My Uncanny Destiny Recap, Plot, Synopsis
My Uncanny Destiny Synopsis
The story is about two cities, Mu Xi and Xuan Yue, which have been at odds with each other for generations and are trying to annex each other.
The old lord of Mu Xi City has only one daughter, Ye Zhaonan. He secretly hid his daughter's gender and ordered Zhaonan to dress up as a man from a young age, and even after inheriting the city, she always appeared as a man.
In an accident, Ye Zhaonan falls off a cliff and meets Liu Xuanming, the Lord of Xuan Yue City. From then on, a wonderful destiny begins.
My Uncanny Destiny Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the distant past, Muxi City was ruled by Lord Ye Tang, who was childless until his wife became pregnant in her forties. The future of the Ye family lineage and the safety of Muxi City depended on this child. During his wife's difficult labor, Ye Tang, knowing she was invigorated by the drumbeats from her time with him on the battlefield, ordered all street drums in Muxi City to be beaten simultaneously to aid her delivery.
Hearing the widespread drumming, Xuanyue City mistook it for a military attack and prepared for battle. However, Ye Tang was only focused on his wife's delivery. The labor tragically resulted in his wife's death, but she gave birth to a daughter. Fearing that news of a female heir would lead to a power struggle, Ye Tang concealed the truth, killing everyone who knew the child was a girl.
He declared that his wife had given birth to a son who would be the future lord of Muxi City. Meanwhile, the lord of Xuanyue City, having waited in vain for an attack all night, was enraged by the perceived deception. He declared eternal enmity with Muxi City, vowing to fight to the death.
The Xuanyue lord passed away shortly after, instructing his son, Liu Xuanming, on his deathbed to remember that the people of Muxi City were treacherous and to never have dealings with them, demanding vengeance so he could rest in peace. Years passed, and conflict between Muxi and Xuanyue cities intensified. Ye Tang raised his daughter, Ye Zhaonan, to act as a boy, doing everything a boy would do, even asking if she should pee standing up.
After Ye Tang's death, Ye Zhaonan, still disguised as a man, inherited the position of city lord. She aspired to make Muxi City prosperous but was unaware of the treacherous path ahead. As lord, Ye Zhaonan issued a decree stating that all citizens, regardless of gender or social status, were equal. Men's positions would be open to women, and women's tasks could be done by men, promoting shared prosperity and great unity.
Upon hearing of Ye Zhaonan's succession, Liu Xuanming, the lord of Xuanyue City, vowed fierce revenge, declaring that he would capture Ye Zhaonan alive and dismember him to appease his hatred. In the Muxi court, ministers were dissatisfied with Ye Zhaonan's reforms, arguing they disrupted tradition and ethics by allowing men to engage in singing and dancing while women took up martial arts or business.
They urged her to repeal the order, but Ye Zhaonan countered by citing historical female generals like Fu Hao and Zhong Wuyan, asking where the classics stated that men were superior or that roles were strictly segregated. When a minister questioned if men could give birth as women do under her reforms, Ye Zhaonan retorted that perhaps it was because a woman's belly could hold others, but theirs had no room for women. Dismissing their objections, she adjourned the court.
General Jinfu detained Ye Zhaonan, expressing concern that his sister, Zhilan, married to Ye Zhaonan for months, had not yet consummated the marriage, questioning if Ye Zhaonan had some hidden issue as rumored. Ye Zhaonan angrily dismissed it as a private matter not for court discussion. Zhilan, determined to make the marriage real, resolved to get Ye Zhaonan's favor that day.
Ye Zhaonan, however, confided in Eunuch Sun that the marriage was arranged by the former king to pacify General Jinfu and that she was currently facing the difficulty of her impending period. She planned to go hunting and pretend to be injured by a fake assassin, arranged by Eunuch Sun, to gain time to avoid Zhilan. Ye Zhaonan returned to her room to change her sanitary towel but found Zhilan waiting for her.
Zhilan questioned why Ye Zhaonan kept her distance despite being married. Declaring their status as a true couple, Zhilan attempted to consummate the marriage. Ye Zhaonan tried to gently dissuade her, saying Zhilan wouldn't be happy with her, but Zhilan was insistent. In the struggle, Zhilan accidentally pulled on Ye Zhaonan and discovered blood, mistakenly concluding that Ye Zhaonan had hemorrhoids.
Liu Xuanming discussed his plan to ally with Tianmu City, whose princess was on her way for a political marriage, to jointly attack Muxi City. However, he was impatient and wanted to personally kill Ye Zhaonan, whom he dismissed as a weakling.
While Ye Zhaonan was hunting, following her plan to go towards the cliff, Jinfu was secretly arranging for the top assassin, Tan Rang, to kill Ye Zhaonan, specifically instructing the assassin to retrieve the Golden Seal from Ye Zhaonan. After Ye Zhaonan's death, Jinfu planned to have spies he had planted in Xuanyue City assassinate Liu Xuanming, allowing Jinfu to legitimately claim the throne of Muxi City.
During the hunt, Ye Zhaonan reached the planned cliff edge and encountered Liu Xuanming. Liu Xuanming initially mistook Ye Zhaonan for an assassin sent for him, perhaps charmed by his perceived handsomeness, and told him to make the cut quickly. The real assassin, Tan Rang, arrived. Seeing two individuals, Liu Xuanming became confused, now believing Ye Zhaonan had sent an assassin after him, and offered extra money for them to attack him together, much to Tan Rang's outrage.
Liu Xuanming and Tan Rang began fighting, and Liu Xuanming fell from the cliff. Ye Zhaonan grabbed him, but they both fell down. Upon hearing that Ye Zhaonan's body wasn't found and the Golden Seal was still with him, Jinfu was furious with Tan Rang, calling him trash. Jinfu ordered the news of Ye Zhaonan's disappearance suppressed, claiming the lord was ill and in seclusion. He was informed that Zhilan, worried, had gone to search for Ye Zhaonan alone.
Calling her naive, Jinfu ordered his subordinates to find her immediately. He then confirmed his spy network in Xuanyue City was ready to assassinate Liu Xuanming that night, reiterating the critical importance of retrieving the Golden Seal from Ye Zhaonan. Meanwhile, Ye Zhaonan and Liu Xuanming were hanging from a tree branch over the cliff. As Liu Xuanming climbed up using Ye Zhaonan, almost losing his pants in the process, he discovered that Ye Zhaonan was a woman.
Having hit her head during the fall, Ye Zhaonan was unconscious. Liu Xuanming took her back to Xuanyue City. There, his physician examined Ye Zhaonan, noting her pulse but being unsure when she would wake. Liu Xuanming ordered her treatment, acknowledging she was injured saving him. Elsewhere near the Xuanyue border, Zhilan was captured by guards while searching for her husband, prompting dismissive remarks from the guards about the number of Muxi people wandering the area.
That night, Jinfu's three assassins, already inside Xuanyue City, prepared to carry out the assassination of Liu Xuanming during the watch change at midnight. They cautiously entered Liu Xuanming's chamber, locating the person sleeping in the bed and mistaking this person, who was Ye Zhaonan, for Liu Xuanming.
Episode 2 Recap
Ke Qianyue complained bitterly to her mother, who was Liu Xuanming's wet nurse, about an unknown woman Liu Xuanming had brought back. She described the woman as a "wild woman" and someone "not good," implying she had gotten into Liu Xuanming's bedchamber under the pretense of saving him. Ke Qianyue, proclaiming herself the dignified Master of the Palace Ke and a peerless beauty, told her mother she had used great effort but failed to win Liu Xuanming's favor.
Her mother encouraged her, reminding her that Liu Xuanming belonged to her and no one could steal him, also warning her about the approaching Princess Qimeng of Tianmu City, known for her captivating beauty, urging Ke Qianyue not to be careless. Ke Qianyue decided to deal with the current "little fox spirit" first. Ke Qianyue rushed to Liu Xuanming's bedchamber, finding it strangely unguarded. Inside, three assassins, about to take action, were startled by her arrival and quickly hid.
Ke Qianyue found Ye Zhaonan asleep. Calling her a "little fox spirit," Ke Qianyue deemed Ye Zhaonan far inferior in looks compared to herself and couldn't understand why she would try to seduce Liu Xuanming. She drew a dagger, intending to slash Ye Zhaonan's face to see how she would seduce men then. Just as she was about to strike, she heard Liu Xuanming returning and quickly hid in a closet, finding herself cramped in with the assassins.
Scared stiff, a comical moment of unexpected physical contact occurred between her and one of the assassins before they knocked her unconscious. Upon entering, Liu Xuanming saw Ye Zhaonan sleeping and mused that she must have known his identity all along, which was why she had saved him, calling it a clever move on her part and promising her a handsome reward if she survived.
He heard a sound from the closet and remarked that it was vulgar, but did not investigate further. Inside the closet, the assassins discussed how they had drugged the guards and worried about future opportunities if security was tightened after their discovery. After Liu Xuanming left, Ye Zhaonan woke up, confused and disoriented. Seeing the three figures before her, she asked who they were, where she was, and who she was. The assassins, recognizing her amnesia, seized the opportunity.
One called her "Sanmei" and claimed they were there to assassinate Liu Xuanming. Liu Xuanming was deeply suspicious of Ye Zhaonan, believing her to be a "treacherous villain" who had sent assassins against him as soon as he entered Muxi City territory. He linked her to the known deceitfulness of Muxi people, recalling how the former lord had fallen for their schemes and been angered to death by them.
His subordinate suggested waiting until after the planned marriage alliance with Tianmu City before taking further action, which Liu Xuanming seemed to accept. His subordinate also reported that they were investigating the woman who saved him but had found nothing about her identity. Liu Xuanming questioned why she would cross-dress for no reason, speculating it was to get close to him, recalling other women who had pretended to be weak and fainted to get close to him, calling them daring.
Meanwhile, the assassins continued their elaborate deception of Ye Zhaonan. They confirmed that she was their "Sanmei," their youngest sister, and accepted one as their "Dad." They claimed Liu Xuanming had believed slander and ordered the execution of their entire family of several hundred people, with only the four of them escaping. They told her they had infiltrated the palace to assassinate Liu Xuanming for revenge.
They explained that they had planned for her to save him so she could get close to him, and her injury occurred during the rescue. They claimed they were re-enacting the scenario to help her regain her memory, stressing that the revenge for their hundreds of family members depended on her. Believing their story due to her amnesia, Ye Zhaonan accepted one of them as her father.
Liu Xuanming remained perplexed by Ye Zhaonan's lack of discernible identity and her cross-dressing. The assassins continued to urge Ye Zhaonan to assassinate Liu Xuanming for revenge. As Ye Zhaonan contemplated this, Ke Qianyue dramatically tumbled out of the closet shouting about assassins. Liu Xuanming, surprised, demanded to know why she was hiding in his closet.
Ke Qianyue stumbled over a nonsensical excuse about happening to pass by, comparing it to "eating garlic in the forest is coincidental," before quickly excusing herself and leaving in haste. A report came from Liu Xuanming's spy in Muxi City stating that Ye Zhaonan was unwell and in secluded rest. Liu Xuanming found this news suspicious, especially since he had just returned from Muxi City, and vowed that if Ye Zhaonan were to die, it would be by his hand.
He instructed Yao Hu to prepare the study for him to sleep in that night, as he would not be staying in the bedchamber; he ordered that the injured woman be allowed to rest in the bedchamber, explicitly stating he wouldn't give women a chance to take advantage of him. When asked her name, the woman introduced herself as "Sanmei," which Liu Xuanming considered rustic.
The next morning, Mrs. Ke and Ke Qianyue arrived at Liu Xuanming's bedchamber with two servants, determined to punish Ye Zhaonan severely. Mrs. Ke urged the servants to use all their strength, declaring that Ke Qianyue calls the shots in Xuanyue City. Ke Qianyue added that anyone who dared to snatch a man from her was seeking death. They confronted Ye Zhaonan, calling her a "little goblin" and "little fox spirit." However, Ye Zhaonan easily overpowered them, throwing them down.
Ke Qianyue, furious, demanded to know what had happened between Ye Zhaonan and Liu Xuanming the previous night. Ye Zhaonan recounted a dramatic, exaggerated story of Liu Xuanming overpowering her, stripping her clothes despite her protests, and her ultimate failure to resist. Ke Qianyue was enraged by the tale, accusing Ye Zhaonan of taking Liu Xuanming's virginity and threatening to kill herself, while Mrs. Ke desperately tried to restrain her daughter. Liu Xuanming summoned Ye Zhaonan.
He told her he had thought all night about how to reward her for saving him and decided she should stay by his side to rub his back. Ye Zhaonan was taken aback, questioning if this was a reward. Liu Xuanming dismissed her reaction, believing she was secretly delighted but pretending otherwise. Driven by the assassins' instructions to get close to him for revenge, Ye Zhaonan agreed.
As she rubbed his back, Liu Xuanming suddenly accused her of trying to molest him again. He threw her into the water, declaring he couldn't give women any opportunity, lest they try to take advantage of him. Spluttering in the water, Ye Zhaonan unleashed her anger. She questioned his excessive self-confidence, calling him utterly ordinary.
She scornfully described his appearance, intellect, and figure as unremarkable, stating that countless men in the world were superior to him, like stars in the night sky. She asked him what right he had to believe all women desired to molest him, comparing him to a pig that people might want to eat but not marry. Angered by the comparison, Liu Xuanming ordered Yao Hu to hand her over to the Shanggong Department to be taught proper manners.
Mrs. Ke and Ke Qianyue went to the Queen Mother to complain about Ye Zhaonan's rudeness and violence, portraying her as a threat who disrespected the Queen Mother. Mrs. Ke suggested Ye Zhaonan might be a Muxi spy or even a woman of ill repute who could endanger Liu Xuanming's health.
However, the Queen Mother acknowledged that Ye Zhaonan had saved Liu Xuanming and could not be easily punished, as it would discourage others from performing similar deeds in the future. A report arrived stating that Muxi women had been captured and sent to the city as slaves, and that Liu Xuanming had sent the woman who saved him to the Shanggong Department.
The Queen Mother questioned this placement but then instructed Ke Qianyue to find Ye Zhaonan a simple job in the Shanggong Department and treat her well. Ke Qianyue assured the Queen Mother she would comply, but privately vowed to make Ye Zhaonan's life miserable, declaring her absolute authority in Xuanyue City and warning others not to have improper thoughts about Liu Xuanming, who was hers.
Among the captured Muxi people forced into servitude under the command of the Commanderial Prince was Zhilan. Having been sent to the Shanggong Department under Ke Qianyue's purview, Ye Zhaonan later saw the captured Muxi women, including Zhilan, but due to her amnesia, she did not recognize her. The Commanderial Prince, claiming authority over the Muxi people granted by the former lord, warned them against disobedience, threatening to beat them to death.
Episode 3 Recap
Two eunuchs were overheard discussing how His Majesty Liu Xuanming was recently injured outside the city but fortunately rescued and brought back to the palace for treatment. Tan Rang interrupted the two eunuchs, killed them, and took their waist tokens. Meanwhile, in the Shanggong Department, Ye Zhaonan faced constant harassment from Ke Qianyue, who would punish or berate her for minor reasons. Despite Ke Qianyue's attempts to make things difficult, Ye Zhaonan remained defiant.
Ke Qianyue noted that Ye Zhaonan's fierce gaze when angered was remarkably similar to Liu Xuanming's. Master Yao Hu had arranged for Ye Zhaonan to serve Liu Xuanming in his bedchamber during the day and return to the Shanggong Department for work at night, making her life quite difficult. Although various schemes were used against her, Ye Zhaonan managed to evade them. Ke Qianyue, puzzled by Liu Xuanming's interest in Ye Zhaonan, accused her of using some kind of charm.
Ye Zhaonan, observing Ke Qianyue's lack of understanding about Liu Xuanming's preferences, claimed that Liu Xuanming disliked gentle women and instead preferred those who were rough and fierce with him. She spun a tale about binding him in the main hall and beating him severely, which she asserted made him so happy he stayed up all night, even asking her not to stop.
Believing this elaborate lie, Ke Qianyue's attitude towards Ye Zhaonan seemed to improve, and she even suggested Ye Zhaonan align herself with her. Princess Yun Luo of Xuanyue City, finding palace life dull, was drinking and poured itchy powder, presented as tribute from Tianmu City, into Liu Xuanming's bathwater. When her attendant Xiaoyao expressed concern about His Majesty finding out, Yun Luo dismissed it, citing the need for some fun in her boring life.
Xiaoyao mentioned Princess Qimeng was arriving and suggested Yun Luo could spend time with her, but Yun Luo expressed strong dislike for Tianmu people, viewing them as arrogant bullies who troubled smaller cities despite their own internal issues. Yun Luo then proposed they go find the palace maid named Sanmei, the one who had saved her brother, the King. Liu Xuanming was discussing the impending arrival of Princess Qimeng with an attendant.
He planned to use the proposed marriage to leverage Tianmu City's military strength to attack Muxi City and eliminate Ye Zhaonan. The attendant raised concerns about Liu Xuanming's previous promise to cede Ercheng territory and pay 100,000 taels of gold as a dowry, noting Ercheng was Xuanyue's land and the gold represented years of tax revenue. Liu Xuanming revealed that the promise was merely a temporary measure ("expediency") to ensure Princess Qimeng's arrival.
Once they were in Xuanyue, he intended to orchestrate an objection to the terms, giving him a reason to refuse. He inquired about the Tianmu envoy and was told it was the renowned Yi Yangjun. Princess Qimeng arrived shortly thereafter, expressing her admiration for Liu Xuanming. The attendant privately worried that no one would dare object to Tianmu's terms due to fear. Liu Xuanming began experiencing itchiness in his bathwater.
He discovered a pendant in the water, which his attendant identified as belonging to the maid named Sanmei. Liu Xuanming ordered Sanmei to be summoned. While Liu Xuanming was dealing with the itchy bath, Ke Qianyue, dressed in a warrior outfit and holding a large hammer, arrived, acting aggressively. She declared she finally knew his taste, based on what Sanmei had told her about his preference for rough women. Liu Xuanming, seeing her attire, questioned her actions.
When she explained they were based on Sanmei's information, Liu Xuanming realized Ye Zhaonan had deceived Ke Qianyue and called Ye Zhaonan a little fox spirit. He ordered Ke Qianyue to withdraw. Liu Xuanming confronted Ye Zhaonan (Sanmei), asking why she had deceived Ke Qianyue and if she sought revenge on Ke Qianyue or him. Ye Zhaonan boldly stated she wanted revenge on both.
Liu Xuanming called her scheming and calculating, accusing her of being ungrateful despite him rescuing her, and tossing her to Ke Qianyue, who tortured her. Ye Zhaonan retorted that she would rather engage intimately with a close stool than with him. Liu Xuanming, seemingly amused by her defiance, challenged her to seek revenge openly if she was dissatisfied. Ye Zhaonan immediately struck him.
