romantic opportunity for Chen Fan and Liu Xigua.

When it was Chen Fan's turn, he was asked if his beloved was present. He scoffed, claiming women always chased him, and chose to drink rather than answer. The game then landed on Liu Xigua. Chen Fan asked if her beloved was present. Liu Xigua glanced between Ning Yi and Chen Fan, then chose "dare." Chen Fan awkwardly dared her to fight him that night.

Liu Xigua, true to her impulsive nature, immediately punched him, and they began to brawl until Ning Yi intervened. The knife repeatedly landed on Guard Geng, who excitedly, and at great length, shared the story of his decade-long ""love"" for an unsurpassed beauty from the Xinmen Brothel in Jiangning, and how her famous song, "Farewell to Dong Da," was sung only for him. His detailed monologue, however, bored everyone else, who gradually drifted away from the table.

Shortly after, a guard announced that Bao Wenhan's person was at the gate. It was Lou Shuwan. Liu Xigua was wary, reaching for her sword, but Ning Yi reassured her that Lou Shuwan was an ally and requested to speak with her privately. Ning Yi apologized for the fate of her father and brother. Lou Shuwan calmly accepted their demise, stating they deserved it, and urged Ning Yi to take good care of Su Tan'er.

As Lou Shuwan prepared to leave, Su Tan'er rushed out, pleading with her to return to Jiangning to start anew and forget the traumatic past. Lou Shuwan gently declined, explaining that while leaving Linan meant returning home for Su Tan'er, for her, it would be an escape into exile. She asserted that she would not flee, but instead had learned to face her reality and knew how to survive, adding that she had never been better.

With that, she bid them farewell. Witnessing Guard Geng's frustration at no one listening to his detailed love story, Ning Yi suggested he channel his emotions by writing the story into a novel. Moments later, the Holy Master's men arrived, summoning Ning Yi. The Holy Master directly confronted Ning Yi, revealing his knowledge of Ning Yi's plan to send his family out of the city at dawn.

He acknowledged Liu Xigua's fierce loyalty but emphasized that the ultimate decision rested solely with him. Praising Ning Yi's valuable contributions, the Holy Master offered a stark deal: if Ning Yi successfully completed a specific task for him, he would be appointed the Holy Master's chief strategist, and his family would be allowed to leave safely. However, if Ning Yi failed, all of his family members would be executed.

Episode 29 Recap

Ning Yi was summoned by Fang Tianlei, and nervously approached him. Fang Tianlei offered to let Ning Yi's family leave the city, but only if Ning Yi helped him with a task. If Ning Yi failed, Fang Tianlei threatened to kill his entire family. With no other choice, Ning Yi agreed. Ning Yi was then taken to Master Qian, whom Fang Tianlei wanted him to persuade to surrender. Ning Yi pretended to offer psychological counseling.

As he sat down, he discreetly wrote "Someone’s listening" on the table with water, making Master Qian narrow his eyes in curiosity. While feigning meditation and a calming demeanor, Ning Yi subtly informed Master Qian about the city's true situation. He revealed that he had managed to bring food into the city, alleviating the hunger of the populace, and that discontent against Fang Tianlei was growing. He assured Master Qian that Lin'an would eventually be recaptured.

Impressed by Ning Yi's capability, Master Qian decided to take a gamble and feign surrender to Fang Tianlei. Ning Yi reported back to Fang Tianlei, claiming that Master Qian had agreed to surrender in front of the entire city after a session of "meditation," which involved entering the deepest parts of his consciousness to help him sort out his thoughts. Fang Tianlei was intrigued and offered Ning Yi a position as his strategist.

However, Ning Yi respectfully declined, stating that he owed Liu Xigua a debt of gratitude and preferred to remain as a strategist in Badao Camp. Fang Tianlei, recognizing Ning Yi's sense of loyalty, agreed and reaffirmed his promise to let Ning Yi's family leave the city. Before Ning Yi departed, Fang Tianlei called him back, asking how he managed to procure five hundred "shi" of provisions from three nearby counties overnight.

Ning Yi smiled and openly revealed his identity, stating that he was a matrilocal husband of the wealthy Su family in Jiangning, and that his monthly allowance alone was enough to purchase such a large quantity of provisions several times over. He explained that he had kept his wealth a secret for his own protection, especially with Commander Bao looting rich merchants in the city, but felt comfortable being honest with a "generous" leader like Fang Tianlei.

Fang Tianlei, somewhat appeased, allowed him to leave. The next day, Master Qian was brought before the citizens, as promised. However, instead of surrendering, he delivered a defiant and inspiring speech to the public, urging them not to yield but to stand firm and defend their country's dignity, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. He reminded them that while sages' words were often recited, true heroism lay in action during times of crisis.

His powerful words ignited outrage among the people against the bandits. Enraged, Fang Tianlei had Master Qian executed on the spot. Master Qian's unyielding sacrifice deeply impacted Ning Yi. As he, Su Tan'er, and their companions prepared to leave the city, they witnessed countless refugees suffering from starvation. Overwhelmed by the plight of the common folk, Su Tan'er expressed her anguish, asking Ning Yi what would become of these people.

Ning Yi, though internally conflicted, decided they must still try to leave for the sake of his family. Only one carriage was available initially, and the Su family's second branch father and son eagerly volunteered to go first, bidding a quick farewell to Ning Yi and Chen Fan. However, as they ventured outside the city gates, they found an eerie silence.

Suddenly, a volley of arrows rained down upon them, forcing them to scramble back into the city, barely escaping with their lives. The main army under General Dong Daofu had already approached the city gates, preparing for an assault. Simultaneously, General Lin led a detachment through a secret passage, provided by Right Chancellor Qin, directly into the powder magazine behind Lin'an's west gate.

General Dong Daofu had strategically encircled three sides of Lin'an, leaving only the southern gate open, where he also placed an ambush. He had sent three of his most capable deputy generals—Lin Yun, Wang Bin, and Liu Haitian—through various secret passages to infiltrate the city, intending a coordinated inside-outside attack. With the city under siege, Ning Yi and his family were forced to return to Badao Camp. Chen Fan was instructed to strengthen defenses, particularly at the city gates.

Unexpectedly, Fang Tianlei rode out alone to General Dong Daofu's camp. He confronted Dong Daofu, boasting about his control over the imperial powder magazine and presenting the severed heads of Dong Daofu's three deputy generals, who had been ambushed after entering the city. Fang Tianlei threatened to detonate the entire city and the powder magazine if Dong Daofu made any aggressive moves. Dong Daofu, furious but constrained by the gravity of the situation, could only suppress his anger.

He questioned who was behind Fang Tianlei's precise knowledge of his internal plans. Unbeknownst to Right Chancellor Qin, his own guard, Hao Jinhan, had betrayed them, leaking vital information, including the secret passages to the powder magazine, to Grand Tutor He.

Grand Tutor He had orchestrated a meticulous plot; not only was the southern front now difficult to reclaim, but the northern campaign also suffered a devastating ambush, with heavy losses, leaving only the main generals Wang Bing and Yang Shike to break through. Incensed by this treachery, Left Chancellor Li stormed into Grand Tutor He's mansion, publicly accusing him of treason. In his fury, he inadvertently insulted the Emperor, who was present, and was immediately arrested and thrown into prison.

Right Chancellor Qin visited Left Chancellor Li in jail, discussing their bleak prospects. With their forces dwindling, Qin suggested activating Ning Yi, leveraging his insider position to coordinate with General Dong Daofu and suppress the bandits. Ning Yi received a message via carrier pigeon outlining this new mission, but he was deeply disheartened. He had only wished to return to Jiangning and live a peaceful life with his family, now his tranquility was shattered.

In frustration, he threw away the token dagger from Qin Siyuan, declaring an end to their ties. When the pigeon refused to leave, Ning Yi angrily threatened to stew it for soup. Su Tan'er found Ning Yi upset and gently reminded him that no one could escape the chaos of a troubled era. She warned that if the war was not resolved, their own family would suffer the same fate as the Lou family.

She then handed him the dagger that Lu Hongti had recovered, saying that while the Secret Investigation Department had many pigeons to spare, Qin Siyuan's dagger was unique and should not be discarded again. Ning Yi fell silent, pondering her words. Ning Yi understood everything. He hadn’t actually stewed the pigeon; the soup in the bowl was chicken soup. He shared it with Guard Geng and Chan, encouraging everyone to nourish themselves.

Guard Geng suddenly brought up the Su family's second branch father and son. He noted that while he, Chan, and Su Tan'er were willing to stay and face the impending battle, the second branch father and son might not be. Ning Yi went to check on them, offering them good food and drinks.

However, they were so terrified by their earlier escape that they emphatically declared they would not leave Lin'an until the conflict subsided, saving Ning Yi the trouble of convincing them. Right Chancellor Qin's message had given Ning Yi seven days to recapture Lin'an and the powder magazine with General Dong Daofu, or the hope for the northern campaign would be lost. Ning Yi realized that he and Lu Hongti alone couldn’t achieve this.

Their only hope lay in using the emblem on the dagger to locate scattered members of the Secret Investigation Department and Wude Camp within Lin'an. To gather these hidden allies, Ning Yi and Su Tan'er reopened the Lou Family Cloth Store. Chen Fan was perplexed by this business venture amidst a siege, but Ning Yi explained that ensuring people's basic needs like clothing, food, shelter, and transportation was key to winning their hearts.

The emblem, he explained to Chen Fan, was their "business emblem." Ning Yi’s strategy proved effective, bringing many Secret Investigation Department agents out of hiding in Lin'an. Even Yuan Dingqi, the Commander in Chief of the Secret Investigation Department’s Second Department and Wude Camp, arrived after hearing the news. Meanwhile, Lou Shuwan was consolidating her power within Bao Wenhan’s camp. She provided food to the women trapped under Bao Wenhan's control, encouraging them to survive and become her loyal followers.

She also shrewdly distributed the gold and jewelry sent to her by Bao Wenhan to various officers' wives and troops, thereby earning their loyalty. Shortly after, she discovered the emblem on the cloth being distributed by Ning Yi's associates and quickly led a group of bandits to the Lou Family Cloth Store. As Su Tan'er nervously confronted them, Lou Shuwan stepped forward and calmly stated, "It’s me."

Episode 30 Recap

Bandits approach the cloth store, and everyone prepares for the worst, only to discover they are led by Lou Shuwan.

Su Tan'er is shocked to see Lou Shuwan in this state, realizing this is what Lou Shuwan considers a "good life," to which Lou Shuwan replies, "Yes and no." Lou Shuwan acknowledges her difficult path but asserts she no longer wishes to live as before or to escape, stating her reliance on herself to become strong enough to ensure no one dares to trample her again.

She explains that her loyal soldiers follow her because she is powerful enough to protect them, indicating that more will join her. Su Tan'er expresses her concern for Lou Shuwan. Lou Shuwan then returns her weaving machine, entrusting the Lou family cloth store to Su Tan'er and declaring that it will no longer have anything to do with her.

She tells Su Tan'er that their shared childhood dream—that one day everyone in the Wu dynasty would wear clothes made from their fabric—will now be fulfilled by Su Tan'er. Su Tan'er is heartbroken by the farewell, recalling their childhood promise to open the biggest cloth store. Liu Xigua, despite the city's lockdown order issued by the Holy Master, prepares to escort Ning Yi and his family out of Lin'an.

She argues with Chen Fan, who attempts to stop her, reminding her of the Holy Master's strict orders against anyone leaving. Liu Xigua asserts her promise to Ning Yi and her duty as a commander. When she confronts Ning Yi, he resists, claiming he doesn't want to violate the Holy Master's new orders and that neither he nor his family wishes to leave.

Liu Xigua, suspicious of his reasons, presses him, pointing out his usual concern for his wife's safety and threatening to tie him up if he doesn't explain. Ning Yi struggles to give a convincing answer until Lu Hongti opportunely arrives, fabricating an urgent issue at the cloth store to provide Ning Yi with an excuse to depart. Ning Yi quickly seizes the opportunity and leaves with Lu Hongti.

At the cloth store, Ning Yi meets with the Wude Camp members, relieved to find General Yuan (Yuan Dingqi) alive, who light-heartedly remarks he wouldn't die before eliminating the bandits. Ning Yi lays out their plan: they must seize the powder magazine within the hour to coordinate with General Dong's forces from outside, acknowledging the immense difficulty and risk but affirming it as their last resort. Ning Yi declares he will fight alongside them.

Meanwhile, Liu Xigua, still suspicious of Ning Yi's refusal to leave, interrogates the four brothers from the Academy of Male Virtuousness. When their explanations fall short and she threatens to imprison them, Gao Qiu steps forward. He fabricates a story, claiming that "Expert Ning" performed a divination after their carriage was shot and forced back from the city gate.

He reveals the divination's result: "The Fire forces the Wind, the South benefits," implying that Liu Xigua (fire) and Ning Yi (wind) were a good match but went the wrong direction, which conveniently explains why General Dong left the South Gate unguarded. He further claims Ning Yi said heaven's secrets shouldn't be revealed. Believing this plausible explanation, Liu Xigua releases them. Later, Ning Yi discusses the perilous night operation with Lu Hongti.

She expresses deep concern about the mission's high stakes and low chances of success, advising him against participating due to the risk to his family, reminding him that while Secret Agent Division members are prepared to die for the Wu Dynasty, he has family to protect.

However, Ning Yi, recalling his friend Qian Lao's philosophy that "uncommon men do uncommon deeds," insists on joining, believing that their resistance, even in death, will inspire future generations by giving them names to remember. That evening, Ning Yi finds Guard Geng waiting outside his house. Ning Yi, anticipating he might not return, makes Guard Geng promise to protect Su Tan'er above all else, as she is his only true concern.

Guard Geng, vowing never to fail her again after a past mistake, reassures him. Guard Geng then speaks to another guard about a story he'd written, noting he doesn't know how to end it and expressing his intention to show it to Ning Yi. Ning Yi, burdened by the impending mission, promises to read it upon his return.

Ning Yi then enters his room, where Su Tan'er pretends to be asleep but is secretly awake, having overheard Ning Yi's solemn conversation with Guard Geng. She recognizes the gravity of his mission and her helplessness to stop him, feeling a deep ache in her heart. The next morning, Su Tan'er prepares a large meal for Ning Yi.

Although Ning Yi notes the food is bland due to the lack of salt, he praises her cooking, claiming it's better than the best restaurant in Lin'an, and eats every bite, as if it were a final farewell. As Ning Yi prepares to leave, Su Tan'er reveals that it wasn't that she forgot the salt, but that there is no salt left in their house, a poignant detail underscoring their desperate situation.

Ning Yi promises to bring some back that night. Later, at midnight, Ning Yi and his allies launch their assault on the powder magazine to aid General Dong. However, they discover the magazine empty, realizing they've fallen into an ambush. Bao Wenhan and his men emerge, and Ning Yi's use of a firearm immediately reveals his identity to Bao Wenhan.

Realizing the trap, Lu Hongti urges Ning Yi to flee, stating he cannot be exposed and that she will deal with the others. But Bao Wenhan, driven by a deep-seated hatred for Ning Yi, pursues him relentlessly to the entrance of Badao Camp. Seeing Ning Yi in grave danger, Guard Geng bravely intervenes, along with other Badao Camp guards who rally to protect their military advisor.

Outmatched, Guard Geng sacrifices himself by grappling with Bao Wenhan, holding him back despite being fatally stabbed multiple times. Distraught and desperate, Ning Yi seizes his firearm, hastily loads it, and shoots Bao Wenhan dead. Yet, the victory is hollow, as he cannot bring Guard Geng back. Liu Xigua and Chen Fan arrive to find Ning Yi devastated beside Guard Geng's body.

Ning Yi tearfully explains that Bao Wenhan was seeking revenge on him, and Guard Geng died saving his life, dying with Bao Wenhan. Chen Fan confirms that Bao Wenhan was killed by a firearm. Recalling the heavy responsibilities placed upon him as the future hope of the Secret Agent Division, Ning Yi denies being the one who fired the fatal shot. The Xuanwei Camp's Deputy General demands justice from Fang Tianlei for Bao Wenhan's death.

Liu Xigua passionately defends Ning Yi, asserting that Bao Wenhan, harboring a long-standing grudge against Badao Camp and Ning Yi, initiated the conflict, injuring six of her men and severely wounding Ning Yi, with Guard Geng dying in the process. The Deputy General refutes this, stating that Bao Wenhan was killed by a firearm while defending the powder magazine, suggesting Ning Yi was allied with the Wude Camp, and demands Ning Yi's life.

Liu Xigua dismisses this as baseless, highlighting the lack of evidence. Fang Tianlei intervenes, chastising both camps for their infighting and proposing a resolution: bury the dead, compensate their families, and impose equal penalties on both Xuanwei and Badao Camps, ending the dispute. While the Xuanwei Camp agrees to the penalty, their Deputy General insists on Ning Yi's life. Liu Xigua, however, vows to protect Ning Yi at all costs, telling him "I'm determined to protect you."

As the argument escalates and the Deputy General taunts her about Ning Yi being her "paramour," Fang Tianlei is on the verge of killing Ning Yi, stating "Today, you will surely die." In a desperate move, Liu Xigua loudly confesses, "I like him," shocking everyone and causing Fang Tianlei to hesitate, sparing Ning Yi for the moment and ordering everyone to retreat for further discussion.

News of Bao Wenhan's death reaches Lou Shuwan, who immediately asserts her control over Xuanwei Camp. She orders the release of the captive women, overriding an officer who claims everything, including her and the women, now belongs to him. Lou Shuwan's long-term planning comes to light as the majority of the soldiers, whom she had secretly won over by sacrificing her personal jewelry and promising them more, turn their blades on the defiant officer, cementing her command.