Finding her fierce and rough behavior appealing, Liu Xuanming punished her by sending her to the Xiguan Department to scrub close stools, specifically mentioning Ke Qianyue's close stool was particularly difficult to clean. At the Xiguan Department, two individuals, identified as Guan and Feng Lei, discussed their relief that "that girl" (Ye Zhaonan) hadn't exposed them and hadn't succeeded in their plan. They saw Ye Zhaonan being brought in and quickly lowered their heads to avoid being recognized.
An individual identified as "Old Guan" (potentially the foreman) introduced Ye Zhaonan as the new handyman and instructed another worker, also referred to as "Lao Guan," to teach her how to scrub close stools. Princess Yun Luo appeared, telling Liu Xuanming she had witnessed the events at the bath chambers. She believed Sanmei showed potential and suggested Liu Xuanming utilize her abilities to enrich and strengthen Xuanyue, conquer Muxi, and eliminate Ye Zhaonan. Liu Xuanming did not respond immediately.
Yun Luo then mentioned her ankle hurt, and Liu Xuanming carried her on his back. While doing so, he spoke about his determination to conquer Muxi City and hand-slay Ye Zhaonan. Ye Zhaonan recognized Guan and Feng Lei upon seeing them, calling one "Dad" and the other "Big Brother," assuming they were the family she vaguely knew. They attempted to deny knowing her, claiming they were eunuchs and that she had mistaken them.
Ye Zhaonan, initially having thought they were guards, was surprised to find they were eunuchs. Guan and Feng Lei apologized for deceiving her, explaining they were living incognito under different names due to a deep-seated blood feud against Liu Xuanming and had to hide their family connection to fulfill their vow for revenge. They mentioned a third person, Zhao Jing, and explained the reason for their differing surnames was to avoid suspicion.
They told Ye Zhaonan her surname was Guan and she was called Sanmei. Ye Zhaonan, unable to remember anything about her past, expressed doubt about their story but said she would believe them if they could help her recall her memories. Later, finding Ye Zhaonan's snoring too loud, Guan and Feng Lei (and potentially Zhao Jing) decided to use a sleeping drug and hypnosis to implant false memories.
While Ye Zhaonan was unconscious, they spoke to her, describing a wealthy and loving family and portraying her as their cherished, precious daughter/sister. Ye Zhaonan awoke with these implanted memories, believing Guan and Feng Lei (and presumably Zhao Jing) were her true family (father and brothers). She accepted that their entire family, except for the four of them, had been lost and resolved to work together to kill Liu Xuanming for revenge.
They discussed the increased palace security that followed their previous attempt which involved subduing Liu Xuanming's guards, making a direct attack difficult. However, they identified Liu Xuanming's upcoming marriage banquet for Princess Qimeng as a significant event that would provide a good opportunity to strike ("fish in troubled waters"). Meanwhile, Zhilan was seen being treated harshly by someone who called her an unappreciative thing and ordered her to go to the Xiguan Department to scrub close stools.
Later, Tan Rang was seen inquiring about the person Liu Xuanming brought back from outside the city, who was reportedly in the Xiguan Department. Tan Rang found Ye Zhaonan there and said, "Ye Zhaonan, you actually hid here!"
Episode 4 Recap
At night, an intruder named Tan Rang was discovered by Ye Zhaonan and the two men with her, who are her father and brother. Her father and brother reacted strangely, mistaking Tan Rang for a eunuch and even offering Ye Zhaonan to him. Tan Rang was surprised to see Ye Zhaonan, noting that she was a woman and bore a striking resemblance to someone else.
He was unsure whether to act, but the arrival of a night patrol forced him to flee. He couldn't comprehend how two people could look so alike. While trying to evade pursuers, Tan Rang ran into Liu Xuanming, who immediately ordered his guards to surround him. However, Tan Rang managed to escape Liu Xuanming's grasp as well, reasoning that with his old injury unhealed and Ye Zhaonan not yet found, it was not the time for prolonged fighting.
He inadvertently entered Yun Luo's bedchamber while fleeing the chase. Startled to see a stranger, Yun Luo was initially afraid. Tan Rang threatened her, coercing her into helping him avoid detection when Liu Xuanming's search reached her door. Yun Luo told Liu Xuanming she hadn't seen anyone suspicious. Once Liu Xuanming left, seeing Tan Rang was injured, Yun Luo offered to help him rest, but then struck him and cried out, "Assassin!" alerting Liu Xuanming again.
Tan Rang escaped, but Yun Luo was unharmed. Liu Xuanming commented on the increasing number of incidents in the inner city, noting that someone had first drugged the guards in his own bedchamber, and now an assassin had appeared. Tianmu City presented their terms for alliance through marriage, demanding one hundred thousand taels of gold and the cession of Ercheng, a territory of Xuanyue City, as betrothal gifts.
Ercheng was barren and sparsely populated, and Liu Xuanming initially felt ceding it was acceptable. However, Ye Zhaonan strongly disagreed, arguing that Ercheng was part of Xuanyue City and ceding it easily was unreasonable. Liu Xuanming, thinking about who could object to the terms, considered Ye Zhaonan. He was impressed by her perspective, finding her truly exceptional. He decided to test her views further. Just then, Yao Hu announced that Princess Qi Meng of Tianmu City had entered the palace.
Liu Xuanming instructed that Ye Zhaonan, whom he called Sanmei, be prepared to accompany him to receive the Tianmu City envoys. Word of Princess Qi Meng's arrival spread, causing many palace residents to gather to witness the event, including the group planning to assassinate Liu Xuanming: Ye Zhaonan's father and brother, accompanied by Zhilan whom they had met recently. While heading to see the spectacle, they saw Zhilan being harassed.
Ye Zhaonan's brother recognized Zhilan as the woman who had helped him earlier by providing him with paper in the outhouse, and he stepped in to rescue her. Feeling safe, Zhilan followed him. The father, brother, and Zhilan were astonished to see Ye Zhaonan (Sanmei) standing beside Liu Xuanming and speculated she was getting close to him to facilitate their plan.
Meanwhile, Princess Yun Luo approached Ye Zhaonan (Sanmei), introducing herself as Liu Xuanming's favorite sister and expressing admiration for her ability to manage Liu Xuanming in the Tangmu Pavilion. As the Tianmu City envoys entered, led by Yi Yangjun, Ye Zhaonan stepped forward beside Liu Xuanming as his herald. She stopped Liu Xuanming from showing weakness, reminding him he was the city lord and represented Xuanyue.
She then addressed Yi Yangjun, demanding he dismount and walk, stating foreign envoys had no special privileges within Xuanyue territory and must obey its laws. Yi Yangjun, identifying himself as the adopted son of the Lord of Yangcheng, was angered by her intervention, deeming it presumptuous and calling for her punishment as a lowly person. Liu Xuanming declared Ye Zhaonan was his herald and spoke for him.
He stated that if Yi Yangjun could not abide by Xuanyue's laws, he should leave. Yi Yangjun threatened to depart back to Tianmu City, claiming Liu Xuanming had no interest in the alliance. Ke Qianyue, a palace official, panicked about the potential failure of the marriage alliance, fearing she wouldn't be able to deal with Mu Xi City and Ye Zhaonan afterwards. However, Ye Zhaonan remained confident they would not leave, reiterating that the alliance served both cities' interests.
She also added that Tianmu City was a great city and would not miss this opportunity, and that Yi Yangjun shouldn't ruin things over a temporary impulse. As Yi Yangjun and his retinue rode towards the palace gates, Liu Xuanming grew anxious, but Ye Zhaonan urged him to wait, assuring him they would stop. Eventually, Princess Qi Meng ordered the carriage to stop and dismounted, returning on foot. Liu Xuanming was pleased by Ye Zhaonan's bravery and strategic thinking.
He offered her a reward. Ye Zhaonan looked intently at something behind him and rushed towards it, trying to grab it, which Liu Xuanming again misinterpreted as a sign of affection or admiration for him. Princess Qi Meng then arrived, affectionately addressing Liu Xuanming as "Xuanming Gege."
She also spoke to Ye Zhaonan, complimenting her actions at the gate and saying she wished to be like her, implying she wanted to learn from her in the future, though her words carried an undercurrent. When the topic of the marriage talks arose, Qi Meng deferred to Yi Yangjun, stating her father had entrusted him with all matters, as she only wished to be Liu Xuanming's bride.
Ke Qianyue was furious with Ye Zhaonan's audacity and Liu Xuanming's reaction to her. Believing she could handle Ye Zhaonan, Ke Qianyue later tracked her, intending to confront her. Instead, she overheard Ye Zhaonan, her father, and brother (with Zhilan present) discussing their plan to kill Liu Xuanming. Ye Zhaonan's father confirmed he had successfully infiltrated the Imperial Kitchen and poisoned the wine. Her brother stated the tunnel was ready, mentioning one more person would join them that night. Ye Zhaonan (Sanmei) then arrived, appearing in different attire than before, which surprised Zhilan who was with the group. Ye Zhaonan prepared to proceed with their plan.
Episode 5 Recap
Ke Qianyue approached Yao Hu while he was eating, urgently claiming she had personally overheard a plot by the group accompanying Sanmei to poison Liu Xuanming's wine. Yao Hu expressed disbelief, stating that Sanmei was intelligent and unlikely to engage in such a suicidal act, especially considering she had previously saved Liu Xuanming. Ke Qianyue insisted on his trust, emphasizing her lifelong connection to Liu Xuanming and asking why she would harm him.
When Yao Hu questioned why she didn't report directly to Liu Xuanming, Ke Qianyue explained her desire to gather irrefutable evidence against Sanmei, whom she called a "wicked and crafty temptress," before confronting her. Meanwhile, Zhilan encountered the group Sanmei was traveling with. She immediately recognized Sanmei and, mistaking her for her husband, the city lord Ye Zhaonan, asked why she was wearing women's clothes.
This was the second time someone had mistaken Sanmei for Ye Zhaonan, causing confusion within the group about Sanmei's true identity, though the others dismissed the idea she could be Ye Zhaonan or even a man. Sanmei denied being Ye Zhaonan, introducing herself as Guan Sanmei and presenting the older man as her father and the other two as her "silly brothers."
Realizing her mistake and Sanmei's true gender, Zhilan expressed a desire to leave to avoid causing trouble for them. However, Sanmei and Zhao Jing argued against letting her go, asserting that Zhilan didn't seem malicious and should be allowed to stay, especially since they were planning to escape that night anyway.
Feng Lei was hesitant, worried about the risks of keeping a stranger with their secrets, but Zhao Jing promised to take responsibility, and their father, Guan, eventually agreed to let her stay. Feng Lei tried to physically prevent Zhilan from leaving, but Sanmei intervened. Before the banquet, Qi Meng expressed concerns to Yi Yangjun about Sanmei (referred to as Ye Zhaonan in their conversation), believing she was unusual and might disrupt their plans.
Yi Yangjun, however, remained confident that any woman would fall under his sway. Sanmei and the three brothers went to inspect a tunnel they had been digging for four years, which was nearly complete and intended as their escape route to Qingling Spring. They discussed the need to delay the final breakthrough until the moment of their escape to prevent it from filling with water prematurely. Their inspection was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Liu Xuanming.
The group quickly scrambled out of the tunnel and closed the door just as Yao Hu announced Liu Xuanming. Liu Xuanming entered, inviting Sanmei to attend the banquet being held for the Tianmu City envoys. He encouraged her to openly share her views, particularly on political matters like ceding territory or offering gold, but advised her to adopt a more gentle and virtuous demeanor in front of the guests. Noticing Sanmei was blocking the door, he inquired about it.
To conceal the tunnel, Sanmei impulsively kissed Liu Xuanming, claiming she couldn't resist his handsome appearance. Liu Xuanming was clearly flustered but left, later seen asking Yao Hu about his own experiences with kissing, still preoccupied by the encounter. Away from the palace, the assassin Tan Rang sought out Yun Luo again.
He approached her, asking about her injuries, cutting a strand of her hair, and threatening to return that night to demand sore medicine, warning her not to tell anyone about their meeting. Due to this encounter, Yun Luo was absent from the evening's banquet. At the banquet, Qi Meng asked about the absence of the Queen Mother and Yun Luo, and Liu Xuanming explained Yun Luo was resting.
Qi Meng reminisced about her childhood visits to Xuanyue, mentioning how Liu Xuanming used to play with her and once gave her a white rabbit that tragically drowned. Liu Xuanming promised to find her another rabbit. Sanmei then arrived, making a grand entrance in elaborate attire that drew everyone's attention. Remembering Liu Xuanming's instruction to be gentle, she adopted an exaggeratedly refined and poetic manner of speaking, referencing ancient beauties.
This sudden shift in personality greatly surprised and puzzled the other attendees. The conversation turned to the proposed marriage alliance and its terms. Liu Xuanming announced that Sanmei would represent him fully in the negotiations. Yi Yangjun then pressed Sanmei on the matter of ceding territory and offering gold as promised earlier.
Sanmei, dropping her overly gentle facade after initially feigning fear, firmly declared that national territory was a sacred inheritance from their ancestors and could not be given away, as it would dishonor them and their descendants. Yi Yangjun was displeased by this stance and challenged Sanmei and potentially Liu Xuanming to a drinking contest, offering himself as the prize if they won, while claiming the right to decide Sanmei's fate if he won.
Qi Meng warned Liu Xuanming that Yi Yangjun was known for never losing drinking contests. Liu Xuanming accepted the challenge. Meanwhile, Yun Luo waited as Tan Rang returned. She gave him the sore medicine he requested, which she revealed contained a corrosive powder. With Tan Rang incapacitated, she easily defeated him, mocking his arrogance and presumption that he could harm a princess.
Back at the banquet, as Liu Xuanming prepared to drink, Ke Qianyue dramatically interrupted, claiming the wine was poisoned and that she had arranged for guards to be present to protect the lord. She then challenged Sanmei to drink the wine to prove her innocence. Sanmei hesitated briefly before drinking it, noting its spicy/irritating taste. She then confronted Ke Qianyue, who insisted she had personally overheard the poisoning plot.
Sanmei called her a temptress and accused her of falsely implicating her. Liu Xuanming ordered Ke Qianyue punished, but Qi Meng and Yi Yangjun suggested making her an exception, perhaps letting Sanmei decide her fate or having Ke Qianyue provide entertainment for the banquet. Yi Yangjun renewed his challenge for the drinking contest, mentioning Liu Xuanming was losing. Sanmei stepped up and engaged in the drinking battle with Yi Yangjun.
She drank profusely, and Yi Yangjun was quickly defeated, collapsing in a drunken stupor. In her own drunken state, Sanmei stumbled over to him, declaring she would strip him naked and leave him in the street for display, but then immediately passed out, collapsing onto him. Seeing Sanmei passed out on Yi Yangjun, Liu Xuanming sobered instantly. He gave her some hangover medicine, insisting it was not specifically for her but merely something he happened to have.
He then decided to carry her back himself, despite Yao Hu offering to take her and pointing out the inappropriateness of the lord doing so, claiming his shoulders were needed for greater burdens, though this contradicted his action. As he carried her, he accidentally bumped her head.
She woke up abruptly, saw his face close to hers, called him a "lecher," stomped on his foot, and then ran off, leaving Liu Xuanming bewildered by her reaction and developing different feelings for her. Unbeknownst to Liu Xuanming and the others at the banquet, the entire poisoned wine plot that Ke Qianyue had reported was a ruse orchestrated by Sanmei.
She had deliberately ensured Ke Qianyue would overhear this fake plan to draw the palace guards' attention to the banquet hall, making other areas weak. The true objective was for the older brother to use a stolen key to infiltrate Liu Xuanming's bedchamber for the assassination. The plan was for the brother to escape through the tunnel, which was expected to be filled with water at that point, relying on his strong swimming ability.
The older brother confirmed that the diversion went as planned, mentioning he was even hit by Yi Yangjun during the commotion near the banquet area. He reflected on the difficult necessity of completing the mission for the sake of their families, expressing a sense of regret regarding Liu Xuanming and blaming fate for their conflict.
Episode 6 Recap
Leaving the bedchamber via a tunnel, the group including Guan Sanmei, Zhilan, Old Guan, and Zhao Jin, proceeded with their activity. Meanwhile, their "older brother" remained behind to attempt an assassination on Liu Xuanming in his bedchamber. However, before the older brother could act, Liu Xuanming went to the Chamber of Baths. Simultaneously, Sanmei, Zhilan, Old Guan, and Zhao Jin were digging a tunnel, believing they were close to reaching the famed Qingling Spring.
They eagerly anticipated reaching it and even tasted the water they encountered, convinced its salty quality was a sign of the spring's fabled beauty-enhancing properties, based on an old family tale. Their efforts led them not to the spring, but to a direct breakthrough into Liu Xuanming's bath area. As Sanmei emerged from the tunnel opening, she found herself face-to-face with Liu Xuanming. The group quickly scrambled back, but upon retreating, they encountered Yi Yangjun waiting for them.
Yi Yangjun confronted Guan Sanmei, demanding to know her identity and why she had dug a tunnel leading to the Chamber of Baths. Sanmei, attempting to mislead him, claimed she was overwhelmed by her admiration for Liu Xuanming and had dug the tunnel to secretly peek at him.
Liu Xuanming acknowledged she had saved him previously but found her explanation about digging a tunnel just to peek absurd, expressing suspicion about her true intentions, and questioning if she intended to kill him.
Sanmei launched into a dramatic declaration, describing how his handsome face had achieved a level that captivated everyone, how she had fallen into a "bottomless pit of love" since first seeing him, and how she suffered sleepless nights thinking of him, which drove her to dig the tunnel to peek. When Liu Xuanming pointed out her inconsistent behavior – sometimes tender, sometimes humiliating, or even physically aggressive – she claimed that "women always say the opposite of what they mean."
She concluded by saying she knew he wouldn't believe her anyway and felt she had misplaced her true feelings. Visibly affected, Liu Xuanming pulled her close and kissed her. Yao Hu emerged from the tunnel, witnessed this unexpected moment, and quickly left. Internally, Sanmei struggled to maintain her composure, reminding herself of the deep "irreconcilable blood feud" between them and that she could not possibly be moved by him.
Liu Xuanming, regaining his composure, mused about the troubles of being exceptionally handsome. Yao Hu returned, reporting that while tracing the tunnel's source, it had collapsed midway, preventing him from capturing anyone, though he himself was unharmed. Liu Xuanming deduced that such a tunnel required significant effort and could not have been dug quickly. He immediately ordered Yao Hu to investigate and identify Sanmei's accomplices.
Back with her group, Sanmei explained she had used an excuse to fool Liu Xuanming, but he definitely wouldn't believe she dug the tunnel alone, so they needed another plan. As they discussed this, Yi Yangjun appeared, feigning shock upon hearing their assassination plot. Despite their denials, Yi Yangjun confirmed he had overheard their intentions.
He offered to keep their secret but imposed a condition: they must postpone their assassination attempt until "after" Liu Xuanming's wedding to Princess Qimeng, threatening to expose them otherwise. When they questioned why they should obey him, he coolly asked if they had any other choice. He added that the wedding date depended on Liu Xuanming agreeing to the previously promised marriage conditions, specifically ceding land and offering gold.