Ning Yi returns home, utterly broken by Guard Geng's death, his despair so profound that he barely acknowledges Su Tan'er. Overwhelmed with grief, Su Tan'er, Xiao Chan, and the household mourn Guard Geng. Su Tan'er takes charge of the burial, interring him on Qingyue Hill, southeast of Hui Lake, in Lin'an.

During the solemn ceremony, she delivers a heartfelt eulogy, honoring Guard Geng's decade of unwavering loyalty and valor in protecting the Su family, and bids him to rest in peace, free to embark on the adventures of roaming the world with his sword and traveling to the ends of the earth, as he had always dreamed.

Episode 31 Recap

Ning Yi sat by Guard Geng’s newly made grave, gently burying the last handfuls of soil. He expressed his gratitude for Guard Geng’s lifelong protection of the Su family and acknowledged Guard Geng's unfulfilled desire to become a knight and travel the world. Now, Ning Yi told him, he could finally rest in peace without worry. Taking out a novel Guard Geng had written, Ning Yi regretted not reading it while Guard Geng was alive.

The book, titled "Geng Zhi," began ten years ago in Bafeng Village, introducing a twenty-year-old Geng Zhi who, restless with rural life, decided to seek his fortune in Jiangning. One night, while waiting outside Jiangning’s city gate, he encountered a young woman named Yang. She was a singer, encouraged by Madame Liang to pursue her dream of becoming the most popular performer in Jiangning's largest sing-song house.

Geng Zhi was immediately captivated by her singing, even though she never truly noticed him, her eyes fixed on her ambitious future. Geng Zhi tried to join an escort agency, boasting his martial arts skills. The recruiter, unimpressed, still offered to introduce him to the leader for a fee. Thus, Geng Zhi became a guard at the Su Mansion, faithfully protecting the family for decades.

In his free time, he ceaselessly searched for Miss Yang among Jiangning’s various sing-song houses (Mingyu, Xiangle, Siyin), imagining her dazzling on stage, adored by countless admirers yet loving none. He longed to find her and confess his feelings. Years passed, and he began to doubt if she was even still in Jiangning, or if his memories of her were even real. Finally, he found her at Xinmen Brothel, but she was now Procuress Yang.

Their paths had diverged; he hadn't become a traveling escort, and she wasn't a renowned singer. Despite the passage of nine years, Geng Zhi's love persisted. He knew they were ordinary people, yet he was determined to try for her. He started living frugally, hoping to save enough money to propose. His meager monthly salary, however, was a pittance, prompting him to ask his manager, Li, for a raise, claiming a family emergency.

His only solace was reading chivalrous novels, envisioning a future where he could marry Miss Yang and they would travel the world together. To catch a glimpse of her, he would often visit the brothel, ordering the busiest singer, sometimes waiting all day. Procuress Yang was too busy to truly notice him, but he found happiness just observing her from afar. It wasn't until Ning Yi caused a commotion that she finally seemed to register his presence.

Driven by his desire to marry her, Geng Zhi tentatively asked Ning Yi if he could join his business. To his surprise, Ning Yi agreed, even appointing him as the manager of the Lin'an branch. That night, Geng Zhi was sleepless with excitement, imagining that with this new opportunity, he could finally earn enough money to marry Miss Yang and give her the happy life he always dreamed of.

Reading this, Ning Yi was struck by the irony that such a "chivalrous" man enjoyed romance novels. He remembered promising Geng Zhi a comfortable life and telling him he looked forward to hearing the rest of his story. With a heavy heart, Ning Yi burned the novel, a final tribute to Guard Geng, vowing to return to his grave after Lin'an’s troubles were settled.

Meanwhile, Fang Tianlei debated with his wife and sister whether Liu Xigua’s public declaration for Ning Yi was genuine affection or merely a protective gesture. His wife firmly believed it was true love, noting Liu Xigua’s unwavering refusal of all previous marriage proposals and her never having acted this way for anyone else.

While Fang Tianlei still suspected Ning Yi, especially after the gunpowder magazine incident, his wife countered, arguing that Lin'an had become significantly more stable since Ning Yi became their strategist. As Liu Xigua’s aunt, who had raised her like her own daughter, she insisted on supporting Liu Xigua’s first true affection. Fang Tianlei then devised a plan: he would arrange a marriage between Liu Xigua and Ning Yi and send invitations to all eight camps.

This grand wedding would serve as a test. If Ning Yi was indeed a spy, he would exploit the resulting lax city defenses to signal General Dong Daofu to attack, leading them into a trap at the gunpowder magazine. If no attack occurred, Ning Yi would be proven innocent, and a genuine marriage would be celebrated. Ning Yi was summoned before Fang Tianlei, who enumerated his offenses: hurting his men, disrupting supply lines, and killing Bao Wenhan.

Ning Yi, however, refused to confess guilt, asserting that his actions were based on his personal principles, his "bottom line," which he believed everyone, including Fang Tianlei, possessed. Impressed by Ning Yi’s bravery, Fang Tianlei then inquired about his birth details and family. Ning Yi provided his birth date, February 11th, though he couldn't recall the specific year. He stated that he was a matrilocal son-in-law to the Su family in Jiangning, married to Su Tan'er, and had no children.

He then challenged Fang Tianlei to simply kill him if that was his intention, rather than delve into such details. Fang Tianlei, however, decreed that since Liu Xigua had long admired Ning Yi and their elders approved, Ning Yi must divorce Su Tan'er and marry Liu Xigua the day after tomorrow. Upon seeing the Badao Camp adorned with wedding decorations, the Su Second Master and his son learned of Liu Xigua's impending marriage to Ning Yi.

They immediately protested, intending to defend their niece's husband. However, Fang Tianlei had issued a terrifying edict: anyone who opposed the marriage would be killed. Faced with this threat, they reluctantly offered congratulations. Liu Xigua confronted Fang Tianlei and her aunt, furious about the forced marriage, with Chen Fan supporting her stance. She insisted it was her personal matter and demanded they stop pressuring her.

Fang Tianlei retorted that since she had publicly declared her affection for Ning Yi, she, as the esteemed Commander of Badao Camp, must uphold her honor by marrying him. He then threatened that if she did not marry Ning Yi, he would no longer protect him from the Xuanwei Camp, who sought revenge for Bao Wenhan's death.

Chen Fan reminded them that Ning Yi was already married, but Liu Xigua’s aunt dismissed this, stating Ning Yi could simply divorce Su Tan'er, as their Liu Xigua would never share a husband. Liu Xigua reiterated that while she liked Ning Yi, she had no intention of breaking up his loving relationship with Su Tan'er. Her aunt scoffed, telling her if Ning Yi could love Su Tan'er, he could love Liu Xigua too, and urged her to be more confident.

Unable to sway them, Liu Xigua retreated. Lu Hongti later reported to Ning Yi that the Secret Investigation Department had suffered severe casualties after the failed gunpowder magazine raid and needed time to recover. She noted they only had three days left and suspected the gunpowder had already been moved. With insufficient forces for a coordinated attack with General Dong, they would need to create an opportunity, striking when the enemy’s defenses were weakest.

Ning Yi, deep in thought, assured her he would find a solution and asked her to tell Master Qin not to worry, as he would handle the situation in Lin’an. Liu Xigua found Ning Yi, regretfully informing him that the forced marriage was unavoidable. She explained that after this "interlude," everything would revert to normal: he would be himself, she would be herself, and Su Tan'er would still be his wife.

She clarified that her public declaration of affection was solely to protect him and urged him to explain the situation clearly to his wife. Ning Yi, feeling a pang of guilt, apologized. Liu Xigua dismissed it as a "debt between brothers" and left. Later that night, Ning Yi returned to his room, where Su Tan'er was waiting, playfully confronting him with a pair of scissors about his upcoming marriage to Liu Xigua.

She jokingly asked if he planned to divorce her or keep both wives. Startled, Ning Yi quickly explained it was all an act, part of a larger plan. Su Tan'er, no longer teasing, listened intently as he revealed the details, which required her cooperation. She feigned indignation, accusing him of desiring two wives, but then patiently listened to his full strategy.

The Su Second Master and his son, outraged that Ning Yi, their matrilocal son-in-law, dared to remarry, confronted Su Tan'er. She calmly assured them that she and Ning Yi had their own arrangements and they shouldn't worry. Her composure, and a subtle smile, baffled them, making them wonder if she had lost her mind. They then secretly reveled in the thought that with Ning Yi gone, they could finally seize the family fortune.

Their joy was quickly tempered by the realization that they were still trapped in Lin'an. Meanwhile, Chen Fan led his subordinates outside the city to construct a makeshift shelter, intending to disrupt the wedding. However, they were discovered by Fang Tianlei. Realizing Chen Fan’s affection for Liu Xigua and fearing he might disrupt the wedding, Fang Tianlei had him imprisoned until after the ceremony. Inside the camp, Liu Xigua’s aunt oversaw the bustling wedding preparations.

She instructed her subordinates to send invitations to all eight camps, specifically excluding Ning Yi's former wife and family, making sure no one was overlooked. At the Lou Cloth Store, Su Tan'er gathered her staff, instructing them to work quickly on an urgent order of clothing. The day before the wedding, her aunt visited Liu Xigua and found her polishing her sword, a clear sign of nervousness.

Although it was a forced marriage, Liu Xigua admitted to her aunt a hint of anticipation. As invitations filled the eight camps, a festive atmosphere spread throughout Badao Camp. Oblivious to the true situation, the Su Second Master and his son, not invited to the wedding, continued to fantasize about becoming the richest family in Jiangning once they returned home. With a newfound swagger, they confidently ordered fifteen steamed buns from a street vendor.

Then, attempting to buy them on credit, they grandiosely declared themselves the wealthy managers of the Jiangning Su family, boasting they could even buy the vendor a shop. The bewildered vendor watched them stride away, shaking his head.

Episode 32 Recap

Ning Yi planned to launch an attack on the night of the wedding, instructing Lu Hongti to prepare for the offensive. Meanwhile, Fang Tianlei also tightened defenses, intending to use Liu Xigua's wedding banquet as a trap to test Ning Yi's true identity. Lu Hongti reported to Ning Yi that she had successfully diverted the attention of those watching him.

Ning Yi explained that Fang Tianlei and Shao Xianying had gathered all the forces from their eight camps for the wedding banquet, which would leave the city's defenses critically vulnerable, presenting a unique opportunity for an attack. He then dispatched Lu Hongti to leave the city and relay this crucial information to Dong Daofu. Fang Tianlei, for his part, confirmed that all arrangements were in place.

He ordered Fang Qiong to feign an excuse to skip the wedding and instead monitor the movements from the watchtower. He also assigned Zheng Biao and Wang Jin to guard the south and north city gates, respectively, ensuring they were ready for battle. Shao Xianying expressed her reluctance to use Xigua's wedding for such a scheme, but Fang Tianlei was resolute.

He asserted that if all went smoothly, Ning Yi and Xigua could live as a normal couple; otherwise, if Ning Yi proved to be a traitor, they would simply execute him. After inspecting the black powder at the Xuanwei Camp, Fang Tianlei ordered it to be buried near all the city gates and commanded his men to equip themselves with firearms and guard through the night.

He explicitly reminded his deputies that they knew exactly how to deal with Ning Yi should the wedding plans be disrupted. Outside the city, Dong Daofu voiced his doubts about Ning Yi's plan, concerned that it was too much of a gamble given the heavy casualties the Secret Investigation Department had already sustained. He questioned whether Ning Yi had a foolproof strategy.

Lu Hongti reassured him, emphasizing that the bandits' forces would be concentrated at the camp for the wedding, leaving the city defenses weak. She urged the general to simply await the opportune moment, affirming that Ning Yi had everything under control. Back in his room, Ning Yi was met by Su Tan'er, who presented him with a divorce agreement.

She calmly explained that she understood his true intentions, knew the marriage to Liu Xigua was fake, and believed a formal separation would free him to fulfill his mission without worrying about her. Ning Yi was clearly pained, acknowledging the immense sacrifice she was making. Su Tan'er insisted she was not wronged, believing that a man of his capabilities should aspire to more than being a matrilocal husband, urging him to pursue a wider world.

Reluctantly, Ning Yi signed the agreement. Su Tan'er then helped him put on his wedding robe, remarking that it fit perfectly despite being hastily made, unlike the one for their own wedding. She wistfully recalled their wedding day and his promise of a honeymoon. Ning Yi embraced her, promising to compensate her for all the sacrifices he was forcing her to make. Meanwhile, Liu Xigua was being prepared for the wedding by her aunt, Shao Xianying.

She was visibly nervous, fearing the mockery of her peers for wearing traditional bridal attire. Her aunt reassured her, praising her beauty and vowing that no one in the camp would dare laugh at her. She lamented that Xigua's own mother, who passed away early, couldn't teach her about dressing up. Despite Xigua's initial reluctance, her aunt gently pierced her ears, reminding her that it was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Confined in a cell, Chen Fan was furious and distraught, repeatedly shouting for his release. He vehemently opposed Liu Xigua's marriage to Ning Yi and desperately demanded to see her. At the wedding ceremony in Linan, Fang Tianlei sat beside his wife. He bestowed a generous dowry upon Liu Xigua, declaring her like his own daughter, and warned Ning Yi not to mistreat her.

As the auspicious hour arrived, a brother from the Badao Camp announced Ning Yi's entry as a matrilocal husband, marrying Commander Liu, and the crowd eagerly called for them to enter the bridal chamber. However, Shao Xianying quickly intervened, insisting on a proper traditional ceremony. The ceremony commenced: first, a bow to Guan Yu, symbolizing loyalty and righteousness, followed by a stern warning that any traitor would face a brutal end.

Ning Yi, having married into the Badao Camp, was now bound to share both good fortune and hardship. Next, they bowed to Liu Xigua's father's long sword, symbolizing respect for her deceased father, wishing them unity and strength to overcome any challenges. Finally, the couple bowed to each other, sealing their union. Shao Xianying formally handed Liu Xigua's hand to Ning Yi, imploring him not to disappoint her, especially since Xigua had never previously shown affection for anyone.

Ning Yi remained silent, but Liu Xigua quickly affirmed to her aunt that he was capable of upholding his vows. As the wedding banquet unfolded, Su Tan'er sat alone in her room, calmly reading, despite the festive window decorations. Xiao Chan, seeing her mistress's composure, became uneasy and threatened to confront Ning Yi if he dared to wrong her. Su Tan'er, however, maintained her trust in him. At the banquet, Ning Yi circulated, toasting the Xuanwei Camp members.

Their initial disdain nearly escalated into a brawl with the Badao Camp until Shao Xianying intervened. Fang Tianlei and the Xuanwei Camp continued to covertly observe Ning Yi, concluding that his sobriety hinted at ulterior motives, likely a coordinated attack with Dong Daofu. After Ning Yi had socialized and many of the bandits appeared to be inebriated, Ning Yi and his companion excused themselves.

Immediately, the "drunk" bandits sobered up, ready to carry out Fang Tianlei's plan to defend the city gates with explosives and firearms. Meanwhile, following Ning Yi's plan, the four brothers from the Academy of Male Virtuousness used his knockout powder to incapacitate four guards and then donned their uniforms. Su’s Second Master's father and son followed closely, pushing a small cart towards the Linan granary.

At the granary, they were challenged by a guard who noticed they were late for their shift and demanded the secret password. Li Pin, drawing on his classical education, correctly completed the lines from an ancient poem: "弃捐勿复道" (There are many things I want to say), to which the required response was "努力加餐饭" (Please take care and not suffer from hunger and cold). The guards accepted the password, and Second Master's family proceeded with the cart towards the granary.

Ning Yi arrived at the bridal chamber, appearing semi-intoxicated. He lifted Liu Xigua's red veil. After removing his wedding robe, they both shared a knowing glance, silently acknowledging their mutual understanding of the situation. They began to chat, and Liu Xigua recounted stories from her childhood. She shared how her mother, who craved a watermelon during pregnancy but couldn't afford one, named her Xigua, hoping it would bring a sense of abundance.

She explained that her father, Liu Dabiao, became a bandit purely out of necessity to feed his family. He was tragically framed and executed for treason by corrupt officials. Liu Xigua, who revered her father, adopted his name, Liu Dabiao, to keep his legacy alive, and diligently followed her uncle, Fang Tianlei, who spoiled her out of loyalty to her father.

She revealed that even after the Bao Wenhan incident, Fang Tianlei hadn't fully trusted Ning Yi but spared him because of Liu Xigua's affection, adding that she felt this fake marriage was a worthwhile trade for saving Ning Yi's life. Ning Yi subtly probed whether she suspected Fang Tianlei had always intended to pursue a path of rebellion. Liu Xigua quickly denied it, asserting her uncle merely opposed corrupt officials.

However, Ning Yi pointed out her swift denial, suggesting she harbored doubts herself. Despite her internal conflict, Liu Xigua firmly stated her profound gratitude to her uncle meant she was committed to helping him win the battle for Linan. Ning Yi playfully suggested that if they lost, she and Chen Fan could simply accept an amnesty. Liu Xigua chided him for such inauspicious talk on their wedding night before drifting off to sleep. Ning Yi sat awake through the night.

As morning broke, Fang Tianlei and his sister, Fang Qiong, noted that Dong Daofu, known for his night raids, had not attacked despite the opportune moment presented by the wedding festivities. Fang Tianlei concluded that Ning Yi was not a traitor. Recognizing that his men had been on guard all night, he ordered a shift change and for them to rest, mindful of preventing a surprise attack from Dong Daofu. Convinced of Ning Yi’s loyalty, he ordered Chen Fan’s release.

As Chen Fan was freed, he was told that Liu Xigua and Ning Yi had completed the wedding ceremony and had likely already consummated their marriage. Enraged, Chen Fan stormed towards Liu Xigua’s bridal chamber in the pouring rain. His comrades tried to stop him, reminding him that killing Ning Yi would only make Liu Xigua a widow. Overwhelmed, Chen Fan collapsed to the ground in despair.