Yi Yangjun then specifically asked Sanmei to help him persuade Liu Xuanming to accept these terms. He found her behavior interesting and contradictory (wanting to help him one moment, kill him the next; being affected one moment, straightforward the next) and seemed relieved that she did not truly have feelings for Liu Xuanming. He proposed that she return with him to Tianmu City after their respective objectives were met.
Sanmei, realizing his presence was not solely for a marriage alliance because he didn't object to her assassination plan, questioned his group's real purpose, but he simply replied, "Guess." When she warned him to stay away if he didn't want to die, he only stated his interest in her was growing, finding her the most interesting girl in the world, making him unable to stop thinking about her. Meanwhile, Yun Luo continued to interrogate Tan Rang, whom she had captured.
She introduced him to her "friends," including a snake, a mouse, and used a large pincers for intimidation. Terrified, particularly by the pincers, Tan Rang confessed that he was indeed the renowned "world's number one assassin." Yun Luo expressed skepticism about his title and inquired if his visit was for the purpose of assassinating Liu Xuanming. Tan Rang clarified that he was seeking Ye Zhaonan.
He noted that the person Liu Xuanming brought back (Sanmei) resembled Ye Zhaonan but was a woman, implying a contrast with Ye Zhaonan's public identity. Yun Luo confirmed the person was Sanmei. Despite his confession, Yun Luo continued her torment, threatening to engrave a humiliating couplet on his body, calling him the "World's Number One Assassin Defeated by Princess Yun Luo," with the horizontal inscription "Laughing to Death."
Princess Qimeng visited the Grand Dowager, presenting flowers and plants transported from Tianmu City. The Grand Dowager welcomed her warmly, promising to treat her like a daughter. Shortly after, Sanmei requested an audience. The Grand Dowager seemed surprised, while another noblewoman present immediately criticized Sanmei, calling her a "little temptress" and complaining that her daughter Qian Yue's legs were still weak after Sanmei had made her hop like a frog all night.
The Grand Dowager defended Sanmei by saying Qian Yue deserved it for her malicious intentions and allowed Sanmei to enter. Princess Qimeng, having previously encountered Sanmei, offered seemingly complimentary remarks, recalling seeing her with Liu Xuanming, helping him relay orders, looking imposing, and how some Tianmu attendants had mistaken her for the City Lord, expressing envy for her capability to assist him.
Sanmei pointed out that remarks like being mistaken for the City Lord sounded more like harming someone than praising them. Qimeng insisted her words were merely naive and unintentional. Sanmei then revealed the main reason for her visit: to seek justice from the Grand Dowager regarding an incident from the previous night. When asked what had happened, Sanmei claimed that she and Liu Xuanming had "intimate physical contact," reiterating her plea for the Grand Dowager's intervention.
The plot reveals Sanmei did this deliberately as a tactic to make Liu Xuanming believe she truly loved him and to facilitate her group's plan by creating a situation or diversion. Liu Xuanming arrived and greeted the Mother Empress. She immediately questioned him about the previous night, asking if he had "treated Sanmei disrespectfully." Liu Xuanming confirmed that "It is true."
The Mother Empress reprimanded him for his conduct, asking how he dared to be so rude to a woman and accusing him of acting wildly like a lecher. Liu Xuanming denied being rude or having improper thoughts. Sanmei interjected, addressing the Grand Dowager, stating that the Lord had not treated her indecently and that their encounter was based on mutual affection. The Grand Dowager offered to support Sanmei if he had treated her indecently.
Sanmei, however, addressing the Grand Dowager, stated she herself did not have improper intentions and did not wish to interfere with Liu Xuanming's marriage plans with Qimeng. Qimeng remarked that it was understandable for someone to be attracted to Liu Xuanming and praised Sanmei's talent and wisdom, suggesting she could assist him in achieving great success. Sanmei acknowledged Qimeng's seemingly understanding words. The Mother Empress ultimately instructed Liu Xuanming to "give Sanmei an explanation."
In another location, Princess Qimeng reacted with explosive anger, throwing things in the room. Her attendant tried to placate her, suggesting she not be bothered by a "lowly person." Qimeng was furious that Liu Xuanming would favor that "lowly person," questioning if she was inferior. Calling Liu Xuanming a "lecher," she ordered Yi Yangjun to eliminate Sanmei.
Yi Yangjun cautioned her against causing trouble, reminded her that their true objective would be achieved faster through her marriage to Liu Xuanming, and warned her that she was not capable of defeating Sanmei. Qimeng, however, was determined to get revenge and vent her anger, defiantly declaring she would see if there was anyone in the world she couldn't defeat.
Internally, Sanmei reflected on her actions, feeling this drastic tactic was her only option for the safety of her entire family. She felt helpless against the dictates of fate, attributing the difficult situation to destiny. Meanwhile, Liu Xuanming discovered something amiss—a key had been dropped. Chaos erupted with shouts of "There are assassins!" Guards arrived, announcing that the Guest Palace Attendant (Ke Gong Ling) had received information about a poisoning plot in the wine and had arranged for their protection. Liu Xuanming quickly connected the events, ordering Yao Hu to capture the assassin and stating his realization: the assassin was Sanmei's accomplice, and their target had been himself.
Episode 7 Recap
Liu Xuanming summoned Ye Zhaonan, throwing a knife at her and daring her to attempt the assassination she intended, assuring her there was no ambush. Ye Zhaonan reacted with feigned anguish, crying and expressing disbelief that the person she had supposedly chosen to entrust her life to would confront her with a weapon. Liu Xuanming saw through her act, calling her hypocritical and stating her sole purpose in entering the palace was to kill him.
She intensified her performance, crying harder and acting wounded by his words. Liu Xuanming dismissed her pretense of grievance. Claiming she would reveal the truth, Ye Zhaonan presented Guan and two other companions. Guan, tearfully performing, explained they had lied only for his "infatuated daughter," pleading for forgiveness. Liu Xuanming revealed that portraits of him had been discovered in the Xiguan Department.
Ye Zhaonan explained these were part of her plan: she would seek out a senior figure (likely the Queen Mother or Empress Dowager, referred to as Tai Furen) to demonstrate her genuine affection and pressure for a marriage, while her companions were tasked with quickly drawing numerous portraits before being discovered.
She claimed she had seen Liu Xuanming once before entering the palace, vowed to marry him, and after their family's decline, they had entered the palace as eunuchs to assist her in achieving her goal. She admitted they had informed her of his trip outside the palace, leading to her plan to approach him, but when he was attacked, she rescued him.
They had stunned guards and hidden in the closet to find a way to dig a tunnel to his bedchamber. Liu Xuanming expressed incredulity at the absurdity of their actions undertaken for her sake. Guan insisted she was his only daughter and he would do anything for her. Yao Hu, witnessing the chaotic scene, interjected, stating Ye Zhaonan was plain and unattractive, unworthy of Liu Xuanming's attention, and questioning if Liu Xuanming was blind.
Liu Xuanming sternly ordered Yao Hu away. After Yao Hu's departure, Ye Zhaonan and her companions felt relieved, wondering if Liu Xuanming had believed their story. Ye Zhaonan shared a growing feeling that Liu Xuanming might not be evil and that there could be another explanation behind their family's extermination. A companion, Zhao Jin, quickly warned her not to be swayed by appearances, reminding her of their sworn feud and questioning if she was developing feelings for him.
They decided their next move, the assassination attempt, had to be delayed until Liu Xuanming's wedding to Qimeng, as Yi Yangjun was currently watching them closely. Turning to check on Guan, they discovered he had fainted, presumably from fright. Meanwhile, Yun Luo found that Tan Rang had escaped the armor she used to restrain him. He vowed never to trust her again and threatened her.
Yun Luo immediately collapsed, feigning an asthma attack, and desperately pleaded for his help and medicine. Tan Rang, initially suspicious of her act, was moved by her plea and agreed to fetch medicine, vowing to torment her slowly afterward. However, Yun Luo produced medicine for him herself. Realizing he had been tricked yet again, Tan Rang expressed profound frustration, lamenting that he, the world's foremost assassin, was repeatedly outmaneuvered by her.
He declared life seemed pointless and requested she kill him. Yun Luo countered that he always initiated threats with a knife, and she had only acted in self-defense. They decided to make peace, and she promised not to lie again. Upon opening his eyes, however, Tan Rang discovered he was blind. Liu Xuanming examined the portraits of himself, touching the wet marks he believed were tear stains left by Ye Zhaonan intensely missing him while she painted them.
He was unaware that these tears had actually been shed by Zhilan, one of her companions, while she was drawing. Ye Zhaonan stayed up all night tending to Guan. She shared how she often dreamed of her father's death and waking to find him still alive gave her a sense of having him back. She thanked Guan for allowing her the opportunity to care for him and fulfill her filial duty at his bedside.
Elsewhere, Qimeng generously gifted Mrs. Ke and Ke Qianyue with money and treasures, subtly probing for information about Liu Xuanming and Ye Zhaonan. Ke Qianyue became enraged at the mention of Ye Zhaonan, calling her a "fox spirit" who had both harmed her and seduced Liu Xuanming, expressing a strong desire to "handle" her.
Qimeng, while seemingly advocating for harmony and suggesting Ye Zhaonan was genuinely fond of Liu Xuanming, subtly hinted at the arrival of a thousand fierce war horses from Tianmu City as her dowry, recounting a past incident where a horse went berserk and killed a servant after being pricked with a needle. Ke Qianyue, initially hesitant to attend the viewing, indicated she now had a plan.
A thousand war horses arrived from Tianmu City as Qimeng's dowry, sent by the Lord of Yangcheng as a token of sincerity for the marriage alliance. Liu Xuanming, Ye Zhaonan, and Qimeng went to see them. Liu Xuanming demonstrated basic knowledge of spotting good horses, referencing Bo Le's "Art of Spotting Horses" and listing simple points of observation. Ye Zhaonan then displayed her own more detailed expertise, listing many specific parts of the horse to examine, surprising Liu Xuanming.
Ke Qianyue dismissed her knowledge as obvious. Ye Zhaonan was encouraged to ride one of the tribute horses. As she mounted, Ke Qianyue slyly pricked the horse's hindquarters with a needle. The horse immediately went wild, bolting with Ye Zhaonan on its back. Liu Xuanming shouted a warning and quickly jumped onto the horse with her to try and control it. The horse ran wildly before plunging into a river, taking both of them with it.
Later, they were shown drying themselves by a fire. Ye Zhaonan, soaked, distraught, and seemingly disoriented, complained incoherently about the cold and called Liu Xuanming a liar for suggesting the horse would stop when it was tired. Liu Xuanming appeared slightly amused by her state. Yun Luo brought medicine for Tan Rang's eyes, explaining it was an imperial hospital prescription and asking him to trust her one last time. He was reluctant but seemed to soften. Ye Zhaonan became hungry.
Liu Xuanming found some mushrooms and made a soup. Despite its poor taste, Ye Zhaonan ate it and began to hallucinate, seeing Liu Xuanming as a handsome figure she wanted to embrace. She lunged at him and pinned him down. Liu Xuanming, flustered, attempted to invoke traditional decorum and Confucian principles to calm her. He eventually managed to restrain and tie her up.
The following day, Liu Xuanming sported dark circles under his eyes, while Ye Zhaonan was sober and confused about what had happened. Yao Hu arrived with others and was visibly shocked by the sight of Ye Zhaonan tied up. Yao Hu reported that Ke Qianyue had been punished by being ordered to wash the thousands of tribute horses for damaging one, being deemed disrespectful of law and order.
Meanwhile, rumors about Liu Xuanming and Ye Zhaonan's encounter in the grove spread rapidly among the servants, becoming increasingly exaggerated. The rumors claimed they were seen in rags, were engaged in a passionate embrace, and eventually escalated to the claim that the imperial doctor had examined Ye Zhaonan and she was pregnant with Liu Xuanming's child. Guan (her father) and his companions confronted Ye Zhaonan, scolding her for the widespread and embarrassing rumors, particularly the pregnancy claim, expressing their shame.
Ye Zhaonan denied it vehemently. Her companions debated the impact of the rumors, noting that servants were now respectful, and she could potentially "walk sideways" in the inner city. Upset by the family's reaction, Ye Zhaonan sought solace in alcohol. Yi Yangjun joined her, and they shared a drink and engaged in a pleasant conversation. Later, Qimeng again spoke with Ke Qianyue, who remained angry and wished death upon Ye Zhaonan.
Qimeng mused that some people survive falling off cliffs while others choke on tea, indirectly suggesting poison. Ke Qianyue subsequently sent a servant with a bowl of sobering tea to Ye Zhaonan, stating it was from Ke Qianyue who apologized for her past slights and wished for forgiveness. The servant insisted Ye Zhaonan drink it. Ye Zhaonan, though suspecting poison, drank the tea.
Episode 8 Recap
Yi Yangjun visited Liu Xuanming at the Chamber of Baths, praising its reputation. Yi Yangjun pressed Liu Xuanming about when he would fulfill his promise regarding ceding land and offering gold. Liu Xuanming explained that many ministers opposed the matter, especially Ye Zhaonan, and that persuading her was difficult, referencing his relationship with her. Yi Yangjun countered that he had spoken with Ye Zhaonan the previous night, and she denied any special relationship with Liu Xuanming.
Their conversation grew tense, with Yi Yangjun asserting that he would obtain anything he desired that belonged to Liu Xuanming, even taking Liu Xuanming's royal bath towel. Their argument was interrupted by the news that Ye Zhaonan had died from poisoning. Qimeng cried dramatically over Ye Zhaonan, pleading with Liu Xuanming to save her. Liu Xuanming, furious, turned his suspicion towards Bailu, who had served Ye Zhaonan tea.
Ke Qianyue rushed to defend Bailu, accidentally revealing that Bailu had only put itchy powder in the tea, which would cause itching but not be lethal. As arguments broke out between the characters, Qimeng interjected, expressing heartbroken grief for Liu Xuanming and offering her own life if it could save Ye Zhaonan. At that moment, Zhao Jin removed a needle from Ye Zhaonan's head, and she immediately awoke.
Liu Xuanming was visibly moved and embraced her tightly, relieved that she was alive. Ye Zhaonan explained that she had been suspicious when Bailu offered her tea and hadn't swallowed it, spitting it out after Bailu left. She confirmed that the tea contained poison, not just itchy powder as Ke Qianyue claimed. Ke Qianyue, unable to deny it, begged Ye Zhaonan for mercy.
Ye Zhaonan declared she did not want to see them again, and Liu Xuanming ordered Ke Qianyue and Bailu to be expelled from the palace permanently. After their expulsion, Ke Qianyue's mother, Mrs. Ke, visited them. Ke Qianyue tried to convince her mother she only used itchy powder, not poison, and that Ye Zhaonan had framed her. Mrs. Ke scolded her for causing trouble again.
Despite being expelled, Ke Qianyue expressed worry for Qimeng, describing her as kind-hearted and easily bullied in the palace, and asked her mother to look after her. Mrs. Ke gave Ke Qianyue money and advised her to hide until Liu Xuanming's anger subsided, but Ke Qianyue vowed not to give up and to seek revenge. Meanwhile, Yi Yangjun confronted Qimeng, suggesting her involvement in the poison incident and commenting on her typical methods.
Qimeng denied putting the poison in the tea this time. Yi Yangjun warned her that her methods were transparent and repeatedly advised her not to provoke Ye Zhaonan, calling her a formidable opponent not to be trifled with. Yi Yangjun also mentioned a letter from his adoptive father urging his marriage to Liu Xuanming soon, even suggesting they could abandon the terms of ceding land and offering gold if Liu Xuanming hesitated, prioritizing the overall objective.
Qimeng was irked when her attendant offered advice regarding the potential abandonment of the ceding land and gold conditions. Separately, Guan, Zhao Jin, and another man discussed their worries about Ye Zhaonan not returning and Guan's concern for Zhilan. Guan instructed Zhao Jin to go check on Ye Zhaonan. Later, after Ye Zhaonan questioned them about the family's death date, they panicked, realizing she must suspect them because of the date discrepancy.
In the Xiguan Department, someone identifying himself as the Commanderial Prince came looking for a person from Muxi, accusing Guan and the others of hiding her. He threatened them but offered to overlook it if they handed the person over. Zhao Jin shielded Zhilan. Guan and the others fought back against the Prince, calling him out and beating him up.
Ye Zhaonan had a moment with Guan, her supposed father, asking about the year Liu Xuanming supposedly killed their entire family and if he had forgotten the date of death for her mother and family. Guan and the others insisted they remembered clearly and provided a specific date: the Day of Ding Mao in the Month of Ji Chou, in the Year of Bing Yin, though they stumbled over the details, blaming their age. Ye Zhaonan repeated the date thoughtfully.
Later, she reflected on the date they gave, realizing that in the Year of Bing Yin, Liu Xuanming was less than ten years old. This confirmed her suspicion that they were lying to her, and she wondered why her father and brothers would do so and if they were even her true family. In a lighter moment, Liu Xuanming was eating crayfish, which Ye Zhaonan called "Small Red." Ye Zhaonan found the dish complicated.
Liu Xuanming teasingly called it a reward for her earlier display of tears. She disputed this, saying it was the wind that made her cry, and he pointed out there was no wind indoors. They playfully argued over who could handle the spicy ones, and she warned him the head was poisonous, but he ate it anyway. Ye Zhaonan took Zhilan to see Princess Yunluo for help.
Yunluo welcomed them and suggested they have hotpot, calling the pot a "Heaven and Earth Pot," a divine object used by a goddess, which seemed familiar to Ye Zhaonan. As they ate, Yunluo asked Zhilan why she had come to Xuanyue from Muxi, abandoning her good life there. Zhilan confided that she was searching for her missing husband, who reportedly resembled Ye Zhaonan. Yunluo sympathized with Zhilan's plight as a woman traveling far to find her husband and getting caught.
Ye Zhaonan and Yunluo agreed to find an opportunity to help Zhilan leave the palace. Zhilan expressed gratitude for finding such good sisters in a foreign land and offered them tea as a toast. Yunluo insisted they drink wine and vowed they would drink until they were drunk, celebrating their sisterhood. They drank together joyfully. Zhao Jin and Yi Yangjun observed them from a distance, with Zhao Jin commenting on his sister, and Yi Yangjun agreeing.
Zhilan expressed how much she missed her husband, wondering why he was hiding and if he no longer loved her. Ye Zhaonan and Yunluo comforted her, affirming that any man who didn't cherish a good woman like her deserved misfortune. Yunluo declared it the happiest day she had spent in the palace and proposed they become sworn sisters. Ye Zhaonan and Zhilan readily agreed.
Zhao Jin initially seemed hesitant to let Zhilan become his sister but was stopped by Yi Yangjun, who suggested they go drinking themselves. Yunluo, Jin Zhilan, and Ye Zhaonan (who briefly hesitated over her name) performed a sworn sisterhood ceremony. They vowed to share weal and woe. They decided on their seniority, with Ye Zhaonan (referred to as Sanmei for the ceremony) as the eldest sister, Zhilan as the second, and Yunluo as the youngest.