Fang Qiong, looking out at the rain, remarked to Fang Tianlei how it reminded her of the rainy day when her "Big Brother Dabiao" was executed, lamenting that despite their efforts, they couldn't save him. Suddenly, Fang Tianlei noticed the water in his teacup vibrating. At the same moment, Chen Fan, still wandering aimlessly in the rain, approached the city gate. He suddenly sensed something was amiss just as the gate was violently smashed open and a horde of government soldiers surged into the city.

Episode 33 Recap

The city gates were rammed open, and Dong Daofu's army stormed into Lin'an from three sides. The bandits, having been on alert all night, were exhausted. By the time they reacted, all city gates had been breached. Reports quickly reached Fang Tianlei that Xuanwei Camp fortress couldn't hold, and the East, West, and North gates had all fallen to Dong Daofu and his lieutenants, who had already entered the city.

Fang Tianlei, realizing their dire situation, declared his intent for a final, desperate stand and ordered all his remaining forces to assemble at the powder magazine. He specifically instructed Chen Fan to escort Liu Xigua out of the city at all costs. Upon hearing the news of the attack, Liu Xigua immediately rushed to rally the Badao Camp to reinforce Fang Tianlei at the powder magazine.

Ning Yi tried to stop her, explaining that Fang Tianlei intended a suicidal last stand and that Lin'an was lost. Liu Xigua, however, insisted on saving her "Holy Master," ordering her own men to protect Ning Yi and ensure his safe exit instead. Just then, Chen Fan arrived, reiterating Fang Tianlei's command for the Badao Camp to escort Liu Xigua out.

When she remained adamant about going to the powder magazine, Chen Fan, with a nod from Ning Yi, knocked her unconscious and carried her away, accompanied by Badao Camp brothers. Fang Tianlei, during the chaos of battle, also instructed his sister Fang Qiong to find Liu Xigua and ensure her safety, expressing his concern that Chen Fan might not be able to protect her alone.

Meanwhile, Fang Tianlei reached the powder magazine, only to discover that all the gunpowder had been soaked and rendered useless by the heavy rain the previous night. He exclaimed, "Why are there so many holes on the roof? The drains are all blocked!" As Dong Daofu's army stormed the powder magazine, Fang Tianlei's two most capable subordinates were killed, and he was forced into a desperate, losing battle. Ultimately, his forces were overwhelmed, and he was captured by Dong Daofu.

Later, General Dong's men inspected the powder magazine and surprisingly found a large amount of black powder still intact in hidden spots, untouched by the water – a significant advantage for the Wu Dynasty army. Ning Yi and Chen Fan escorted the unconscious Liu Xigua out of the city. As they traveled in the carriage, Chen Fan, though unsure how Ning Yi achieved such an easy exit, expressed his bewilderment at the smooth escape.

Later, after they had established a camp in the outskirts, Liu Xigua regained consciousness and realized that Ning Yi must have been the orchestrator behind Fang Tianlei's defeat. She confronted him, asking if he was a member of the Secret Investigation Department. Ning Yi admitted it, absorbing her slaps without resistance. He urged her not to attempt to rescue Fang Tianlei, as their remaining forces were too few, and advised her on how to evade the authorities and survive.

He confessed that while his actions and words since entering Badao Camp were strategic and had their own purpose, his friendship with her and the Badao Camp brothers was genuine. He stated his commitment to preventing the Wu Dynasty from losing the war and its people from suffering, and to sparing his comrades from meaningless deaths, not wanting them to become mere "cold figures in the history books."

Liu Xigua, heartbroken and devastated, refused to forgive Ning Yi, as her own father had been killed by the Secret Investigation Department. Weeping, she ordered him to leave, declaring she would never forgive him. Chen Fan and the other Badao Camp brothers watched Ning Yi depart. Ning Yi, in turn, felt heartbroken and remorseful, reminiscing about his time in Badao Camp, smiling stiffly then crying.

Meanwhile, Lou Shuwan, having gathered her finances and rescued several victimized women, recalled a hidden compartment in her room. Searching, she discovered a large sum of silver. She buried her father, brother, and Bao Wenhan together, then left Lin'an with her men and the rescued women, believing they now had a path forward. She also found a map among Bao Wenhan's documents detailing the hiding places of various outlaws across the Wu Dynasty, which made her smile triumphantly.

Lin'an was pacified, and the captured bandits were imprisoned, allowing the lives of the common people to return to normal. The Su family's Second Master's fleeting dream of becoming a rich merchant ended. General Dong commended Ning Yi and inquired about the entire strategy behind the city's capture. Ning Yi revealed the full extent of his plan.

He had anticipated Fang Tianlei's distrust since the arranged marriage and realized Fang Tianlei intended to use the wedding to lure him into sending false information about vulnerable city defenses to external forces. Therefore, Ning Yi decided to turn the tables and use this opportunity instead. After their initial failed attempt to attack the powder magazine, they deduced that Fang Tianlei had moved all the gunpowder and weapons.

Lady Lu, Ning Yi's martial arts teacher, tracked Fang Tianlei's subordinate in charge of the powder magazine, Zheng Biao, and discovered the gunpowder was hidden in the granary. Realizing the sheer volume of gunpowder made direct removal impossible, Ning Yi collaborated with Su Tan'er to create waterproof linings for the grain hoppers.

Ning Yi used this opportunity for the 'Four Male Virtues Friends' and the Su family's Second Master's father and son to covertly enter the granary, line the grain hoppers with the waterproof material, and then punch holes in the roof. Fang Tianlei, only checking the surface, concluded the gunpowder was wet and unusable, forcing him into a desperate, head-on confrontation with General Dong.

This maneuver allowed Ning Yi to preserve the gunpowder and execute the coordinated attack with General Dong's forces. Su Zhongkan and Su Wenxing, the Second Master and his son, proudly claimed credit for the idea of punching holes in the roof, though Chan playfully reminded them of a past incident where they caused the loss of a warehouse of Cloud Gauze. Su Tan'er, however, acknowledged their contribution, considering it amends for past mistakes, and suggested rewarding them.

General Dong also asked about the bandit's god-daughter, Liu Xigua. Lady Lu explained that Liu Xigua and her Badao Camp had always been righteous and cared for the people, and that the Secret Investigation Department was considering recruiting them. While General Dong expressed concern about her potentially becoming a threat, Lady Lu assured him that she would investigate the matter thoroughly. Dong Daofu brought Ning Yi to interrogate Fang Tianlei in prison.

Upon seeing Ning Yi, Fang Tianlei was furious, threatening to tear him apart and demanding to know Liu Xigua's whereabouts. Ning Yi assured him that Liu Xigua and the Badao Camp were safe, having retreated deep into the mountains, which put Fang Tianlei at ease. Ning Yi then pressed Fang Tianlei about whether he was instructed by someone to delay the northern army's advance. Fang Tianlei admitted there was a mastermind but refused to reveal their identity.

He then curiously asked Ning Yi how he knew it would rain that morning. Ning Yi replied that he didn't "know" but rather "waited for the rain" to use it as the signal to attack Lin'an. Fang Tianlei, recognizing the brilliance of this strategy, conceded defeat, musing, "How clever!" News of Lin'an's victory quickly reached the Emperor. Minister He, however, remained unperturbed, viewing Fang Tianlei as a mere pawn, now discarded.

He dismissed concerns about Fang Tianlei causing trouble in the capital, stating he had more important matters to attend to. Meanwhile, the people of Wu Dynasty celebrated Lin'an's recovery. In Jiangning, the Su family rejoiced, with Su Tan'er's mother immediately planning a feast to welcome Ning Yi and Su Tan'er home. Ning Yi and his companions finally set off for Jiangning, their only regret being the absence of Guard Geng, who had perished.

In Jiangning, Zhu Restaurant had expanded significantly, opening many branch stores. The four male virtues friends, marveling at the numerous new branches, felt immense relief and appreciation for their current lives, reflecting on their long and unexpected stay in Lin'an as if it were a dream. At the Su Mansion, Elder Master and Su Tan'er's mother eagerly awaited their return. Upon seeing their family, Su Wenxing hugged Elder Master, expressing their joy at being reunited.

Episode 34 Recap

Ning Yi and Su Tan'er returned to the Su Manor in Jiangning, where their family, including Su Tan'er's mother, her grandfather, and others, greeted them with immense joy and relief. Her mother expressed how much she missed them and had prepared a welcoming feast with all their favorite dishes. Ning Yi assured everyone he and Su Tan'er were fine. Meanwhile, Li Pin and his three scholar friends also arrived back home.

Li Pin’s wife, who had been anxiously waiting for him in a small courtyard he had secretly purchased, initially greeted him with a mix of scolding and playful punches. She accused him of being tired of her and wanting to divorce her, but he retorted that he had returned alive and she was stuck with him. Their bickering quickly turned into a heartfelt embrace, as she expressed profound relief for his safe return.

This life-and-death experience had significantly deepened the bonds between these men and their wives. At the Su Manor, the Second Master’s family, Su Zhongkan and his son, exaggerated their harrowing experiences in Lin’an to the Elder Master, boasting of their suffering as captives and their ultimate role in assisting General Dong’s victory. Su Tan'er's mother even praised their bravery.

Recognizing their underlying motive, Ning Yi and Su Tan'er generously offered them control of Su’s Dyehouse and the largest cloth stores in the East Market. Though initially feigning humility, Su Zhongkan and his son quickly accepted, overjoyed, and promised to make the businesses prosper. Su Tan’er, however, noticed her own father’s absence. Her mother explained that he had fallen ill from excessive worry over her safety in Lin’an, and though now much better, still needed quiet rest.

Su Tan’er went to his room, carefully prepared and served him tea. Her father, who had previously been reserved, openly expressed his concern for her suffering. He confessed that his past reluctance for her to pursue business stemmed from a desire to shield her from hardship. Seeing her happy and well, he was finally at ease. Su Tan’er became emotional, stating how wonderful it felt to have a father, and he reassured her he would always be by her side.

Upon returning to her room, Su Tan’er found it decorated as a wedding chamber. Ning Yi, dressed in a traditional wedding robe, was waiting for her. He announced his intention to make amends for past shortcomings and, kneeling, proposed to her with jade thumb rings, using modern wedding vows. Su Tan’er, smiling, readily accepted and then reciprocated the vows. They exchanged rings and completed the ceremony with a traditional cross-cupped wine.

Ning Yi declared that marrying her was his life’s greatest fortune and expressed his heartfelt wish for her to always remain by his side, no matter what challenges lay ahead. Meanwhile, Li Pin and his three scholar friends transformed the Academy of Male Virtuousness into the Decai Academy.

At its grand opening, Li Pin explained that "Decai" meant "to make money through honesty," and it was an exclusive institution for affluent merchants, offering lessons in profitable business strategies and a platform for networking. When asked about their role in stabilizing Lin’an’s soaring grain prices, Li Pin stated that these economic principles would be covered in their courses. Many people, eager to learn from their renowned exploits, rushed to enroll in the limited spots available.

Later, while walking through the city, Su Tan’er asked Ning Yi if he had intended to step away from the family business by handing it over to the Second Master’s family. He admitted that since the events in Lin’an, he had developed a strong desire to go to the capital and follow Qin Siyuan, hoping to contribute to making the world a better place. He had only been hesitant due to concerns for her.

Su Tan’er then revealed that relinquishing the family business had always been her plan, precisely so she could accompany him to Wudu. She firmly believed that a husband and wife should share all fortunes, good or ill, and that facing any future challenges together was always preferable to him battling alone. Their walk inadvertently led them to the Xinmen Brothel. Ning Yi entered alone and presented Procuress Yang with a portrait that Guard Geng had drawn of her.

Procuress Yang admired the artwork, realizing it was her own image, and wondered if the artist harbored feelings for her. Ning Yi sadly informed her that Guard Geng had drawn it, explaining he was his family’s guard, Geng Zhi, whom he had often brought to the brothel.

Procuress Yang struggled to recall him, initially mistaking him for someone else, before finally remembering a “dark-skinned, bearded, tall guy” who was a constant “annoyance” by always visiting during her busiest hours and asking for her most popular girls, then sitting and talking while she was preoccupied. Ning Yi’s heart sank at her dismissive words. He then told her that Guard Geng would no longer trouble her, implying his death. As he left, Procuress Yang seemed perplexed.

Ning Yi later sat alone by a bridge, tears streaming down his face, as if speaking to Guard Geng, asking why he had left without his permission. That evening, Chen Fan arrived in Jiangning to meet Ning Yi. Over a meal, Chen Fan explained his visit, hoping Ning Yi could "casually" help him rescue a "court criminal." Ning Yi immediately understood he meant Fang Tianlei and flatly stated it would "not be easy."

Chen Fan, growing desperate, confessed he would do "whatever it takes" to save his Master, even explicitly threatening Ning Yi’s family. Ning Yi calmly responded that he trusted Chen Fan wouldn’t resort to such actions, just as Chen Fan trusted Ning Yi wouldn't destroy his camp. Chen Fan then pleaded for a mere idea, assuring Ning Yi that he wouldn't need to be involved.

Ning Yi explained that Fang Tianlei’s crimes—the murder of Qian Xiwen and the devastation inflicted on Lin’an’s innocent citizens by his lieutenant Bao Wenhan—were unforgivable under imperial law, meriting a harsh death. He revealed he had already used his influence with the Secret Investigation Department to petition the Emperor for leniency, resulting in Fang Tianlei’s punishment being reduced to a public beheading.

Ning Yi concluded that he could not provide any further assistance, as the countless victims of Fang Tianlei’s actions would never forgive him, even if the authorities did. Chen Fan acknowledged the truth in Ning Yi's words but emphasized that Fang Tianlei was not only his mentor but also Liu Xigua’s adoptive father, making it impossible for them to abandon him. Ning Yi then promised to protect both Chen Fan and Liu Xigua.

Knowing Ning Yi would not directly intervene, Chen Fan remarked that Liu Xigua already understood Ning Yi's difficult position and did not harbor hatred, though she did not wish to see him. He explained that rescuing their Master was paramount to Liu Xigua, and she might even attempt it alone, so her safety was his primary concern.

Chen Fan then requested Ning Yi to write a letter to Liu Xigua, hoping it might persuade her, even if he doubted its full effect. Ning Yi had anticipated this request and handed Chen Fan a letter he had already prepared for her. As Chen Fan departed, he asserted that Ning Yi’s commitment to the nation meant his debt to Liu Xigua and their group was far greater than a single life.

Simultaneously, Liu Xigua was strategizing a prison break with her aunt, Fang Qiong, who vehemently opposed their involvement, urging them to retreat to the mountains. Liu Xigua, however, remained resolute. Upon Chen Fan’s return, he relayed Ning Yi’s refusal to directly help, along with his wish for her safe departure, and handed her the letter. Liu Xigua initially scoffed at what she perceived as Ning Yi’s "insincerity," but then opened and read the letter.

In his letter, Ning Yi apologized to Liu Xigua for using and deceiving her, acknowledging that their differing loyalties meant they were destined to stand on opposing sides. While he felt his actions were justified for the greater good, he admitted guilt for betraying their friendship. He emphasized the importance of upholding morality, faith, and determination, urging her not to abandon these principles.

Ning Yi advised her to carefully distinguish between taking a meaningful risk and acting impulsively, encouraging her to save her life and that of her comrades for future, more impactful endeavors. He expressed a hope that one day, their respective paths might converge, allowing them to fight side-by-side for the well-being of the country and its people.

Shortly after, Ning Yi received a confidential message from the Secret Investigation Department: Badao Camp was indeed planning an attempt to rescue Fang Tianlei. He sighed, realizing his letter had failed to dissuade Liu Xigua.

Episode 35 Recap

Su Tan'er observed Ning Yi's preoccupied state as she finished packing their belongings. She offered to go to Wudu first, and Ning Yi, citing some unfinished business, agreed. Su Tan'er departed, promising to wait for him and urging him to take care. In the suburb of Wudu, Ning Yi intercepted the convoy transporting Fang Tianlei. He instructed General Wang Yan to give Fang Tianlei water, emphasizing that Fang Tianlei must not die before reaching Wudu.

Meanwhile, at Hanlin Ravine, Liu Xigua and her Badao Camp waited in vain for the prisoner cart until nightfall. A subordinate reported that General Wang Yan's army had suddenly changed course, bypassing Hanlin Ravine and heading directly to Wudu. The subordinate revealed that Ning Yi had personally arrived to instruct General Wang Yan to alter the route. Upon hearing this, Liu Xigua immediately resolved to head to Wudu to rescue Fang Tianlei.

Fang Tianlei was successfully brought to Wudu and promptly taken to the Secret Investigation Department's prison. Officer Liu was tasked with interrogating him to uncover the mastermind behind his actions. In a meeting, Right Chancellor Qin presented Ning Yi with a new, more exquisite dagger, acknowledging Ning Yi's significant contribution to quelling the Lin'an rebellion. Ning Yi accepted the dagger but questioned if it meant he was bound to serve Right Chancellor Qin again.

Right Chancellor Qin clarified that Ning Yi would serve the Secret Investigation Department, an organization founded by the late Emperor. Its primary mission, he explained, was to reclaim the Qingyun Six Prefecture, currently occupied by Liang State, and safeguard the Wu Dynasty. Ning Yi, having witnessed the suffering in Lin'an, expressed his belief that reclaiming lost territories did not necessarily require military force, as he wished to spare the people further hardship.