Later, Liu Xuanming was seen alone, thinking of Ye Zhaonan. A seemingly drunk Ye Zhaonan returned, addressing Liu Xuanming as "Sanmei" and kissing him on the cheek. Startled, she quickly recoiled and hit her head. This impact triggered a flood of memories or visions. In a powerful sequence, Ye Zhaonan appeared seated on a grand throne. Liu Xuanming entered, and someone told Ye Zhaonan that the throne was not her place to sit.
Ye Zhaonan, from the throne, addressed Liu Xuanming directly, asking if he knew who she was, and declared, "I am the Lord of Muxi, Ye Zhaonan." Liu Xuanming reacted with shock, repeating her name in confusion.
Episode 9 Recap
Liu Xuanming ordered Sanmei to come down from where she was seated. Sanmei challenged him, asking if he knew who she was and declaring herself Ye Zhaonan, Lord of Muxi. Liu Xuanming, seemingly finding it amusing, replied that he liked this kind of play, addressing her as "My lord," and they shared a passionate kiss. Meanwhile, a very drunk Cloud Rope was carried back to her room by Tan Rang, where she kissed him intimately.
Elsewhere, while drinking, Zhilan expressed how much she missed her husband, wondering why he always avoided her and if she had done anything wrong, emphasizing how much she longed for him. Separately, someone inquired about Zhao Jing, wanting him to check if Sanmei had grown suspicious and questioning why he hadn't returned, assuming he was distracted by Zhilan and neglecting their important matters, deeming him useless when distracted by women.
Zhao Jing mentioned he had performed a divination the previous night predicting misfortune, which was dismissed by the other person who noted his predictions were never accurate. Zhao Jing insisted Sanmei would have confronted them already if she were suspicious. Separately, Qimeng asked for a towel. When Feng Lei was discovered having unintentionally peeked at her, Qimeng asked who he was. He identified himself as Sanmei's brother. Qimeng expressed envy that Sanmei had such a good brother.
Feng Lei humbly dismissed his worth compared to Qimeng's many elder brothers who were preoccupied with vying for the throne and lacked familial affection, noting only her sister Princess Huirou treated her sincerely. Qimeng confessed she dreamed of having a brother like him and asked if she could call him "brother" just as Sanmei does. Feng Lei was hesitant, fearing he was unworthy, but Qimeng insisted on her sincerity, asking only for the same in return.
Feng Lei agreed, and Qimeng delightedly called him brother repeatedly. Ye Zhaonan dreamt of her father, who expressed sorrow for her suffering, blaming himself for a past lie driven by his ambition for the throne that had ruined her happiness, admitting he had failed her. Waking up, Ye Zhaonan contemplated revealing her true identity to Liu Xuanming, wondering if he would still treat her the same way or perhaps even kill her.
She vaguely recalled telling him the night before that she was Ye Zhaonan. Liu Xuanming greeted her. He told her not to joke about being Ye Zhaonan anymore, explaining that the name filled him with such disgust and anger that if he were to catch Ye Zhaonan, he would skin him alive and tear him into pieces. Ye Zhaonan found her pendant, and Liu Xuanming asked if it was important to her.
She replied that it was an item her father left her. Qimeng arrived with a bowl of soup she had made specifically for Liu Xuanming, mentioning she had only made one portion as she didn't know "Sanmei" was there. She offered the soup to Liu Xuanming. Ye Zhaonan thought to herself that she could not allow the marriage alliance between the two cities to succeed, fearing it would bring suffering to the people of Muxi City.
She encouraged Qimeng and Liu Xuanming to eat. Qimeng attempted to feed Liu Xuanming. Qimeng told "Sanmei" not to misunderstand, explaining that the impending marriage was merely a temporary measure and she regarded Liu Xuanming as an elder brother, asking if Sanmei was angry. Ye Zhaonan responded that she was happy to have Qimeng as a sister and not at all small-minded, but remarked that feeding him soup was not something a younger sister should be doing.
She then took over and fed Liu Xuanming herself. Liu Xuanming praised Qimeng's cooking. After they finished, Ye Zhaonan told Qimeng to clean up, affectionately referring to Liu Xuanming as "big tiger". Ye Zhaonan found Zhilan and addressed her as "Big Sister," expressing sympathy for any perceived hardship. She offered to arrange for Zhilan to leave the palace and return to Muxi City to find true love, advising her to give up on her husband who didn't love her.
Zhilan refuted this, claiming she saw her husband in the inner city the previous night and that he had kissed her. Ye Zhaonan questioned this, suggesting she was drunk. Zhilan admitted she was drunk but insisted the feeling was real, not a dream. Trusting Ye Zhaonan, Zhilan confided that her husband was not an ordinary person and might surprise her, revealing he was Ye Zhaonan, the Lord of Muxi City.
Ye Zhaonan registered surprise, while Zhilan declared her intention to wait for her husband there, believing he would come for her since he knew she was there. Later, Ye Zhaonan demanded to know from Zhao Jing what he did to Zhilan the previous night. Zhao Jing explained that Zhilan was drunk and mistook him for her husband. Ye Zhaonan accused him of taking advantage.
Zhao Jing denied it, claiming he initially thought she liked him but pushed her away when she called him husband, insisting nothing happened after that. Ye Zhaonan pointed out that he had kissed her. Zhao Jing stated he was serious about it and would take responsibility for her. Ye Zhaonan expressed outrage, pointing out he was a eunuch and couldn't take responsibility.
Zhao Jing then revealed that before they entered the palace, they had bribed officials in the Castration Department, and thus he was not actually a eunuch. Ye Zhaonan sternly ordered him to be responsible for Zhilan, threatening severe consequences if he failed. Zhao Jing promised to treat the kind Zhilan well and speculated that her husband must have been cruelly murdered for not cherishing her, describing a gruesome fate. Ye Zhaonan told him he didn't need to be so vicious.
Qimeng expressed her eagerness to marry Liu Xuanming as soon as possible, stating she couldn't wait. Yi Yangjun arrived with urgent news via a secret letter from Tianmu City, reporting that the Lord was seriously ill. He explained that if his adoptive father (the Tianmu Lord) faced trouble, Qimeng's brothers would likely engage in a succession struggle, hindering their important plans. Yi Yangjun relayed that Princess Huirou shared his view that Qimeng must marry Liu Xuanming quickly.
Qimeng blamed "Guan Sanmei" for causing delays and declared she must get rid of her. Yi Yangjun strictly forbade her from harming Sanmei, stating that he and Princess Huirou had devised a plan to make Liu Xuanming eager to marry within a day, but if even a hair on Sanmei's head was harmed, he would retaliate fiercely. Qimeng realized Yi Yangjun had feelings for Sanmei and vowed to make "Guan Sanmei" suffer a terrible fate.
Separately, an urgent report reached Liu Xuanming, who asked if there was any major news from Muxi City. A messenger informed him that Tianmu City had sent envoys to Muxi to discuss a marriage alliance, proposing to marry Qimeng to Ye Zhaonan. Liu Xuanming declared that Ye Zhaonan would not marry her. "
Sanmei" (Ye Zhaonan) asserted that "he" (referring to the real Ye Zhaonan) would not marry her, and when questioned how she could know his mind, maintained she knew him well. They discussed the risk, noting Tianmu City's significant military strength and how Liu Xuanming had previously agreed to many conditions to secure their aid against Muxi City. They agreed that the two cities joining forces would be detrimental to the people of Xuanyue.
Liu Xuanming took Ye Zhaonan to his father's memorial tablets, introducing "Sanmei" to his father as someone very important to him. He noted that she didn't seem to need reassurance from this visit. Ye Zhaonan suggested that the news might be a ploy originated by Tianmu City to accelerate the alliance between Xuanyue and Tianmu, proposing they test their intentions to see if they harbored ulterior motives.
Liu Xuanming then informed Qimeng of his decision to marry her later that month. Qimeng was overjoyed. He stated he had one condition. Qimeng thought it might relate to ceding land or gold, which she claimed her father had already agreed to due to her genuine affection for Liu Xuanming. Liu Xuanming clarified it was not about that. He explained he needed to make a highly unreasonable demand to test if Tianmu City harbored ulterior motives.
He revealed the condition: on their wedding day, he wanted to marry Sanmei as well, with all three participating in the marriage ceremony together. Qimeng readily agreed, stating she would do anything to make Liu Xuanming happy. Liu Xuanming commented that her willingness proved how understanding she was.
Later, a figure in male attire (Ye Zhaonan in disguise, acting as Zhilan's husband/Lord) was confronted by Zhilan, who called him "Lord" and questioned why he distanced himself despite their formal marriage, noting they had the name of husband and wife but lacked the reality. She suggested they rectify this. Zhilan persisted in asking if she had done something wrong. The figure insisted she had done nothing wrong, blaming himself, and stated that she would not be happy with him.
As he turned to leave, Zhilan desperately called out to "Lord," saying she had sought him everywhere and asking why he was there. He told her to stay away, believing she deeply loved her husband and might reject him. He decided to reveal her husband's true nature to her. Ye Zhaonan, now clearly in male attire and speaking as her husband, confronted Zhilan directly, addressing her as "Jin Zhilan."
He declared he had never liked her, explaining their marriage was a forced arrangement by his father. He told her she was not obligated to remain in a binding marriage or love someone unworthy, announcing that from this moment on, they were no longer husband and wife and she should go find her own happiness. He presented her with a divorce document. Zhilan cried out "Lord," then recognized him and exclaimed "Ye Zhaonan, I finally found you!" At that moment, Tan Rang arrived, also calling out, "Ye Zhaonan, I finally found you!"
Episode 10 Recap
As Ye Zhaonan was found by Tan Rang, she recognized him as an assassin who had previously tried to kill her and demanded to know who sent him. She also realized he was blind. Ye Zhaonan immediately called out for help, shouting about an assassin. Both Liu Xuanming and Yi Yangjun appeared and came to her rescue. Liu Xuanming recognized Tan Rang as the one who had attempted to assassinate him earlier and ordered his men to capture him.
Upon hearing about the assassin, Yun Luo became very worried about Tan Rang. She rushed to the scene and told Tan Rang to take her hostage so he could escape. After Yun Luo was taken hostage by Tan Rang, Liu Xuanming was extremely concerned for her safety. Ye Zhaonan, however, remained calm. She reasoned that Yun Luo was too smart to run towards the assassin without reason, suggesting it was highly likely that Yun Luo knew Tan Rang.
Liu Xuanming, however, was too worried to listen. Qi Meng stood by, adding fuel to the fire, which prompted Ye Zhaonan to order her back to her bedchamber. Qi Meng, pretending to be wronged, held onto Liu Xuanming's arm, and he sided with her. Furious, Qi Meng slapped her maid twice and resolved to kill Ye Zhaonan. Liu Xuanming later apologized to Ye Zhaonan, admitting she was right and that Yun Luo must know the assassin.
Yun Luo was injured while protecting Tan Rang. When Tan Rang noticed her injury, he wanted to take her to the Imperial Hospital, but she refused, fearing he would be captured. They held each other closely. Tan Rang eventually returned Yun Luo but was himself captured. After Yun Luo woke up, she refused to take her medicine and repeatedly declared that she hated Liu Xuanming, specifically because he would not let her marry Tan Rang.
She insisted that she wanted to marry Tan Rang, but Liu Xuanming was unwilling to let her marry him. Liu Xuanming was frustrated by this. Ye Zhaonan suggested that a naive princess could not possibly fool the world's best assassin multiple times. Perhaps, she theorized, the assassin had fallen deeply in love with the princess the moment he first saw her, willingly allowing himself to be fooled despite having many chances to escape.
Liu Xuanming still found it hard to accept; Tan Rang was an assassin who tried to kill him, so how could he let his sister marry him? But Ye Zhaonan emphasized that what mattered most was that Yun Luo and Tan Rang loved each other. She then asked Liu Xuanming if he would still love her if he one day discovered that she was not Guan Sanmei, but someone else, or even the person he hated most, Ye Zhaonan.
Liu Xuanming remained silent, and Ye Zhaonan understood his answer. Ye Zhaonan quietly left. Qi Meng was delighted upon hearing this news and secretly dispatched assassins to kill her. However, Ye Zhaonan was saved by Liu Xuanming. Ye Zhaonan, having drunk too much, told Liu Xuanming to figure out who he truly loved before coming to find her.
Liu Xuanming immediately embraced her, declaring that he had always loved her, regardless of who she was – whether she was Sanmei, or anyone else, even Ye Zhaonan. Yi Yangjun discovered that Qi Meng had sent people to kill Ye Zhaonan and was angry. He warned her never to harm Ye Zhaonan again and told her to obediently wait for her wedding to Liu Xuanming, implying he would protect Ye Zhaonan.
Zhilan confessed her identity as the divorced wife of the Muxi City Lord to Zhao Jing. To help her vent her frustration, Zhao Jing captured the Commanderial Prince, allowing Zhilan to hit him repeatedly. Ultimately, Zhilan decided that after attending "Big Sister's" wedding (referring to Ye Zhaonan), she would return to Muxi City to live her own life as Jin Zhilan. Liu Xuanming released Tan Rang to see Yun Luo, and only then did she agree to take her medicine.
Old Guan and two other men confronted Ye Zhaonan, questioning whether she had truly fallen for Liu Xuanming. Ye Zhaonan hinted that she knew their secret and was not who they thought she was, causing one of them, Feng Lei, to panic. Feng Lei pulled out a dagger, intending to kill her to keep their secret, but Ye Zhaonan quickly turned the tables and killed him instead.
Afterward, the remaining two confessed their true purpose: they were Muxi City soldiers sent five years ago as spies into the palace, forced into service because Feng Lei's mother and Old Guan's daughter were being held by General Jinfu. Ye Zhaonan told them she had a relative who was close to Ye Zhaonan, the Lord of Muxi City, and could help them secure their families' release by writing a letter to General Jinfu.
Zhao Jing, who was present, was curious about Ye Zhaonan's true identity, but she replied that she was Guan Sanmei, not revealing her full identity at that time. Liu Xuanming still did not approve of Tan Rang and Yun Luo's love, telling Tan Rang that their love was temporary and he should leave once Yun Luo grew tired of him. Despite this, Tan Rang expressed his gratitude for being allowed to see Yun Luo and was asked by Liu Xuanming to reveal who had ordered his assassination.
Episode 11 Recap
Liu Xuanming accused the man sent to assassinate him of being an agent of Ye Zhaonan from Muxi City, threatening to capture Ye Zhaonan one day and tear him into pieces. The assassin, Tan Rang, inwardly remarked on fate's irony. He admitted he was hired to kill Liu Xuanming and refused a higher payment, stating that an assassin must complete the task once accepted or face death, and that he needed to survive for Yun Luo.
However, remembering that Ye Zhaonan had helped him and Yun Luo, Tan Rang decided to give Liu Xuanming another month, hoping Ye Zhaonan would not die by Liu Xuanming's hand during that time.
Liu Xuanming noted that Tan Rang was blind and advised him not to go out at night, but Tan Rang replied that he had been blinded by love, making day and night indistinguishable, and that he needed to get used to this life to care for Yun Luo. Xuanyue City became very lively with people arriving from various places for the Lord's wedding, bringing vendors and performers.
Ye Zhaonan, Liu Xuanming, Yi Yangjun, Qi Meng, Yun Luo, and Tan Rang joined the crowd. Ke Qianyue, seeing them from afar, hid, feeling embarrassed about her appearance. Ye Zhaonan found a pig nose mask amusing and put it on. Liu Xuanming and Yi Yangjun playfully vied for it, showing jealousy. Yun Luo and Tan Rang were affectionate together, which displeased Liu Xuanming. Yi Yangjun subtly lured Yao Hu away, intending to use the opportunity to kill Liu Xuanming.
Later, in a tea house, people were gossiping about the upcoming wedding between the Lord and Princess Qi Meng, and also Guan Sanmei, whom they called a lowly maid. They speculated that Sanmei was pregnant and that was the only reason the Lord would marry her alongside the princess. Yun Luo, angered by their words, revealed her identity as Princess Yunluo and introduced Liu Xuanming as the Lord of Xuanyue City.
Liu Xuanming confirmed that Guan Sanmei was the woman he would marry and love for his entire life. He addressed the rumors, stating that far from her seducing him, it was he who had been captivated by her. He called her a gift from heaven and instructed the people that they could criticize or insult him, but they must not say a single bad word about her. The crowd then cheered for them.
Ke Qianyue, witnessing this, was furious and declared that if her beauty wasn't appreciated here, she could go to Muxi City and marry Ye Zhaonan instead. Separately, Yao Hu reported losing track of Yi Yangjun, who seemed to be deliberately hiding, confirming that they were involved in some form of plotting within the city, though likely not an immediate assassination attempt after the street scene. Qi Meng, angry and distressed, resolved to kill Sanmei before the wedding.
She took out her frustration on a maid. A subordinate advised her to remain calm and avoid creating trouble before the wedding, reminding her that Yi Yangjun was her true master. Mrs. Ke arrived with Qi Meng's wedding dress, mentioning that an identical one had also been made for Sanmei. Qi Meng adopted a demure facade, presenting a bracelet to Mrs. Ke for Ke Qianyue and stating that she would not marry alongside another person.
After Mrs. Ke left, Qi Meng voiced her outrage at having to wear the same dress as a "lowly person" and reiterated her refusal to share her wedding day. Someone suggested applying a lethal poison to tiny silver needles and sewing them into the buttons of a wedding dress. When Sanmei fastened the buttons, the needles would pierce her skin, causing her to die before reaching the wedding hall.
Qi Meng asked how they could get the needles into Sanmei's dress, and it was suggested they didn't need to sew them into Qi Meng's own dress. Meanwhile, Sanmei (Ye Zhaonan) instructed Zhao Jing on sending a letter to General Jinfu using theXiguan Departments garbage disposal system, explaining that eleven barrels signified a message was being sent, placed at the bottom of the eleventh barrel. She gave him a letter for Jinfu's mansion, strictly forbidding him from opening it.
She promised that Jinfu would release their families upon receiving the letter, but only if they swore never to harm others again, to which Zhao Jing agreed. Qi Meng's maid, Qianer, spoke to Feng Lei about Qi Meng's distress over a minor flaw in her wedding dress. Feng Lei insisted he could fix anything for his "sister" Qi Meng. Qi Meng lamented that the tiny flaw would ruin her dream of a perfect wedding.
When Feng Lei offered to have it mended, she refused, saying mending a new dress before wearing it was bad luck. Qianer then suggested swapping Qi Meng's dress with Sanmei's. Feng Lei initially hesitated but was swayed by Qi Meng's pleas and her use of the term "brother," promising to handle the swap without Sanmei's knowledge to ensure Qi Meng had a perfect wedding. Elsewhere, Mrs. Ke was weeping over Ke Qianyue's uncertain future.
Old Guan offered blunt advice, contrasting his own strict parenting focused on virtue with Mrs. Ke's apparent indulgence, suggesting she was partly to blame for Qianyue's situation. Mrs. Ke leaned on Guan, who spoke about accepting reality. Later, Feng Lei was seen handling Sanmei's wedding dress, remarking that swapping them should be fine as Sanmei wasn't the type to be petty. Liu Xuanming and Sanmei (Ye Zhaonan) opened wedding gifts together.