When initial interrogations failed to yield any confession from Fang Tianlei, Ning Yi offered to make him talk, provided Right Chancellor Qin agreed to one condition. Elsewhere in Wudu, Liu Xigua's group learned that Fang Tianlei was imprisoned in the Secret Investigation Department's heavily guarded jail. Liu Xigua decided that they would risk a direct assault. However, before they could act, Lu Hongti, accompanied by Secret Investigation Department agents, appeared and surrounded them.

Lu Hongti assured Liu Xigua that they were not there to capture them, explaining that Ning Yi had found a way to save Fang Tianlei's life and had sent her to ensure the Badao Camp remained calm. Ning Yi visited Fang Tianlei in his prison cell, showing him Liu Xigua's token. He revealed Liu Xigua's desperate plan to assault the prison, calling her "silly" for attempting such a suicidal mission.

Ning Yi urged Fang Tianlei to stop her, explaining that he had negotiated with Right Chancellor Qin. If Fang Tianlei revealed the mastermind's name, Right Chancellor Qin would spare his life, thereby preventing Liu Xigua from risking her own. Fang Tianlei was skeptical, fearing a trick to trap Liu Xigua and the Badao Camp. Ning Yi reminded him that if he had truly intended harm, Liu Xigua would never have escaped Lin'an.

He stressed the immense danger Liu Xigua was in while in Wudu. Convinced by Ning Yi's words and concern for Liu Xigua, Fang Tianlei finally confessed the mastermind's identity. Ning Yi then delivered the confession, written on a note, to Right Chancellor Qin. Right Chancellor Qin, upon reading the note, was visibly shaken.

True to his word, Right Chancellor Qin arranged for Liu Xigua and her group to change into civilian clothes and leave Wudu through the North Gate that very night, assuring Ning Yi that the guards would not stop them. Despite securing Fang Tianlei's life, Ning Yi hesitated to face Liu Xigua. Lu Hongti escorted Liu Xigua and the Badao Camp towards the North Gate. Before departing, Liu Xigua paused and called out Ning Yi's name, sensing his presence.

Ning Yi emerged from his hiding spot nearby. Liu Xigua approached him, silently handing him a divorce agreement. She stated that their marriage was merely a formality to protect him and was never real, but that the proper procedures should be observed. She declared their separation, wishing for them to "forget about our past." With tears in her eyes, she warned him that she still had a score to settle, and the next time they met, they would be enemies.

When Ning Yi offered to have the Secret Investigation Department escort them into the mountains and told her to take care, Liu Xigua refused, tearfully reiterating her threat: if anything happened to Fang Tianlei, she would hunt Ning Yi down and kill him. Then, with a fierce resolve, she turned and led the Badao Camp away. At Danfeng Gate, Right Chancellor Qin presented Fang Tianlei's confession to the Emperor.

The document revealed the shocking truth: the mastermind was Baili Hongji, the Emperor of Jing. The Emperor trembled with fury and immediately summoned Minister He. Before Minister He could arrive, an urgent report from the front line devastated the court: Jing Emperor Baili Hongji had launched a surprise attack, decimating Wu's forces at Heshui, with 100,000 soldiers and the Secret Investigation Department's elite forces annihilated.

The enemy vanguard had already seized Xinggu Pass, and two Wu generals, Wang Bing and Yang Shike, had surrendered after being captured. Overwhelmed, the Emperor collapsed. Upon recovering, he declared his decision to make peace with Jing State. Right Chancellor Qin, despite the Emperor's dismissiveness, boldly reiterated his proposal for a northern expedition. He emphasized that General Dong would soon arrive with firearms from Lin'an, offering a chance to reclaim the lost Qingyun Six Prefecture.

He pleaded with the Emperor to reconsider, but the Emperor refused, stating his unwillingness to let the people and soldiers suffer further, viewing the recapture of territory as too difficult. He accused Right Chancellor Qin of pushing him, then dismissed him and retreated to his chamber. The Emperor refused to see anyone else until Minister He sought an audience. The Emperor eagerly summoned him.

Minister He presented the peace terms from Jing, stating they would withdraw their troops from Xinggu Pass if Wu agreed. Without even looking at the document, the Emperor hastily approved all terms and ordered Minister He to depart immediately. Minister He then revealed Jing's primary condition: Right Chancellor Qin must accompany him to Jing as a hostage, never to return to Wu. Late that night, the Emperor personally visited Right Chancellor Qin's manor.

He apologized for his earlier temper and explained his preference for peace over war, acknowledging Qin's long-standing mission to reclaim the lost territories as per the late Emperor's will. The Emperor implored Qin to abandon his pursuit of war and assist him in achieving peace. Right Chancellor Qin, discerning the Emperor's true intent, directly asked if the Emperor wished him to go to Jing State in exchange for the Wu Dynasty's peace. The Emperor confirmed.

To the Emperor's relief, Right Chancellor Qin, seeing the Emperor's resolve, agreed to the proposal, stating his willingness to help the Emperor achieve his desire. Satisfied, the Emperor departed. Immediately after, Right Chancellor Qin summoned his most trusted student. He entrusted him with a second secret edict from the late Emperor, instructing him to keep its existence a secret from everyone else. Right Chancellor Qin explained that he had to leave quickly and could not wait for General Dong's return.

He ordered the student to personally deliver this secret edict to General Dong, stating that Dong would know what to do. The student, tearfully understanding the gravity of the situation, agreed. Two days later, General Dong's army returned to Wudu, bringing with them the gunpowder from Lin'an. Left Chancellor Li was waiting at the city gates and informed General Dong that Right Chancellor Qin, though released from prison, had been sent to Jing State as a hostage.

General Dong immediately knelt before the Emperor's chambers, pleading for the diplomatic mission to be recalled and for the army to be allowed to march on Jing. A eunuch attempted to deter him, stating the Emperor was resting, but General Dong insisted he would not leave until the Emperor saw him, declaring his life was nothing compared to Right Chancellor Qin's sacrifice. Left Chancellor Li joined General Dong in his plea.

Meanwhile, the diplomatic mission, with Right Chancellor Qin and Minister He, had reached the Jing border. Minister He taunted Right Chancellor Qin for his calm demeanor, suggesting he was merely pretending in the face of an uncertain fate as a prisoner. Right Chancellor Qin, however, remained serene, admitting his fear of death but asserting that enjoying peace could wait until the Qingyun Six Prefecture were reclaimed.

A report then reached Left Chancellor Li and General Dong that the diplomatic mission had already crossed into Jing territory, making pursuit futile. Right Chancellor Qin's student presented the second secret edict to General Dong. He explained that the late Emperor had left two edicts: one for the Secret Investigation Department to develop firearms in Lin'an to reclaim the Qingyun Six Prefecture, and the second, which he now held.

He conveyed Right Chancellor Qin's final message: to disregard his safety and simply follow the edict. General Dong, resolved by the edict and Right Chancellor Qin's sacrifice, declared that his armor needed to be stained with blood. He immediately ordered the three armies to prepare for an expedition to Jing, without consulting the Emperor. Back in the palace, the Emperor awoke to find himself completely alone in his vast chambers.

After finally finding a eunuch, the Emperor demanded to know what was happening. The eunuch read the contents of the second edict: if the new Emperor were to retreat, his military authority should be immediately seized, and the three armies of Wu Dynasty would be commanded by Right Chancellor Qin Siyuan.

Enraged, the Emperor frantically demanded his Imperial Guards and Imperial Army, and ordered General Dong to be stopped, only to be told that his loyal officers and forces were nowhere to be found, effectively stripping him of his power. At Right Chancellor Qin's manor, Lu Hongti found Ning Yi and informed him that General Dong had already marched towards Xinggu Pass, preparing for a decisive battle with Jing State.

She confirmed that Right Chancellor Qin had told General Dong not to worry about his safety, seemingly accepting his fate. As the highest-ranking commander of the Secret Investigation Department, Lu Hongti implored Ning Yi to find a way to bring Right Chancellor Qin back safely. Ning Yi pondered the grim situation, realizing that regardless of whether Wu won or lost the battle, Right Chancellor Qin was doomed to die.

He concluded that the only way to save Right Chancellor Qin was to negotiate peace, which, however, would mean not reclaiming the Qingyun Six Prefecture. A sudden realization struck Ning Yi as he rushed to a map. He inquired about a shortcut to the Jing capital, learning of a mountain path that could cut the journey by a day, allowing him to reach it in two days. Deciding to embark immediately, he declared he first needed to pick someone up.

Episode 36 (Ending) Recap

Ning Yi, who also held the title of Commander in Chief of the Secret Investigation Department, first sought an audience with the Wu Emperor, whom he had previously convinced to journey to Jing State to stabilize his reign and avoid war. The Wu Emperor expressed his deep frustration with Qin Siyuan, feeling that the late Emperor’s will was being used to give him an ultimatum rather than counsel.

Ning Yi, having secured the Emperor's presence, then departed with Lu Hongti for the capital of Jing State, choosing a mountain shortcut to expedite their arrival. Meanwhile, Minister He and Right Chancellor Qin Siyuan arrived in the Jing capital. Lu Chengzhi, the Minister of Personnel, greeted Minister He but promptly sent Qin Siyuan to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, instructing his attendants to treat him well.

Minister He, eager to present the peace agreement, requested an immediate audience with the Jing Emperor. However, Lu Chengzhi put him off, citing Minister He's long journey and suggesting he rest, with an audience scheduled for the following day. Unbeknownst to Minister He, General Dong was leading the Wu army to the border of the Wu Dynasty and Jing State, rapidly approaching Xinggu Pass.

The next day, Minister He presented the peace agreement to Baili Hongji, the Jing Emperor, reiterating Wu's desire for peace and offering annual tributes of satin, silk, and silver. Baili Hongji, however, furiously accused Minister He of deception, revealing that Wu's 200,000 troops were already at Xinggu Pass. Minister He, stunned and claiming the war report must be false, desperately tried to assert his loyalty.

But Baili Hongji would not listen, ordering Minister He’s execution and his head to be displayed on the city tower at Xinggu Pass as a declaration of war. Moments later, as Baili Hongji was steeling himself for battle, news arrived that Ning Liheng, a peace envoy from Wu, sought an audience and carried another peace agreement. Baili Hongji, upon reviewing Ning Yi's peace treaty, changed his mind and summoned Ning Yi to the court.

Ning Yi, identifying himself as a mere cloth merchant from Jiangning, proposed a business deal to stop the war. He stated that if Jing State returned the six states of Qingyun, the Wu Dynasty would declare the region a permanent free trade zone, establishing independent judicial and monetary systems, and exempting taxes for ten years.

Ning Yi explained that this would balance Jing State's deficiencies in barren land and scarce minerals by allowing free trade of their much-needed horses and spices, ultimately strengthening Jing's military, enriching its granaries, and ensuring its people lived in peace without the need for constant conquest.

When Baili Hongji argued that Jing would soon conquer Wu anyway, making the offer moot, Ning Yi countered, reminding the Emperor that Jing State was still recuperating from its war with Liang and feared the resurgence of Liang remnants. He asserted that a peace treaty was Jing's best option, knowing Baili Hongji's reluctance to risk everything on a full-scale war. Baili Hongji, impressed by Ning Yi's reasoning, then questioned his authority, as Ning Yi held no official rank in Wu.

Ning Yi admitted he could not represent Wu, but then revealed the veiled figure behind him—the Wu Emperor himself. Ning Yi had previously convinced the Wu Emperor to make this journey, explaining that it would be an opportunity for the Emperor to prove his ability to lead and regain authority by peacefully recovering the six states of Qingyun, thereby earning the respect of his officials and citizens.

With the Wu Emperor's sincere presence, Baili Hongji agreed to Ning Yi's proposal, but with two significant conditions. First, he demanded that the Wu Emperor himself remain in Jing State as a captive for five years to ensure peace. The Wu Emperor offered his own son, the Crown Prince, as the hostage instead. Baili Hongji was impressed by the Wu Emperor's resolve. His second condition was that Qin Siyuan must be executed.

Ning Yi pleaded for Qin Siyuan's life, citing his old age and impending retirement, offering to guarantee that Qin Siyuan would never return to court. However, Baili Hongji was unyielding, stating that Qin Siyuan’s death was necessary to appease the millions of Jing soldiers who harbored deep resentment towards him. He warned that if these conditions were not met, the conflict would resume on the battlefield.

Back in his chambers, the Wu Emperor praised Ning Yi's successful negotiation, promising him great rewards for recovering the six states of Qingyun. Ning Yi, however, only asked for Qin Siyuan's life to be spared. The Emperor regretfully stated that Baili Hongji's stance was too rigid and that for the sake of the Wu Dynasty and the return of the six states, he had no other choice.

He concluded that Qin Siyuan’s sacrifice might be the best outcome for him, much to Ning Yi's disappointment. Ning Yi, refusing to give up, left the Emperor's presence. Ning Yi then went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to see Qin Siyuan, who was attempting to solve a difficult chess endgame he had pondered for five years. Ning Yi sat down and made a daring move.

Qin Siyuan remarked that Ning Yi always played risky but brilliant moves, capable of turning a losing game into victory by sacrificing a single piece. Ning Yi, acknowledging the danger, declared he would fight to the death for that piece, believing it still had a chance to survive. Qin Siyuan warned him that saving that one piece would lead to the loss of the entire game.

Ning Yi, however, defiantly stated he was a "stubborn man" who played "stubborn chess," and that he "must" win the game and save that piece, even if it meant mutual destruction. Qin Siyuan urged him to stop and consider the "big picture," but Ning Yi retorted that he would discard the big picture if he could not save this piece.

Qin Siyuan then explained his reasoning: he knew Ning Yi wanted to save him, but even if he returned to Wu, he would still face death for secretly giving the late Emperor's edict to General Dong, which had undermined the current Emperor’s authority. His death in Wu would cause unrest in the court and diminish the Emperor's prestige. However, if he were to die at the hands of Baili Hongji, it would serve both Emperors' interests and achieve lasting peace.

Qin Siyuan recognized himself as a "necessary sacrifice" in the grand strategy of two monarchs. He instructed Ning Yi to manage the Secret Investigation Department well, prioritize state affairs, and never abuse his power. He also asked Ning Yi to visit Shaoqian's grave for him every year during the Qingming Festival. With nothing more to say, Qin Siyuan told Ning Yi to take care of himself. Qin Siyuan was then led to the execution ground.

Baili Hongji himself, rather than using a conventional executioner, personally shot Qin Siyuan with an arrow. Following the execution, Baili Hongji ordered the Jing armies to withdraw. Meanwhile, General Dong, with his army at Xinggu Pass, was preparing to attack, ordering them to take the pass before sunset.

However, before they could engage, the sound of the Jing army’s withdrawal bell echoed, followed by reports from the north: a peace treaty had been signed between Wu and Jing, and Xinggu Pass and the six states of Qingyun had been returned to Wu control. General Dong then ordered his forces to return home, averting a full-scale war between the two nations.

One year later, the trade center in the six states of Qingyun was thriving, with commerce between Wu and Jing increasing significantly and tax revenues soaring. However, General Dong reported to the Wu Emperor about new issues: remnants of the Liang State were plundering Wu caravans and fleeing into Jing territory when pursued, counterfeit porcelain from Jing was flooding the market, and Western spies had been caught by the cavalry.

The Emperor recalled that Ning Yi, as Commander in Chief of the Secret Investigation Department, had overseen the trade supplement agreement six months prior and instructed General Dong to consult with him. Ning Yi, enjoying a relaxed life at home while his wife worked, was unperturbed by the report of troubles in Qingyun. He took wine and meat to visit Lu Hongti, asking her to go to Qingyun to handle the issues.

Ning Yi lamented that Qin Siyuan, the "old man," had "stopped handling things for more than a year." Just then, a familiar figure emerged from the building, revealing himself to be Qin Siyuan, who wryly retorted, "Who says I don't care about anything?" Ning Yi then explained to a surprised Lu Hongti how he had saved Qin Siyuan. After their chess game, Ning Yi had returned to Baili Hongji.

He argued that killing Qin Siyuan served no real purpose beyond appeasing Jing's soldiers and displaying imperial power. If Qin Siyuan were truly killed, his loyal followers and the Secret Investigation Department in Wu would retaliate, jeopardizing the hard-won peace. Ning Yi proposed that Baili Hongji publicly execute Qin Siyuan but secretly ensure his survival.

Ning Yi would then covertly return Qin Siyuan to Wu, where he would be presumed dead by the Wu Emperor, effectively preventing him from ever returning to official duties without committing treason. This "win-win" solution would satisfy all factions: Jing's military would be placated, the Wu court would believe Qin Siyuan was gone, and Qin Siyuan's loyalists would think he had merely retired.

Ning Yi had appealed to Baili Hongji's larger vision for Jing State’s long-term peace and prosperity, not just short-term gains. Qin Siyuan acknowledged Ning Yi's brilliant "double life, double benefit" strategy, akin to a chess position where both sides could survive but were unable to make a move without risking defeat, fostering peaceful coexistence and maximizing mutual benefits. He only hoped this fragile peace would last.

They both expressed concern for the Wu Crown Prince, who remained a hostage in Jing. In Jing State, the Crown Prince was seen playing with other Jing princes, who mocked him for not having a father and for trying to steal their own. Baili Hongji arrived, consoled the Crown Prince, gave him a new jade, and declared that his own father would not return, and from now on, Baili Hongji would be his new father.

The Crown Prince, sad but resigned, addressed him as "Father Emperor." After more than a year, the Jing State had indeed profited immensely from the trade in the six states of Qingyun, significantly increasing its national power. Baili Hongji then spoke with his Chancellor Gu, confirming that "that plan" could now be implemented. Chancellor Gu confidently stated that "in less than a year, the Wu Dynasty will be destroyed."

As Chancellor Gu turned around, his face was revealed to be Tang Mingyuan. At his computer, the writer, resembling Ning Yi himself, finished writing the first season. Immediately after, he began the second season, ominously titled "Ning Yi's end is near."