Among them was a durian and a bottle of "Zhuang Zhuang Wine." Liu Xuanming quickly grabbed the wine, saying it wasn't for Sanmei. Realizing it was for him, Sanmei playfully insisted on feeding it to him, but he refused, saying he didn't need it.
At the same time, Yi Yangjun issued commands to his subordinates to take complete control of Xuanyue City on the wedding night, specifically ordering them to occupy the city gate, control the city tower, infiltrate the inner city, minimize casualties, and under no circumstances harm Sanmei, referencing their goal of achieving an "ideal city."
After two days passed with no news of Yi Yangjun leaving the city, Liu Xuanming and Sanmei grew concerned, concluding that he must still be within the city walls and plotting something significant. They discovered an empty gift box and speculated it might have been used for infiltration.
Sanmei identified a distinct smell on the box as a unique substance from Tianmu City, leading them to realize that agents from Tianmu City had infiltrated Xuanyue with plans for a major operation. Zhilan admired Sanmei's (Ye Zhaonan's) wedding dress, remarking on its beauty and recalling wearing a similarly lovely dress for her own wedding. Zhao Jing encouraged her to try it on. As she put the dress on, Zhilan felt a needle prick her but dismissed it as insignificant.
She commented on wanting to wear such a beautiful dress again when she remarried. Zhao Jing earnestly vowed to buy her the most beautiful wedding dress in the world with all his money and confessed his willingness to work tirelessly for her, promising to farm, work as a blacksmith, learn cooking to make delicious meals from simple ingredients, and even learn tailoring to make clothes just for her.
He told Zhilan that if she was willing, he would do anything, including learning to become the person she liked. Zhilan shyly took his hand. Moments later, Zhilan suddenly coughed up blood and collapsed, terrifying Zhao Jing.
Episode 12 Recap
Zhilan collapsed, coughing up blood, after being pricked by a needle hidden on her wedding dress button. Liu Xuanming and Ye Zhaonan rushed to her side. Ye Zhaonan quickly determined the needle was poisoned. Feng Lei, in panic, confessed that Princess Qi Meng had ordered him to swap the wedding dress and claimed ignorance of the poison.
In her final moments, Zhilan expressed a wish to return to Muxi City to live her own life and to wear a true wedding dress just once. Despite efforts, the potent poison claimed her life. Overwhelmed by grief, Yun Luo and Zhao Jing vowed revenge on Qi Meng. However, Ye Zhaonan declared that Qi Meng was hers to deal with and forbade anyone else from harming her.
Hearing the news, Yi Yangjun hurried back and confronted Qi Meng, warning her not to cause trouble and provoke others. Qi Meng remained defiant, stating that on the wedding night, Xuanyue City would be hers to command, and she could kill anyone, even if it meant a massacre, asking Yi Yangjun what he could do to stop her.
Yi Yangjun reminded her of their "Ideal City Plan," which aimed for a peaceful takeover of Xuanyue, followed by unification with Tianmu to attack Muxi, establishing a war-free, prosperous city. He argued that under Qi Meng's rule, only slaughter would increase. He declared his intent to order the city's forces to halt the plan immediately. Calling him talkative, Qi Meng struck him unconscious, asserting her will could not be stopped.
As the wedding ceremony preparations continued, Ye Zhaonan wore her wedding attire, stained with blood. When someone commented on the stains being inauspicious, Ye Zhaonan replied that cleanliness resided not in clothes but in the person, suggesting a truly dirty person should be thoroughly cleansed, even if it meant peeling off their skin. Qi Meng, also in a wedding gown, appeared beautiful.
As the auspicious time arrived and they were about to proceed, Qi Meng stopped them, questioning Ye Zhaonan's right to participate alongside her. Liu Xuanming unexpectedly agreed and ordered his guards to escort Princess Qi Meng away. Qi Meng's facade of gentleness dropped, revealing her ambition as she predicted they would all soon be prisoners. However, Liu Xuanming revealed they had anticipated her plans and were fully prepared.
Tianmu forces, who had infiltrated the city disguised as commoners like jugglers and peddlers, had been apprehended. They had also uncovered her scheme involving the large dowry of war horses and assigned hostlers, intended to control Xuanyue's cavalry during the planned uprising. Liu Xuanming exposed Tianmu's true intention: never a genuine alliance, but a plot to first seize Xuanyue City and then use it to attack Muxi City, thus conquering two cities with one strategy.
He also revealed that Qi Meng's father, the Tianmu Lord, had recently died, and her brothers were preoccupied with succession struggles, implying her fate would be disregarded. Upon hearing this, Qi Meng immediately knelt, pleading with Liu Xuanming for forgiveness, claiming she was merely following her father and sister's orders and did not genuinely wish to kill. Liu Xuanming highlighted her sudden shift in demeanor, recalling her recent threat to kill them all. He then pressed her about Zhilan.
Qi Meng attempted to blame her maid, Qian'er, but the maid confessed Princess Qi Meng was the one who gave the order. Liu Xuanming recounted a childhood memory where Qi Meng deliberately drowned a bunny he had given her before crying about it, illustrating her manipulative nature. Growing desperate, Qi Meng begged Ye Zhaonan, calling her Sanmei, to save her. She then ordered a horse prepared for escape.
When Liu Xuanming's guards moved to stop her, she seized Ye Zhaonan, taking her hostage. Liu Xuanming, however, showed no panic, knowing Ye Zhaonan's capabilities and that she desired a private confrontation with Qi Meng. As Qi Meng rode away with Ye Zhaonan held at knifepoint, Ye Zhaonan retaliated with arrows, shooting Qi Meng repeatedly and dedicating each shot. The first arrow was for Ke Qianyue, for being manipulated and harmed.
The second was for Liu Xuanming, for being propositioned and toyed with. The final arrow was for Zhilan. Qi Meng, bleeding profusely, begged Ye Zhaonan not to kill her, warning that her sister would seek vengeance. Ye Zhaonan replied that she welcomed the challenge and then revealed her true identity: she was not Guan Sanmei, but Ye Zhaonan, the Lord of Muxi. Qi Meng succumbed to her injuries.
Later, Ye Zhaonan visited Zhilan's tomb, weeping with sorrow and regretting not having forcefully opposed the marriage, thinking Zhilan's fate might have been different. In a vision, Zhilan appeared beside her, comforting her and assuring her that it was not her fault as she had done her best. Zhilan encouraged Ye Zhaonan to continue on her path, acknowledging the future challenges but urging her to persevere and never give up.
Meanwhile, Jin Ting expressed his wish to learn dancing, which his brother Jinfu found preposterous, insisting he should focus on martial arts. Jin Ting cited the Lord's decree promoting diverse work roles regardless of gender and explained he intended to use his connections among dancers to gather information about his missing sister. Shortly after, Jinfu received a letter from a spy in Xuanyue City.
Recognizing the handwriting as Ye Zhaonan's, he was surprised to learn Ye Zhaonan was alive and located with his spies in Xuanyue. The letter stated that Ye Zhaonan would make a final decision there and instructed Jinfu to release the families of Feng and Zhao, also forbidding a reply. Enraged, Jinfu immediately sent a message to his spies, ordering them to kill the person who wrote the letter, threatening the lives of their entire families if they failed.
Ye Zhaonan proposed an alliance between Xuanyue and Muxi to Liu Xuanming, arguing that the prolonged war had impoverished the people and that a united front would deter Tianmu from attacking either city. She acknowledged Liu Xuanming's deep enmity towards the name Ye Zhaonan but emphasized that the welfare of the people, achieving strength, prosperity, and a world of Great Unity where everyone thrived, should be his priority as a city lord.
She suggested releasing the Muxi slaves held by Xuanyue as a gesture of goodwill and proposed herself, in her identity as Guan Sanmei, as an envoy for peace negotiations. Liu Xuanming, recognizing the vital importance of ending the conflict for his people, agreed and appointed Guan Sanmei as Xuanyue's peace envoy to Muxi City, tasking her with achieving lasting peace and ending hostilities.
Ye Zhaonan met with Yi Yangjun and asked him to accompany her to Muxi City for the peace talks. She acknowledged his dedication to his Ideal City plan but asked if he understood her vision: a world free from war, starvation, poverty, and social hierarchy, achieving prosperity and Great Unity for all. She viewed the peace talks as the crucial initial step towards this grand goal benefiting the people. Yi Yangjun agreed to assist her in this endeavor.
Before her departure, Liu Xuanming bid farewell to Ye Zhaonan (as Guan Sanmei). He commanded her to return safely, promising to watch for her from the city gate tower daily and telling her to look towards Xuanyue if she missed him. In a playful exchange initiated by Ye Zhaonan, he humorously forbade her from looking at or listening to other women who might be prettier or more eloquent. Ye Zhaonan promised to return safely.
Yun Luo also expressed her concern, urging her to return soon. Liu Xuanming then issued a stern warning to the true Ye Zhaonan of Muxi City through Guan Sanmei: should he dare to harm Guan Sanmei in the slightest, Liu Xuanming would personally lead his army to conquer Muxi. With these farewells, Ye Zhaonan and Yi Yangjun departed from Xuanyue City together.
Later, Tan Rang was ambushed by assassins sent by General Jinfu due to his failure to complete his mission. Tan Rang defeated his attackers and resolved to return to Muxi City to fully address the situation. Yun Luo insisted on accompanying him, declaring they must not be separated, especially as she possessed two "superb mounts." These mounts turned out to be donkeys, which Yun Luo excitedly dubbed "Beasts of Heaven and Earth."
Tan Rang, however, found the journey frightening and struggled to control the animal, humorously questioning Yun Luo's competence as they made their way towards Muxi City. In Tianmu City, Qi Meng's sister, Huirou, had seized the throne, telling her fighting siblings they should join their deceased father. A report reached her stating that Princess Qi Meng had been killed in Xuanyue City by Xuanyue's envoy, Guan Sanmei. They also learned that Yi Yangjun was accompanying Guan Sanmei to Muxi City for peace talks. Huirou found these developments increasingly intriguing and expressed her satisfaction.
Episode 13 Recap
In Muxi City, General Jin Fu held a solemn funeral for his sister, Zhilan, the City Lord's wife, even forcing a wedding ceremony to convert into a mourning service for her. Jin Fu was deeply saddened by Zhilan's death and blamed Ye Zhaonan. However, his younger brother, Jin Ting, saw the truth clearly, stating that Zhilan's fate was sealed because Jin Fu insisted she marry the Lord.
Jin Ting condemned his brother's actions as those of a traitor, shaming their loyal family name. Jin Fu angrily threatened Jin Ting, but Jin Ting stood firm, daring Jin Fu to strike him down so he could join Zhilan. An officer then arrived with news that their spies had reported dealing with Ye Zhaonan and that an envoy from Xuanyue City was on the way for peace talks.
Jin Fu was furious that Xuanyue dared to send an envoy after Zhilan died there and declared he would use the envoy's head to honor his sister. On the road to Muxi City, Yi Yangjun traveled with Sanmei, who was Ye Zhaonan in disguise.
Three men, including Guan, Zhao Jing, and Feng Lei, received a written order from Jin Fu instructing them to kill the person who had asked them to write a previous letter – they realized this referred to Sanmei. Fearing for their families held hostage by Jin Fu, they felt they had no choice but to comply partially. They offered Sanmei and Yi Yangjun drugged water, which left them incapacitated.
The three men found Sanmei seemingly lifeless (she had used acupuncture to fake her death) and recovered something she carried. Yi Yangjun was also affected by the drug but recovered. The men expressed their remorse, explaining Jin Fu was forcing them and that they had delivered a body believed to be Ye Zhaonan's to Jin Fu, though the Golden Seal was not found with it. Ye Zhaonan questioned why Jin Fu wanted her dead.
The men, curious about her influence, asked why Liu Xuanming favored her, how she was involved in Princess Qimeng's death, and who she truly was. Ye Zhaonan revealed her true identity: the real Lord of Muxi City was a woman, raised as a man in secret by her father. She produced the Golden Seal, the symbol of Muxi authority, convincing the stunned men of her lineage. They immediately knelt and saluted her.
The three men later reported to Jin Fu, telling him they had not found the Golden Seal, suggesting it might have been lost when Ye Zhaonan fell. Jin Fu ordered them to spread the news of the Lord's death in court but to keep the Golden Seal's absence quiet while he sent more people to search for it, intending to use its retrieval to legitimize his claim to the throne.
The men, fearing for their lives, begged Jin Fu to spare them, claiming they could be of great use. They revealed that the Xuanyue envoy was Guan Sanmei, stating they knew her well from their time in Xuanyue and that she trusted them. They elaborated that Guan Sanmei was Liu Xuanming's favored woman, describing her as similar in appearance to Ye Zhaonan, and claiming she had even killed Princess Qimeng out of jealousy.
They proposed that if Jin Fu could control Guan Sanmei, he could control Liu Xuanming, thus gaining power over both Muxi and Xuanyue cities. Meanwhile, Tan Rang brought Yun Luo to a secluded residence in Muxi City. Despite the dusty and simple conditions, Yun Luo was surprisingly cheerful and fascinated by their surroundings, stating that home was wherever Tan Rang was.
Tan Rang planned to go find Jin Fu and instructed Yun Luo to stay put, warning her of the danger. Yun Luo promised to be obedient, calling herself a princess. Back with Ye Zhaonan and the three men, Yi Yangjun seemed amused upon learning that Liu Xuanming was in love with Ye Zhaonan, prompting a sharp retort from her.
The three men, now knowing her true status, became overly formal, but Ye Zhaonan urged them to treat her as they always had. She stressed the extreme danger of being in Muxi City and explained their critical task: they could not be seen together, and they must convince Jin Fu that Ye Zhaonan was truly dead.
In Muxi City, Ke Qianyue and her maid Bailu had arrived with a man they believed to be Jin Ting, but was actually a fake Jin Ting. Ke Qianyue remarked on the city's quietness, and "Jin Ting" explained it was due to his sister's funeral, highlighting his family's influence.
He took them to a remote residence instead of the General's Palace or an inn, claiming it was inappropriate to bring guests home during mourning and that inns were for disreputable people. After sending Bailu away for water, "Jin Ting" attempted to force himself on Ke Qianyue, saying they should "do things" before getting married. Ke Qianyue fought back fiercely, hitting him and boasting about her past exploits in Xuanyue City.
She demanded he make his brother Jin Fu surrender military power so she could take control, planning to conquer Xuanyue and Tianmu next to unify the world. " Jin Ting" mocked her grand ambitions, suggesting she was only fit to rule a brothel. An officer announced the arrival of Yi Yangjun at the General's Palace.
Jin Fu ordered the coffin containing the body believed to be Ye Zhaonan's moved to an inner room and instructed the three men who had delivered it to guard it closely day and night. Jin Fu met with Yi Yangjun, who stated he had come to demand Guan Sanmei of Xuanyue City. Jin Fu initially dismissed this, but Yi Yangjun insisted, claiming Guan Sanmei was Liu Xuanming's favored envoy who had killed Princess Qimeng, and he sought revenge.
Jin Fu questioned why Yi Yangjun didn't pursue her in Xuanyue, knowing Liu Xuanming protected her there. Yi Yangjun stated he couldn't let her go now that she was in Muxi. Jin Fu scoffed at Yi Yangjun's diminished status after his defeat in Xuanyue, but Yi Yangjun asserted his identity as Yi Yang of Tianmu City. Just then, an officer announced the arrival of the Xuanyue envoy, Guan Sanmei, at the palace gates. Yi Yangjun, upon hearing her arrival, suggested Jin Fu, if he wanted Tianmu City's friendship, should deal with her himself. Jin Fu readily agreed.
Episode 14 Recap
Yi Yangjun instigated General Jinfu to take action regarding Guan Sanmei, a move that was part of a larger plan orchestrated by Ye Zhaonan. Although Yi Yangjun voiced concerns that Jinfu might kill Guan Sanmei to gain favor with Tianmu City, Ye Zhaonan was confident Jinfu, who saw himself as highly intelligent, would not resort to such a straightforward tactic.
When Jinfu offered guest rooms, Ye Zhaonan, in the guise of Guan Sanmei, first requested to pay respects at the memorial tablet of Zhilan. She told Jinfu they had become sworn sisters in Xuanyue City's inner city and that Zhilan often remarked on her resemblance to Zhilan's husband. As proof, Ye Zhaonan produced a sworn sisters' post, which Jinfu confirmed was Zhilan's handwriting. Recalling the comment about resembling Zhilan's husband, Jinfu asked Guan Sanmei to remove her veil.
Upon seeing her face, identical to Ye Zhaonan's, Jinfu was visibly shocked and rendered speechless, marveling at the uncanny likeness. Yi Yangjun, meanwhile, made cynical remarks about Guan Sanmei's interactions with men, suggesting she sought to charm Jinfu as she had charmed Liu Xuanming in Xuanyue. Ye Zhaonan and Yi Yangjun stayed in Jinfu's mansion. As soon as she had a private moment, Ye Zhaonan quickly removed her accessories and changed back into her male attire.
Yi Yangjun followed Jinfu, intentionally creating a diversion by engaging in overly forward conversation and expressing admiration, seemingly attempting to delay the General. He even went so far as to take Jinfu's belt during a chase. Jinfu, visibly uncomfortable with Yi Yangjun's erratic behavior and perhaps sensing something was amiss, ordered guards to apprehend Yi Yangjun and then rushed off to check something important.
Racing against time, Ye Zhaonan managed to return to the coffin containing her own body just before Jinfu arrived. Jinfu sent the others waiting outside away before opening the coffin himself. Seeing Ye Zhaonan's body inside, he appeared momentarily relieved. However, Ye Zhaonan, still inside the coffin, perceived that Jinfu remained suspicious and waited until he had completely left before attempting to emerge.
Still harboring doubts, Jinfu separately interrogated Zhao Jing, Feng Lei, and Guan, asking how they knew both Guan Sanmei and Ye Zhaonan, and expressing disbelief at the existence of two such identical individuals. The three, having been coached beforehand, presented a pre-planned story. Zhao Jing explained they met Guan Sanmei in the inner city and Ye Zhaonan, whom they initially knew as "Mr. Ye," in the outer city, thereby explaining why inner city residents weren't suspicious of the resemblance.
They recounted meeting Ye Zhaonan when he was injured and buying medicine. During their account, they deliberately included slight discrepancies in the specific time they encountered Ye Zhaonan, mentioning both Wei Shi and Shen Shi. This variation, as later discussed between Yi Yangjun and Ye Zhaonan, was intentional to make their stories appear unrehearsed and therefore more credible. Zhao Jing concluded by stating that Jinfu knew the rest of the story regarding Ye Zhaonan's letter, which had revealed his identity.
Meanwhile, Ke Qianyue was attempting to escape the premises. Outside Jinfu's mansion, she encountered Jin Ting, who was also trying to flee. Mistaking him or simply acting out of panic, she physically assaulted him, repeatedly kicking him and demanding he stop. When others approached, she hid and saw that the person she had kicked was motionless and appeared dead.
She then sneaked into Jinfu's mansion but was immediately mistaken for a new maid arriving for the day's duties and dragged to the kitchen to work for the banquet Jinfu was hosting. Ke Qianyue struggled severely with the tasks assigned to her, protesting that she didn't know how to do anything. She was called stupid and ordered to work quickly.
In desperation, she even attempted to bribe a maid who was trying to teach her, claiming to have money despite her appearance, but the maid refused. Her continued incompetence and refusal to cooperate resulted in her being beaten by the head kitchen maid. Concerned for Ye Zhaonan, Liu Xuanming made his way to Muxi City, accompanied by Jin Ting. At an inn, they overheard two women who were performers hired to entertain at Jinfu's banquet.
Liu Xuanming quickly devised a plan for him and Jin Ting to impersonate the performers to gain entry into the mansion. They acquired female clothing and disguised themselves as the dancers. Jin Ting expressed discomfort with the disguise, suggesting they should have entered openly as messengers from Xuanyue, but Liu Xuanming insisted he wanted to give Ye Zhaonan a surprise.
Jin Ting also feigned illness briefly to avoid the plan but quickly relented when Liu Xuanming suggested he return to Xuanyue if he wasn't well. Liu Xuanming intended to sneak into the mansion alongside the performers when they went in. Yi Yangjun stealthily went to meet Ye Zhaonan, explaining he avoided the main entrance to prevent discovery by Jinfu's guards. He reported that General Jinfu had indeed interrogated Zhao Jing and the others as expected.
He confirmed that their answers, including the deliberately varied times of meeting Ye Zhaonan, were consistent enough to pass scrutiny, noting that slight differences made the testimony more believable than perfect synchronicity. Yi Yangjun also mentioned that Mrs. Zhao had served Guan Sanmei during her bath and confirmed she was indeed female. Despite these verifications, Yi Yangjun noted that Jinfu still sought to fully understand Guan Sanmei's true identity.
General Jinfu arranged for Guan Sanmei to meet Zhao Jing, Feng Lei, and Guan, presenting them as old acquaintances. The four individuals, having planned their interaction beforehand, put on a seemingly natural performance. They expressed surprise at seeing Guan Sanmei as an envoy and commented on her changed appearance, while she reciprocated. They spoke about their departure from Xuanyue City.
Guan reminded the others to refer to her as "Envoy Guan," though Zhao Jing corrected that "Lady of the City Lord" was more appropriate now. Guan Sanmei, however, insisted they could still call her "Sanmei" as they had in the palace when they looked out for each other. When she asked how they came to be in the General's mansion, they hesitated and nervously explained they were originally from Muxi and had found work there.
Guan Sanmei offered to ask Jinfu to give them easier tasks and better pay. Jinfu observed the reunion from a distance and commented that their speech and behavior seemed quite natural, but noted their moment of panic and stuttering when asked how they ended up there. He concluded that their inability to lie smoothly in that instance suggested that the rest of their orchestrated story was likely true.
An advisor confirmed again that Mrs. Zhao had verified Guan Sanmei's gender during her bath. Jinfu stated that he would perform one final act to definitively determine if she was genuine. Vice General Zhou escorted Guan Sanmei to the location of the final test, assuring her there was no need to worry and she would know when they arrived.
As dancers arrived late for the banquet and were quickly ushered in, Guan Sanmei was led to a coffin where Jinfu was present. Addressing her as "Sanmei," Jinfu stated, "Didn't someone say you look like Ye Zhaonan? Today, I will let you meet Ye Zhaonan," revealing the coffin containing Ye Zhaonan's body.
Episode 15 Recap
Upon arriving at General Jinfu's palace, Sanmei, who is secretly Lord Ye Zhaonan in disguise, is brought before a large coffin. Jinfu explains that since people say she resembles Ye Zhaonan, he wants her to see the city lord, implying the body is inside. Ye Zhaonan feigns ignorance and fear, questioning how a city lord could be in a coffin and expressing reluctance to open it due to superstition and being a woman.
Jinfu challenges her claim of weakness by mentioning her supposed role in killing Princess Qimeng and prepares to open the coffin himself if she won't. Ye Zhaonan quickly accuses him of regicide for killing his lord and keeping the body in his residence. Yi Yangjun arrives, stating he wants to witness the scene as something significant has happened and expresses his prior wish to meet Ye Zhaonan, whose governance of Muxi City he praises.
He urges Jinfu to open the coffin. Ye Zhaonan and Yi Yangjun engage in a sharp exchange, pressuring Jinfu. Ye Zhaonan suggests Yi Yangjun is trying to frame Jinfu for regicide to cause chaos in Muxi City and benefit Tianmu City, whose plan to seize Xuanyue City failed. She calls Tianmu City despicable for its unceasing ambition to destroy other cities. As they pressure him, Jinfu stops them, asserting that he will not be manipulated like Liu Xuanming.
He declares the coffin contains only his deceased mother and that he brought Sanmei, Zhilan's sworn sister, to pay respects. He then dismisses them and invites them to a banquet later. After Yi Yangjun and Ye Zhaonan leave, Jinfu orders his Vice General to seal the coffin tightly so no one sees Ye Zhaonan's body inside and assigns Zhao Jing and two others to guard it day and night.
Following the confrontation, Ye Zhaonan and Yi Yangjun discuss the perilous situation. Yi Yangjun believes the coffin is a constant threat and suggests burning it. Ye Zhaonan argues that immediate burning would arouse Jinfu's suspicion. She proposes finding a recently deceased body for substitution, suggesting the current weather would ensure rapid decomposition, making the switch undetectable within a few days.
Yi Yangjun agrees and offers to find a body, but Ye Zhaonan suggests assigning this task to Zhao Jing and Feng Lei, claiming it's to prevent Yi Yangjun's movements from being tracked, though Yi Yangjun suspects she is showing concern for him. Later, as Guan, Zhao Jing, and others are sealing the coffin, Guan instructs them not to nail it completely shut as it will need to be opened again.
Guan praises Sanmei's cleverness for outwitting the cunning Jinfu and ensuring their safety and the safety of their families. Jinfu hosts a grand banquet for his distinguished guests, Envoy Guan (Ye Zhaonan) and Yi Yangjun. He sets a relaxed tone, telling them they can settle their differences outside Muxi City but must show him respect within his palace. Ye Zhaonan, as Sanmei, politely declines to drink much wine, citing low tolerance, and offers a tea toast instead.
Jinfu encourages drinking and introduces a group of female performers to liven the mood, quickly directing them to serve drinks and accompany the guests instead of just dancing. He points out specific female performers to serve him and Yi Yangjun, noting his preference for fair-skinned companions. He also directs three men to accompany the envoy, Ye Zhaonan. To Ye Zhaonan's surprise, Liu Xuanming is among the performers, disguised as one of the female performers.
Jinfu calls specifically for Yao Hu to join him, while Liu Xuanming initially moves towards Ye Zhaonan but is intercepted by Yi Yangjun, who expresses admiration for his looks and calls him "little lass," noting his resemblance to an old acquaintance.
Meanwhile, outside, Zhao Jing instructs a fearful Feng Lei to go alone to the mortuary to find a body quickly for the substitution, reminding him of the potential consequences if they fail, including not being able to see their families. Feng Lei outwardly agrees but is clearly scared of going alone. Left alone to find a body, Feng Lei expresses his fear of going to the mortuary, wishing for a body to appear miraculously.
He then discovers someone lying unconscious on the street. Believing them to be dead, he sees this as divine intervention. In the darkness, he mistakenly knocks out Ke Qianyue (who had escaped after being tortured and tried to flee after Jinting, whom Feng Lei initially spotted, woke up and escaped) and takes her body, deciding to use her instead of going to the dreaded mortuary.
Back at the banquet, while Jinfu and Yi Yangjun enjoy their company, Jinfu presses the men assigned to Ye Zhaonan to serve her. He teases Ye Zhaonan about having fun in Muxi City where Liu Xuanming wouldn't know, and even suggests allying to destroy Xuanyue City if Liu Xuanming were to cause trouble. To further entertainment, Jinfu proposes a drinking game where each person states an experience they've had, and others who haven't experienced it must drink.
Jinfu starts by claiming to have killed hundreds in battle, a feat matched by his Vice General. Ye Zhaonan, as Sanmei, says she hasn't. Her turn comes, and she states she has worn a wedding dress, which none of the men have. Yi Yangjun reveals he once bathed with a city lord.
Jinfu counters by claiming he also bathed with his former lord, Ye Zhaonan, before dismissing it as a joke and taking a drink when Ye Zhaonan reminds him to be honest in the game. Yi Yangjun probes Ye Zhaonan, asking if she and Liu Xuanming have had a romantic bath together, given his rumored fondness for bathing, and she confirms they have not.
Jinfu then boasts about killing a city lord, specifically the Lord of Sunset City, whose head he claims to have personally cut off during an attack on Muxi City. As her turn, Ye Zhaonan declares that she deeply loves a city lord, which Yi Yangjun immediately echoes, leading others to speculate they are rivals in love for the same person.
Separately, Zhao Jing is seen holding a relic of Zhilan's, expressing profound sadness and missing her, regretting they can no longer be together. At the banquet, Ye Zhaonan and Jinfu are visibly intoxicated. Liu Xuanming grows increasingly agitated by the men's behavior towards Sanmei, reaching his limit of endurance. Sensing Liu Xuanming's distress, Yi Yangjun intervenes, praising Liu Xuanming as a "robust beauty" to Jinfu and requesting him be given to him.
Jinfu agrees, allowing Yi Yangjun to choose any performer except himself. Yi Yangjun selects Liu Xuanming and leads him away, remarking that a moment of their time is worth a thousand gold and calling him "darling" as they leave. Once away from the banquet, Yi Yangjun explains that he intervened to prevent Liu Xuanming's identity as the Lord of Xuanyue City from being discovered by Jinfu, which would have severe consequences.
Liu Xuanming admits his patience was wearing thin witnessing the men's behavior towards Sanmei. Yi Yangjun reassures him of Sanmei's intelligence and capability to handle the situation, urging Liu Xuanming to rest peacefully and promising to protect him. Meanwhile, Feng Lei returns to the area where the coffin is kept, carrying the body he found (Ke Qianyue), complaining about having to do the task alone while others are slacking.
He is later shown with another man, securing the coffin tightly with nails, expressing the hope that it will never need to be opened again, anticipating that the body inside will decompose fully within two days, after which they can be at ease. They decide to guard the coffin throughout the night. Feeling restless and bored, Jinfu makes his way to Ye Zhaonan's room to continue drinking privately.
Ye Zhaonan feigns extreme intoxication, claiming she cannot drink another drop and wishes to retire. Jinfu insists she needs more practice with alcohol but offers to escort her back to her room. Once inside, seeing her appear to be sound asleep, Jinfu approaches her with wicked intentions. Simultaneously, a carriage arrives at Jinfu's palace in Muxi City carrying Huirou. Huirou confirms their arrival and notes that Guan Sanmei is inside. She instructs her attendant not to rush, stating her intention to savor the intriguing situation.
Episode 16 Recap
Ye Zhaonan was asleep when Jinfu exited her room, having apparently just been bitten by her. Liu Xuanming and Yi Yangjun, witnessing Jinfu's departure from Ye Zhaonan's room, felt relieved. Yi Yangjun commented that since Ye Zhaonan and Liu Xuanming had only completed half their wedding ceremony, they were not yet fully husband and wife, and her future remained uncertain. They quietly entered Ye Zhaonan's room, lowering their steps when they saw she was asleep.
Yi Yangjun covered her with a blanket, which irritated Liu Xuanming, who then knocked Yi Yangjun unconscious. Meanwhile, Zhao Jing, Guan, and Feng Lei were guarding a coffin. In the middle of the night, they suddenly heard crying from inside. Terrified, they quickly found a stick and knocked the person inside unconscious. To their surprise, the person was Ke Qianyue.
Ye Zhaonan was very angry at Liu Xuanming for his reckless arrival in Muxi City, fearing his identity would be discovered and put him in danger. However, Liu Xuanming kissed her, immediately soothing her anger. She warned him that Jinfu was a very dangerous person. Liu Xuanming wanted to take her back with him to Xuanyue City, but Ye Zhaonan insisted she could not leave as her mission was not yet complete.
Liu Xuanming sensed she was staying for more than just peace talks and suspected she was there for someone else, specifically Jinfu, whom he had seen her interacting with earlier. Ye Zhaonan became nervous, but Liu Xuanming was simply expressing jealousy. They shared an intimate moment. Afterward, Ye Zhaonan expressed her fear that Liu Xuanming might not forgive her, revealing that her true identity was someone he deeply hated.
Liu Xuanming reassured her, saying that if her actions were for their mutual benefit, minor deception was acceptable, and that a loving heart would ultimately forgive, as their feelings for each other were most important. Just then, Yi Yangjun woke up and interrupted them, reminding them that they were not yet married. Guan, Feng Lei, and Zhao Jing kept Ke Qianyue confined. They realized they needed to return to the mortuary, but none of them wanted to go.
Liu Xuanming and Yi Yangjun ended up sleeping on either side of Ye Zhaonan. Yi Yangjun stated he was staying to keep an eye on Liu Xuanming, fearing he might try to harm Ye Zhaonan. In her sleep, Ye Zhaonan dreamed of her father. She noted that his overconfidence reminded her very much of Liu Xuanming. In the dream, her father boasted about his youthful charm and how women pursued him, which she jokingly compared to animals in a zoo.
Annoyed, he insisted his handsomeness was unparalleled. She reiterated the similarity between his and Liu Xuanming's confidence, which he proudly agreed with. The next morning, Yao Hu arrived looking worn out, seeking Liu Xuanming and Ye Zhaonan. Ye Zhaonan planned to find two servants from Xuanyue City to exchange identities with them so Yao Hu and Liu Xuanming could leave undetected. Zhao Jing located a body that had been decaying for several days for the plan.
Guan and Feng Lei expressed how much they missed their families and longed to return home. Zhao Jing, out of kindness, offered food to Ke Qianyue, but she immediately yelled for help. Ke Qianyue attempted to escape, but Feng Lei and Guan quickly caught her and intended to kill her. Zhao Jing bravely stepped in front of Ke Qianyue, protecting her and preventing them from harming her. This act of heroism caused Ke Qianyue to develop feelings for Zhao Jing.
Ye Zhaonan, currently posing as Sanmei, pressed General Jinfu to arrange a meeting with the Lord of Muxi City, Ye Zhaonan, warning him that she would return to Xuanyue City that day if the meeting did not happen soon. Ye Zhaonan subtly orchestrated a situation where someone mistook her for the Lord in front of Jinfu, highlighting her striking resemblance. Having failed to find the Golden Muxi, Jinfu devised a new strategy.
He suggested to Sanmei that the impersonated Lord Ye Zhaonan should write an abdication edict transferring the throne to him, believing this would be more powerful than finding the Golden Muxi. He confirmed that the real "Ye Zhaonan" (referring to the imposter he intends to use within the General's Palace) was indeed alive and well and located within the General's Palace. Meanwhile, Yun Luo was strolling through the city streets when she encountered a street artist.
The vendor was selling paintings of Liu Xuanming, describing him as the spirit ward of Muxi City. Yun Luo found the image of Liu Xuanming depicted as a monstrous figure quite amusing and purchased one of the paintings. Unbeknownst to Yun Luo, Qian Huirou discovered her presence in the city, placing Yun Luo in a precarious situation. Yun Luo then entered a high-end cloth store.
The owner treated her dismissively, assuming she was too poor to afford anything and suggested she look from outside. Angered by his attitude, Yun Luo promptly bought the entire store. Later, on the street, Yun Luo met Qian Huirou, who bore an exact resemblance to Qi Meng. Qian Huirou introduced herself as Qi Meng's older sister and claimed to be a poor servant. Ye Zhaonan observed that Liu Xuanming's natural demeanor did not fit the role of a servant.
She instructed him on how to properly behave as a servant and gave him the nickname "Dalaohu" (Big Tiger). Yun Luo generously treated Qian Huirou to a meal. Qian Huirou recounted how, after her father's death, her brothers had fought violently over the throne, forcing her to flee. She decided to come to Muxi City after deciding against going to Xuanyue City because Qi Meng had died there.
Qian Huirou commented that Qi Meng's unfortunate end was entirely her own fault. Mentioning she was living in a dilapidated temple in the south of the city, Yun Luo compassionately offered her a place to stay, which Qian Huirou gratefully accepted. Jinfu, speaking with Sanmei (Ye Zhaonan in disguise), remarked on her courage and intelligence, suggesting she should consider taking another significant step forward. He clarified that this step would be to become the Lord of Muxi City, Ye Zhaonan.
Episode 17 Recap
Due to the prolonged absence of His Majesty, rumored to be missing, restless ministers demand an audience, overwhelming Eunuch Sun. General Jin Fu arrives, admonishing the ministers and announcing that he has found His Majesty, who is recovering from injuries at the General's Palace and will meet them the following day. Jin Fu privately instructs an associate to prepare Guan Sanmei to enter the palace tomorrow.
He states there is no need to search further for the Jinmuxi, implying Guan Sanmei is now sufficient for his plans. He reveals his intention to have Guan Sanmei, disguised as Ye Zhaonan, ascend the throne, then abdicate in his favor, thereby legitimizing his claim. Jin Fu is confident that Guan Sanmei, being a woman impersonating the male Ye Zhaonan, will be easily controlled by this secret.
He orders treasures from the treasury to be distributed as bribes to key ministers to secure their support for the planned abdication. Liu Xuanming questions why Jin Fu is arranging this impersonation and the whereabouts of the real Ye Zhaonan. Ye Zhaonan replies that the real Ye Zhaonan is missing. Liu Xuanming suspects the cunning of the Muxi people and believes the situation is not simple. Ye Zhaonan expresses her determination to investigate by continuing the impersonation.
Liu Xuanming hears for the first time that she strongly resembles Ye Zhaonan and is puzzled. She explains Jin Fu intends to exploit the real Ye Zhaonan's disappearance to give his rebellion a pretense. Concerned for her safety, Liu Xuanming insists she return to Xuanyue City immediately. Despite her pleas, Liu Xuanming remains steadfast, but finding he cannot persuade her, he ultimately agrees to stay by her side and protect her.
As Jin Fu prepares to distribute bribes, Vice General Zhou shows crates of treasure to Ye Zhaonan, explaining they are intended for influential court officials. Ye Zhaonan recognizes this as an opportunity to identify Jin Fu's allies. She notes that discovering these ministers will provide insight into confidential court matters. Yi Yangjun appears and offers his help, claiming Ye Zhaonan's concerns are his own.
Liu Xuanming quickly intercedes, asserting that he will handle the investigation into the financial records, which surely exist for such large transactions. Ke Qianyue, held captive near a corpse, complains about the smell, but Zhao Jing is indifferent, telling her to adapt. Ke Qianyue later attempts to manipulate Zhao Jing into untying her by claiming the ropes are causing her pain, and he eventually complies slightly.
Feng Lei later unties her further when she requests to use the restroom, allowing her to attempt an escape. Liu Xuanming, having located Jin Fu's study with Yao Hu's assistance, enters and finds Yi Yangjun already inside. They exchange terse words. Observing the thick dust on most books, they conclude that Jin Fu merely pretends to be a scholar. Liu Xuanming finds a book with no dust and identifies it as the General's Palace accounts, which he had been seeking.
Yi Yangjun tries to claim shared credit for finding it, but Liu Xuanming dismisses him, reminding him of his past betrayal with Qimeng and stating Yi Yangjun owes him gratitude. Yi Yangjun offers a strange argument that making Sanmei happy is his way of repaying Liu Xuanming because Liu is happy when Sanmei is happy.
A servant interrupts, announcing that men's clothing for Guan Sanmei is ready and reporting that the assassin sent to kill Tan Rang was killed in Xuanyue City. Jin Fu, upon hearing the news about Tan Rang, expresses fury, implying Tan Rang was involved in a failed attempt to acquire the Jinmuxi and orders more men to be sent after him. It is revealed that Tan Rang infiltrated Jin Fu's palace intending to kill him but was discovered and captured.
Jin Fu sees this as a challenge to his authority. Meanwhile, Yun Luo dines with Huirou, who cooked the meal. Huirou shares her history of childhood neglect. Huirou informs Yun Luo that the Xuanyue envoy, Guan Sanmei, is staying at the General's Palace, information Yun Luo had not heard before. Yun Luo decides to visit Guan Sanmei, whom she considers a sworn sister.
She invites Huirou, but Huirou declines, citing her past association with Qimeng and feigning fear that the envoy would not want to see her. Huirou suggests Yun Luo go alone first and inform her if it is appropriate for her to join later. Yun Luo agrees and departs. Examining the account book, Ye Zhaonan notes the large number of bribed ministers and Jin Fu's significant power.
She decides to copy the list quickly and return the original to prevent Jin Fu from discovering it. Liu Xuanming and Yi Yangjun immediately begin arguing over who is better suited to perform the task. Zhao Jing arrives and reports that Tan Rang entered the General's Palace and was captured by Jin Fu.
Alarmed, Ye Zhaonan asks if Yun Luo was seen, and Zhao Jing says no. Ye Zhaonan realizes Yun Luo is likely to follow Tan Rang and declares she must save him, identifying him as the lover of her sworn sister, Princess Yun Luo. She confronts Jin Fu, arguing that killing the blind assassin is less advantageous than potentially leveraging him, especially if he becomes the son-in-law of Xuanyue City.
She proposes a deal: if she successfully reads the abdication edict as instructed without being discovered, Jin Fu will consider releasing Tan Rang. Jin Fu agrees, and Ye Zhaonan requests to see Tan Rang. Jin Fu grants her request. Ye Zhaonan and Liu Xuanming visit Tan Rang. He expresses relief but immediately voices concern for Yun Luo's safety, urging them to find her quickly before she comes looking for him.
Simultaneously, Yun Luo arrives at Jin Fu's palace gate and bribes a guard, requesting to see the Xuanyue envoy, identifying herself as an old friend from Xuanyue City. At the General's Palace, Vice General Zhou scolds Old Guan for neglecting his duties. He is informed that a woman from Xuanyue wants to see the envoy. Vice General Zhou instructs the guard to report all such requests to him in the future and goes to the gate himself.
Upon seeing Yun Luo, he is smitten and offers to escort her. Meanwhile, Ke Qianyue, partially untied by Feng Lei, seizes the opportunity to hit him and escape, leading Zhao Jing and Old Guan to chase after her. Back at the gate, Vice General Zhou makes inappropriate suggestions to Yun Luo. As Liu Xuanming and Ye Zhaonan search for Yun Luo, they encounter the escaping Ke Qianyue.
Upon seeing Liu Xuanming, Ke Qianyue immediately kneels and addresses him respectfully as "Lord". Liu Xuanming tells Ye Zhaonan that Yun Luo is also his sister and promises to help search for her, vowing to kill Tan Rang himself if Yun Luo is harmed.
Episode 18 Recap
Jinfu happened upon Ke Qianyue kneeling and greeting someone, presumably Liu Xuanming, as "Your Majesty." Zhao Jing, Feng Lei, and Guan quickly pursued Ke Qianyue, explaining she was emotionally disturbed and mentally unstable from lovesickness, constantly wanting to marry "His Majesty." They escorted her away, suggesting she was making a fool of herself. Jinfu questioned how easily people entered his palace, remarking it was becoming like Xuanyue's annex and even mentioning letting the Lord of Xuanyue City in someday.
Ye Zhaonan suggested Ke Qianyue must have mistaken her for Lord Ye Zhaonan. Liu Xuanming agreed that anyone seeing her for the first time could easily make such a mistake, noting it added to their plan's security, and expressed curiosity about how much Ye Zhaonan resembled Guan Sanmei.
Later, Zhao Jing, Feng Lei, and Guan discussed Ke Qianyue, calling her a "scourge" and initially suggesting she be eliminated, but upon realizing Guan Sanmei and Liu Xuanming had seen her, decided it would be better to let them handle the situation. Vice General Zhou solicited Yunluo, promising favors and access to important people if she yielded to him. Yunluo revealed her identity as Princess Yunluo, sister of Liu Xuanming. Undeterred, Vice General Zhou attempted to assault her.
Yunluo cried for help and fled. Liu Xuanming and Ye Zhaonan heard her screams and intervened. Jinfu arrived, alerted by the commotion, noting that with the presence of the "Lord's wife" and "Princess Yunluo," his palace was becoming like Xuanyue's temporary residence. Vice General Zhou claimed Yunluo bit him, while Yunluo stated he had attempted to molest her. Liu Xuanming, enraged, intended to kill Vice General Zhou on the spot. Jinfu protested, asserting his authority in his own palace.
Ye Zhaonan defended Yunluo, stating that as Xuanyue's princess and her sworn sister, killing Vice General Zhou for his actions was justified. When Jinfu questioned why he should care about a princess from another city, Ye Zhaonan issued a dire threat: if Yunluo was harmed in any way, the entire General's Palace would pay the price. Jinfu challenged her, asking if she wasn't afraid of his superior force of thirty thousand soldiers within the city walls.
As tensions rose, Zhao Jing, Feng Lei, and Guan observed, ready to support Ye Zhaonan. Yi Yangjun arrived and directed Zhao Jing and Feng Lei to secure the gates to prevent anyone from leaving, while Guan was ordered to prepare to set fire to the General's Palace if a fight broke out. Liu Xuanming informed Jinfu that they were not unprepared, revealing that fifty thousand Xuanyue soldiers were positioned at the border between Muxi and Xuanyue cities, awaiting their signal.
Faced with this potential conflict, Jinfu conceded, noting their significant temper. However, Ye Zhaonan insisted that the matter regarding Princess Yunluo was not settled. Jinfu argued that since Vice General Zhou's attempt to assault her was unsuccessful, the issue should be dropped. Ye Zhaonan sharply refuted this, using a pointed analogy about Jinfu's own birth to demonstrate the flaw in his reasoning. To appease them, Jinfu severed one of Vice General Zhou's ears and asked if she was satisfied.
Ye Zhaonan replied she would personally ensure justice for Yunluo and told everyone present not to interfere. Later, Jinfu instructed his men, including Zhao Jing, to bury what he referred to as Ye Zhaonan's body in the backyard after the abdication edict is read the following day, planning to deal with "Guan Sanmei" afterward, intending to utterly destroy her. Liu Xuanming reprimanded Yunluo for coming to Muxi City without permission.
Yunluo insisted she came to rescue Tan Rang and refused to leave until he was safe, arguing with Liu Xuanming about his own presence in Muxi for the sake of his wife. Ye Zhaonan intervened to mediate. Understanding Yunluo's resolve, Ye Zhaonan suggested that Yunluo stay by her side and accompany her into the inner city the following day, allowing Ye Zhaonan to protect her. Liu Xuanming accepted this arrangement.
Liu Xuanming then gave Ye Zhaonan a signal arrow, explaining that it placed the elite forces of Xuanyue City under her command. An attendant added that Liu Xuanming had prepared these reinforcements from the moment she left Xuanyue, ready to attack if she was harmed. Ye Zhaonan was touched by this foresight. Ke Qianyue suddenly reappeared.
Ye Zhaonan confronted her, stating she didn't know why Ke Qianyue was there but sternly warned her that revealing Liu Xuanming's true identity was forbidden if she wished to live. As Liu Xuanming was posing as Ye Zhaonan's servant, Ke Qianyue must do the same, as everyone's safety depended on it. Ke Qianyue expressed concern for Tan Rang's safety, and Ye Zhaonan reassured her that he would be fine.
An agent reported to someone that they infiltrated the General's Palace and discovered Guan Sanmei's plan to impersonate Ye Zhaonan and enter the palace the following day. Meanwhile, Liu Xuanming and Yi Yangjun were busy copying documents. Yi Yangjun became distracted by an explicit image and a riddle within one of the books, asking Liu Xuanming if he knew the answer. Late at night, Ye Zhaonan went to Vice General Zhou's quarters, intending to seek further retribution for Yunluo.
Yi Yangjun found her there and gave her a protective talisman, explaining he cannot accompany her into the inner city tomorrow. He expressed his realization that her earlier suggestion of pretending hostility towards him was not only to deceive Jinfu but also to create distance between them. Ye Zhaonan confirmed that while she values him as a confidant, there is a clear boundary.
She explicitly stated that her heart belongs entirely to Liu Xuanming and that she cannot accept Yi Yangjun's excessive kindness and affection, asking him to refrain from further emotional investment or she will be forced to distance herself further. Yi Yangjun dismissed her feelings lightheartedly, claiming his actions were solely to help her achieve her ambition of "world of great unity," but he turned away, clearly saddened with reddened eyes.
Jinfu instructed Zhao Jing, Feng Lei, and Guan to bury a body. They complained about the unpleasant task and their lack of recognition despite years of service. Jinfu also ordered them to accompany and monitor Ye Zhaonan when she enters the inner city, indicating he still harbors suspicion towards her. Ye Zhaonan then changed into male attire.
Jinfu observed her disguise and was struck by how closely she resembled the true Lord Ye Zhaonan, stating that from this day forward, she "is" Lord Ye Zhaonan of Muxi City. He warned her to proceed cautiously in the inner city, maintain her cover, and simply endure until she reads the abdication edict the following morning, threatening everyone's lives if she makes any mistakes.
Ye Zhaonan confirmed she understands, but questioned the meager escort, given her role as the supposed Lord. Jinfu explained that the officials believe the Lord is merely recuperating, making a grand entrance unsuitable, and that they would use a secret, unknown path into the inner city. While using the secret path to the inner city, Ye Zhaonan and her group witnessed Qian Huirou being pursued by attackers.
Yunluo identified her as Princess Qian Huirou, Princess Qimeng's twin sister, and insisted that she was a good person, unlike Qimeng, urging Ye Zhaonan to save her. However, Ye Zhaonan remembered Qimeng's dying warning about her sister's dangerous nature and decided to observe the situation unfold, deeming it a "good show." Noticing Ye Zhaonan's hesitation, Qian Huirou realized her feigned distress wasn't convincing enough.
She instructed her attendants to make the situation appear more real, resulting in one attendant stabbing her as part of the act, and another being killed by the attackers. Seeing Qian Huirou was now genuinely wounded, Ye Zhaonan decided to intervene and ordered her group to save her. The attackers withdrew as more soldiers arrived. Ye Zhaonan then addressed the injured Qian Huirou, declaring that she killed Qimeng for harming someone important to her and had no regrets. She issued a stark warning: if Qian Huirou was seeking revenge for Qimeng, Ye Zhaonan vowed to make sure she suffered dire consequences and would be damned forever.
Episode 19 Recap
Jinfu finalized his plans for the following morning's court, confirming with an associate that most ministers were bribed and ready to support his claim to the throne after Guan Sanmei, impersonating Ye Zhaonan, announced the abdication edict. He expressed satisfaction at finally being able to legitimately wear the garment he had long prepared. Meanwhile, Eunuch Sun waited for the return of the Lord, showing visible relief and concern upon seeing Ye Zhaonan.
He asked if she had suffered or been hurt during her time away. Ye Zhaonan reassured him she was fine and requested to keep those who had helped her, explaining they had treated her like family and she wanted them to remain by her side. Eunuch Sun agreed but noted Liu Xuanming's constant gaze towards her. Ye Zhaonan dismissed this, making a remark about his state and assuring Eunuch Sun she could treat him.
She also mentioned that Princess Huirou from Tianmu City was severely injured in Muxi City and asked Eunuch Sun to make arrangements for her care, expressing pity for the young princess. Guan Sanmei, disguised as Ye Zhaonan, discussed the situation with Liu Xuanming, suggesting Eunuch Sun must have been bribed by Jinfu as he didn't suspect her impersonation. Ke Qianyue found their presence in the palace too dangerous due to Jinfu's preparations and urged them to return to Xuanyue.
Guan Sanmei explained they couldn't leave before the planned abdication announcement, as Jinfu had set up extensive traps. Ke Qianyue suggested simply killing Jinfu, but Guan Sanmei countered that the presence of 30,000 elite soldiers under Jinfu's command made a direct attack risky and likely to cause chaos. Instead, she proposed diverting these troops to make it possible to capture Jinfu alive at court.
When Ke Qianyue questioned how this could be done, as only Jinfu could command the troops, Guan Sanmei hinted that they had the Lord of Xuanyue, Liu Xuanming, at their disposal. Soon after, an urgent report arrived confirming that Xuanyue troops were mobilizing near the border and might be preparing to attack Muxi City. Liu Xuanming spoke to Guan Sanmei, reflecting on his lifelong hatred for the Muxi City Lord, Ye Zhaonan, and his vow to personally kill him.
He found it strange and a feeling of a "wonderful fate" that his wife, Guan Sanmei, looked so remarkably similar to his enemy. He recalled their first meeting when she was cross-dressed, and he had genuinely mistaken her for a man and almost fought her. Expressing his happiness that she was with him, he promised to make her happy not just for one lifetime, but for many.
Later, when Liu Xuanming prepared to bathe, Eunuch Sun escorted him not to a private chamber, but to a large communal bathhouse used by the servants. Elsewhere, Zhao Jing observed the injured Huirou. Ke Qianyue approached, criticizing Huirou and blaming her misfortune on trusting Qi Meng.
Zhao Jing retorted that Ke Qianyue's own outcome wouldn't have been any better, regardless of Qi Meng, and candidly listed Ke Qianyue's negative traits, calling her mean, petty, possessive, and foolish, and accusing her of constantly trying to frame others. Ke Qianyue, shocked, asked if she was truly that bad, then questioned why Zhao Jing would like her if she was.
Zhao Jing vehemently denied liking her, explaining that his past actions, like saving her when Feng Lei threatened her life, and the accidental kiss in the closet, were due to saving any innocent person and being pushed by Old Guan, respectively. Ke Qianyue dismissed his explanations as pride and insisted he liked her, challenging him to swear he didn't.
Zhao Jing agreed to swear, but when Ke Qianyue proposed a vicious oath involving death by lightning and no reincarnation for their friends and families if he "did" like her, he refused, calling her too cruel. Ke Qianyue took this as confirmation that he did like her and declared she would accept him, leaving Zhao Jing exasperated and calling her unreasonable before walking away.
Shortly after their departure, Huirou, who had been feigning unconsciousness, woke up suddenly, gasping for air, having been woken by Ke Qianyue's presence. Jinfu confronted the person he believed was Ye Zhaonan about the Xuanyue troop movements, demanding an explanation. Guan Sanmei, still in disguise, feigned ignorance of Xuanyue's actions and suggested deploying Muxi's troops to resist.
Jinfu dismissed this, noting it would be too late, but felt confident Liu Xuanming wouldn't act rashly while 'Ye Zhaonan' was in his hands. He issued a stern warning that if anything went wrong with the abdication the next day, none of them would survive. Jinfu then pressured Guan and Feng Lei, revealing he had brought their families into the General's Palace and threatened their lives if Guan Sanmei proved deceptive.
Under this pressure, Guan and Feng Lei confessed that the plan was to use the staged Xuanyue attack to draw away Jinfu's elite soldiers. Jinfu recognized the strategy as a "ploy to lure the tiger out of his den" and called Guan Sanmei sinister but clever for planning to capture him at court.
Rejecting a suggestion to kill her immediately, Jinfu announced his counter-plan: he would spread news that he was leading the troops out of the city, give the tiger tally for troop movements to Vice General Zhou, and have Zhou secretly bring the soldiers back into the palace to lie in ambush outside the main hall. If Guan Sanmei made a move against him during the morning court, Vice General Zhou was to lead the troops in and kill her.
Vice General Zhou accepted the order, and Jinfu declared his determination to claim the throne. An attendant reported that Huirou was awake, noting her injuries were severe but not fatal to her vital organs. ' Ye Zhaonan' (impersonated by Guan Sanmei) spoke to Huirou, who recognized her from a portrait. Huirou expressed deep guilt over her sister Qi Meng's actions and offered to stay and serve 'Ye Zhaonan' to atone. '
Ye Zhaonan' acknowledged her offer but initially planned to give Huirou money upon her recovery and have her leave. Guan Sanmei suggested keeping Huirou to protect her from potential pursuers (her brothers). ' Ye Zhaonan' decided they would discuss it further after Huirou had healed. Guan Sanmei confirmed with Guan and Feng Lei that they had carried out their part of the plan by revealing the diversion tactic to Jinfu.
They voiced concern about their families' safety with Jinfu's soldiers surrounding the palace. Guan Sanmei reassured them that their families were safe inside the General's Palace under the protection of one of their own, describing him as far more capable than Yi Yang and known as the "best assassin in the world." At the morning court, Jinfu, confident of his bought ministers' support, prepared for his coronation, declaring it the day he would unify Muxi.
He arrived late, claiming apprehension about the supposed abdication edict. However, the person he believed to be Ye Zhaonan denied any plan of abdication. Jinfu insisted it was a well-known fact among the ministers. ' Ye Zhaonan' then accused Jinfu of treason, citing rumors, and ordered evidence to be presented. A box was brought forth, containing letters with Liu Xuanming's handwriting and seal, confirming Jinfu's secret communication with Xuanyue.
Ministers verified the authenticity of the letters and speculated on Jinfu's sabotage during battles. Jinfu dismissed the evidence as forged, but 'Ye Zhaonan' then produced the Golden Seal, the symbol of the Muxi City Lord. Jinfu reacted with shock and fury, shouting that 'she' was not the real Ye Zhaonan, but an imposter, a woman, and demanded that the ministers verify her identity. The ministers reacted with disbelief.
Eunuch Sun stepped forward to prevent anyone from touching the Lord, offering to perform the verification himself, which Jinfu suspected was because Eunuch Sun was also bribed. Mr. Zeng then offered to perform the verification, and Jinfu agreed. While 'Ye Zhaonan' and Mr. Zeng stepped aside, Tan Rang was shown successfully rescuing Feng Lei's mother and Guan's daughter from where they were held in the General's Palace.
Mr. Zeng returned to the court and publicly declared that he had verified the Lord's identity and confirmed that he was indeed male. Ministers expressed relief. ' Ye Zhaonan' added that he was the son and future Lord of Muxi City. Furious, Jinfu realized he had been outmaneuvered, believing Mr. Zeng must also have been bribed, unaware that Mr. Zeng had known Ye Zhaonan's identity since birth.
In a final, bold move, the person impersonating Ye Zhaonan made a solemn vow to Heaven, stating that if she were not Ye Zhaonan, the true blood relative of the former Muxi City Lord, she would be struck by lightning and die a terrible death. Jinfu, aghast she would make such a vow, called her insane and ordered his guards to attack. He declared that since the ruler was not acting like a ruler, he, the minister, would not act like a minister.
Episode 20 Recap
General Jin Fu ordered Vice General Zhou to kill the person he believed to be an impostor. However, Vice General Zhou had already been swayed by Ye Zhaonan. Previously, Ye Zhaonan had visited Zhou's room with what she presented as an edict, informing him that Liu Xuanming had granted him a title implying marriage to Princess Yunluo, but stressing that he needed to replace General Jin Fu to be truly worthy of Yunluo.
This manipulation led Zhou to betray Jin Fu, and he admitted to poisoning Jin Fu's breakfast bean juice earlier that morning. As Jin Fu was being removed by guards, he was silenced. After Jin Fu was taken away, Ye Zhaonan addressed Vice General Zhou, acknowledging his contribution and asking what reward he desired.
Zhou stated he only wished Ye Zhaonan to fulfill her promise: the positions of General of Muxi City and the title related to being the Lord of Xuanyue City's brother-in-law. He presented what he claimed was Liu Xuanming's personal edict as proof. Ye Zhaonan instructed him to read it aloud for the Muxi soldiers to hear. Zhou announced that Liu Xuanming had betrothed Princess Yunluo to him and personally granted him the title.
Hearing this public declaration, the Muxi ministers immediately accused him of being a traitor collaborating with the enemy. Ye Zhaonan declared that while his past service to Muxi spared him from death, he could not escape punishment. She ordered him dragged out and castrated, ignoring his protests that he had the edict she gave him. Princess Yunluo was later seen personally dealing with Vice General Zhou, telling him he would learn the meaning of retribution for evil deeds.
Later, in the General's Palace, Ye Zhaonan revealed a roster listing ministers who had been bribed by Jin Fu. The ministers quickly claimed the list was fake. Ye Zhaonan stated she did not intend to pursue past matters but hoped the ministers would work together with her with one heart and mind to govern Muxi well, ensure its prosperity, and bring peace to the people. The ministers pledged their loyalty and commitment.
Tan Rang expressed worry to Ye Zhaonan that Princess Yunluo would be angry because he and Ye Zhaonan had planned everything without telling her, admitting he feared Yunluo greatly. He explained that "Sanmei" (Ye Zhaonan) had forced him not to tell Yunluo, believing more people knowing would increase the danger. When Yunluo saw Tan Rang later, she noticed words carved on his back. She questioned who did it.
Tan Rang revealed Ye Zhaonan had ordered a couplet carved on him at Yunluo's request from an earlier time, stating the best assassin in the world had lost to Princess Yunluo. Yunluo angrily questioned Yao Hu, who confirmed he did the carving because Tan Rang had begged Ye Zhaonan (the 'Lord') who ignored him, so Yao Hu performed the task instead.
Liu Xuanming interrupted, scolding Yunluo for her unreasonable and meddling behavior, saying she had become like this from spending too much time with "Sanmei" and had learned all her bad habits. Unbeknownst to Liu Xuanming, Ye Zhaonan was nearby and overheard his criticism, including him calling her undisciplined and arbitrary for handling the significant issue of General Jin Fu without his help, adding that it was dangerous and he was concerned for her safety.
Liu Xuanming acknowledged that Ye Zhaonan had completely resolved the major issue with Jin Fu without his direct assistance, noting that she didn't need his help despite his efforts writing letters for her. He reflected that strategic brilliance and courage are not exclusive to men, citing historical figures like Fu Hao and Zhong Wuyan as examples. He admitted he was impressed by her capabilities.
He then asked Ye Zhaonan if she planned to remain in Muxi City or return to Xuanyue City with him, giving her time to decide. Later, Liu Xuanming and Yi Yangjun shared a meal. Liu Xuanming encouraged Yi Yangjun to eat the head of a crayfish, claiming it was the most delicious and nutritious part, while Liu Xuanming ate the tail. Liu Xuanming expressed curiosity about when Yi Yangjun would give up on "Sanmei."
Yi Yangjun posed a challenging question in return: if Liu Xuanming were to discover that the "Guan Sanmei" he liked was actually the person he most detested, would he still love her? Liu Xuanming did not answer directly but instead suggested Yi Yangjun should be concerned about Princess Huirou, informing him that she had arrived. Eunuch Sun attended to Tan Rang's swollen eye, assuring Ye Zhaonan of his ability to heal it.
Separately, Ye Zhaonan bestowed rewards upon Old Guan, Feng Lei, and Zhao Jing for their loyal service accompanying her from Xuanyue to Muxi City, naming them loyal attendants of the inner court and granting them gold and silk. Old Guan expressed his desire to return home to be with his daughter, and Feng Lei likewise wished to spend time with his mother. Ye Zhaonan agreed, granting them leave and providing them with tokens allowing them to visit the palace anytime.
She affectionately referred to them as her father and brothers, preferring they continue to call her Sanmei. She entrusted Zhao Jing with looking after "Sanmei" in their absence. Yi Yangjun expressed sadness over the state of Tianmu City following his adoptive father's death and the internal conflict among his brothers. Princess Huirou lamented their loss of standing, declaring she now only had Yi Yangjun as family and pleading with him not to abandon her.
Yi Yangjun shared with Huirou that "Guan Sanmei" was actually Ye Zhaonan, explaining his previous plan to help Ye Zhaonan before returning to Tianmu. This revelation caused Huirou to pause and then suggested they stay in Muxi City, thinking since Yi Yangjun cared deeply for "Guan Sanmei", it might be beneficial. Separately, Ke Qianyue approached Zhao Jing, making demands that caused him significant distress and physical reaction.
Ye Zhaonan confided her dilemma to Yi Yangjun, struggling to find a way to reveal her true identity to Liu Xuanming. Yi Yangjun, seemingly able to read her thoughts, confirmed her distress was about confessing this secret. He advised her that the very fact she was troubled by it indicated she believed revealing the truth was necessary, and encouraged her to have faith in Liu Xuanming. Yi Yangjun then announced his decision to leave and travel the world.
He explained that with Ye Zhaonan present, the ideal city would surely be realized, and he would watch her from afar once it was achieved.
Liu Xuanming understood that Yi Yangjun was taking Qian Huirou with him as a way to protect both Qian Huirou (due to his loyalty to his adoptive father and inability to protect another female relative) and "Sanmei" (as he worried about Qian Huirou's motives if left near her), seeing it as the only solution to protect both, effectively a best-of-both-worlds outcome for Yi Yangjun.
Before leaving, Yi Yangjun warned Liu Xuanming not to bully "Sanmei" and to remember that no matter what she did in the future, even if it was difficult for Liu Xuanming to accept, she was acting for their own good.
Reflecting on Yi Yangjun's words, particularly the earlier question about loving someone he hated if they turned out to be "Sanmei," and past events, Liu Xuanming began to piece things together and finally realized that Guan Sanmei and Ye Zhaonan were the same person. Princess Huirou received confirmation from a eunuch she had bribed that Liu Xuanming had entered City Lord Ye's room.
Meanwhile, Ye Zhaonan, unaware that Liu Xuanming had already overheard her practicing, was rehearsing aloud how to confess her identity to him. She decided on a direct approach, stating she was not Guan Sanmei but Ye Zhaonan, the Lord of Muxi City whom he hated the most. Liu Xuanming was shown walking towards her location and hearing her practicing this confession.
Episode 21 Recap
Ye Zhaonan revealed her true identity as the Lord of Muxi City, Ye Zhaonan, to Liu Xuanming, abandoning her guise as Guan Sanmei. Liu Xuanming was deeply shocked and accused her of lying to him since their first meeting, claiming she had deceived his feelings and trampled on his sincerity. Ye Zhaonan tried to explain that she lost her memory after falling off the cliff and only later learned her true identity.
She stated that after her memory returned, she wanted to tell him every day but was afraid because she witnessed his intense hatred for "Ye Zhaonan," fearing she would lose him if she confessed. She reminded him that he had once said that if one truly loves someone, they would forgive them even if they felt wronged. Liu Xuanming remained unconvinced and brought up the long-standing animosity, asserting that Ye Zhaonan's father was responsible for his own father's death.
Ye Zhaonan insisted he listen, explaining that on the day his father died, Muxi City did not send troops. That day was her birthday, and because her mother was weak during a difficult labor, her father ordered the city to beat drums to encourage her birth. Liu Xuanming dismissed this explanation as an absurd excuse and refused to believe it, even when Ye Zhaonan offered to check the Muxi City records which documented the event.
Recalling the vow he made before his father's memorial tablet to personally kill Ye Zhaonan, he indicated he would fulfill that promise now. Ye Zhaonan stood resolutely before him, allowing him to act, but Liu Xuanming found himself unable to strike. Tearfully, Ye Zhaonan lamented that this painful outcome was precisely why she had hidden the truth from him. Yi Yangjun planned to leave Muxi City with Huirou.
Huirou mentioned she had overheard Ye Zhaonan confessing her identity to Liu Xuanming. Yi Yangjun was not overly concerned, stating that regardless of how angry Liu Xuanming became, he would never harm Ye Zhaonan. To avoid adding to the tension between them, Yi Yangjun decided they should leave the palace immediately. As they exited, they unexpectedly encountered Liu Xuanming leaving as well.
Huirou, seeking to atone for their past actions, suggested they work together to reconcile Ye Zhaonan and Liu Xuanming. Meanwhile, Tan Rang and Zhao Jing verified the Muxi City records concerning the day of the former Xuan Yue City Lord's death. They confirmed that the drums were indeed beaten on that day solely for the Queen Mother's childbirth.
Yun Luo was astonished upon hearing this, realizing their family's long-held animosity towards the Ye family might have been based on a complete misunderstanding. Ke Qianyue, concerned about Ye Zhaonan potentially retaliating for her past mistreatment, expressed her fear and sought Zhao Jing's protection. After some teasing, Zhao Jing ultimately agreed to help her plead with Ye Zhaonan, especially after Ke Qianyue threatened to expose a past incident where he kissed her in a wardrobe.
Yi Yangjun and Huirou decided to return to Muxi City to help reconcile Ye Zhaonan and Liu Xuanming. Yi Yangjun believed they shouldn't interfere directly but should create a situation that allows Liu Xuanming to recognize his true feelings for Ye Zhaonan and return voluntarily, otherwise Ye Zhaonan would doubt his sincerity. Huirou proposed a method which Yi Yangjun found feasible and asked for Zhao Jing's assistance as the palace commander.
Zhao Jing was tasked with distracting the guards at Ye Zhaonan's bedchamber to allow the plan to proceed. Ye Zhaonan was drinking and weeping over Liu Xuanming's departure when assassins, part of Huirou's plan, quietly entered her bedchamber after Zhao Jing successfully diverted the guards. Yi Yangjun noticed Huirou's unusual behavior and, realizing something was happening, rushed with Tan Rang towards Ye Zhaonan's room. However, Liu Xuanming arrived first and rescued Ye Zhaonan from the attackers.
Yi Yangjun questioned the assassins, asking if Huirou had instructed them to genuinely harm Ye Zhaonan. They revealed that Huirou had merely told them to use fake daggers to ensure Ye Zhaonan wasn't injured. Huirou feigned distress over the situation, prompting Yi Yangjun to apologize profusely. Shortly after, Huirou's old injury relapsed, and she fainted. As Ye Zhaonan, still affected by alcohol, tearfully expressed how much she missed Liu Xuanming, his anger seemed to subside.
Despite the events, Ye Zhaonan remained distrustful of Huirou, though Yun Luo staunchly believed in her. Yi Yangjun shared details about Huirou's difficult past to help others understand her. When she was a child, she contracted a severe illness that physicians predicted would be fatal within ten days. Her family isolated her, fearing contagion, and even her brothers avoided her. Only Qimeng secretly brought her food but was also confined when discovered.
Surprisingly, Huirou miraculously recovered after ten days, having survived by reportedly eating rats. This terrifying experience led her family to treat her as an outcast thereafter. Yun Luo felt fortunate compared to Huirou's suffering. Ke Qianyue, still anxious about Ye Zhaonan's potential retribution, continuously expressed her fears to Zhao Jing and begged for his help, referencing the wardrobe incident. Zhao Jing eventually brought Ke Qianyue to see Ye Zhaonan, where Ke Qianyue appeared ready to beg for forgiveness.
However, Ye Zhaonan revealed she had always known Ke Qianyue's true character and did not hold a grudge. Relieved, Ke Qianyue immediately lightened the mood by jokingly referring to herself as Ye Zhaonan's future sister-in-law, much to Zhao Jing's embarrassment as he denied her implication. Ye Zhaonan was amused by their playful interaction. Just then, Bailu arrived in a dishevelled state, having escaped from somewhere. She ravenously ate the food offered to her.
Ke Qianyue promised to find Bailu a good position in Muxi City, leveraging her supposed connection to Ye Zhaonan through Zhao Jing. Ye Zhaonan received a secret message from a spy she had sent to Tianmu City. The message confirmed Huirou's account: after Lord Yang's death, her brothers engaged in internal conflict, forcing her to flee. Given this confirmation, Ye Zhaonan allowed Huirou to remain in the palace to recover from her injuries and assigned Bailu to attend to her.
However, it was revealed that Bailu is actually a spy from Tianmu City, specifically assigned to serve Huirou while secretly working to sow discord between Liu Xuanming and Ye Zhaonan. Bailu sent a secret message to Jinfu, who is imprisoned, proposing they collaborate to eliminate Ye Zhaonan. In her own thoughts, Bailu lamented her previous failure to poison Guan Sanmei, which she believed led to Qimeng's death, and planned to use itchy powder on Ye Zhaonan in the future.
The message sent to Jinfu was attributed to "Tianmu Huirou," stating this person was willing to work with Jinfu to kill Ye Zhaonan and unify Muxi City, indicating Bailu was using Huirou's name for her scheme. Jinfu was shown receiving special food in prison and was aware of the impending scheme designed to make Liu Xuanming and Ye Zhaonan destroy each other.
Episode 22 Recap
Ke Qianyue came to Liu Xuanming to apologize, admitting she had done many wrong things to both him and Sanmei due to her past greed, which hurt many people. She told him that after going through so much, she no longer dared to harbor desires for him, believing that he and Sanmei were a perfect match. Liu Xuanming stated that he had always treated her like a younger sister.
Ke Qianyue confessed that she had never truly liked him; growing up, he was the only man in the inner city, so she assumed he was the one she would marry. However, after leaving the palace, she realized the world was vast and full of many men.
She assured him she would not pursue him further, having met a man willing to sacrifice himself for her, and that she now knew what kind of man she wanted to spend her life with. Suddenly, the news that Ye Zhaonan was a woman spread throughout Muxi City. Ministers gathered in the courtroom, demanding she step down. Eunuch Sun and Minister Cao tried to calm them but were rebuked. Seeing the ministers' fury, Ye Zhaonan was at a loss.
Zhao Jing advised her to return to Xuanyue with Liu Xuanming, asking if she was clinging to the throne. Liu Xuanming countered that Ye Zhaonan was not interested in power for its own sake, but needed to stay to achieve her ambitions. Zhao Jing worried the ministers seemed ready to "eat her alive." Liu Xuanming encouraged Ye Zhaonan to stand tall and face them, stating that the more they wanted to see her humiliated, the less she should back down.
Ye Zhaonan entered the courtroom with her head held high. The ministers refused to kneel, accusing her of deceiving them for over twenty years and insisting the position of Muxi City Lord had always passed from male to male, citing ancestral rules. Ye Zhaonan challenged the notion that rules were always correct, giving examples of outdated and cruel practices like burying the elderly alive or live human sacrifice, calling them "bad habits" rather than rules.
She chastised the ministers for focusing on "gender matters" instead of strengthening the nation. Unable to win the argument, the ministers gave Ye Zhaonan three days to abdicate, threatening that if she refused, General Jin Fu would be released from prison, implying the consequences would be severe and "not as simple as stepping down." Ye Zhaonan was pained by this situation.
Later, Ke Qianyue asked Zhao Jing about his plans, wondering if he would return to Xuanyue City with Liu Xuanming if Ye Zhaonan went back after the three-day deadline. Zhao Jing evaded the question, saying they should solve the current crisis first. Hearing the news, Guan and Feng Lei rushed to the palace, worried about Ye Zhaonan and perplexed how her secret, known only to a few, had been exposed.
Guan declared he had to care because she was his daughter. They began speculating on who could have leaked the secret. Feng Lei suspected Ke Qianyue, but Guan dismissed it, noting Ye Zhaonan and Liu Xuanming trusted her and she seemed reformed. They concluded that Huirou seemed more likely given her past animosity. Meanwhile, Huirou learned of Ye Zhaonan's identity being revealed and seemed greatly pleased by the chaos, anticipating a conflict between Liu Xuanming and Ye Zhaonan.
Yi Yangjun suggested sending Huirou out of the city, but Huirou refused, claiming she couldn't abandon Ye Zhaonan, who had treated her well. She then encouraged Yi Yangjun to take Ye Zhaonan away himself, arguing that if Muxi City couldn't tolerate her, Xuanyue City would be even less safe due to the existing animosity between the two cities. She claimed Liu Xuanming couldn't truly protect Ye Zhaonan in Xuanyue and believed Ye Zhaonan would be doomed there.
She urged Yi Yangjun to take Ye Zhaonan if he was sincerely looking out for her well-being. Guan and Feng Lei continued investigating, helping Ye Zhaonan find the betrayer, insisting it must be someone with a grudge. Ye Zhaonan stated she trusted Ke Qianyue as she had reformed. They maintained Huirou was more suspicious and asked if Bailu had reported anything unusual about Huirou recently. Bailu relayed only daily琐事 (trivial matters), nothing suspicious.
Guan and Feng Lei wondered if Huirou had bribed Bailu. Ke Qianyue asked Bailu how she escaped previously; Bailu claimed she was captured, taken to a rich man's house as a maid, and ran away multiple times. Later, Ye Zhaonan questioned Bailu about being captured and escaping multiple times, asking if they would have let her off easily. Bailu admitted they broke her arm and indicated further harm.
(It is implied Huirou had previously injured Bailu to ensure her silence, and Bailu is concealing the true source of the injury with the fabricated story). Yi Yangjun sought to take Ye Zhaonan away, arguing anywhere was safer than Xuanyue, claiming Liu Xuanming could not protect her. Liu Xuanming countered that as long as he was present, no one could harm her.
Challenged by Yi Yangjun on how he would protect her if Xuanyue ministers demanded her death, Liu Xuanming declared he would kill whoever made such a suggestion. Yi Yangjun pointed out this would mean killing everyone, calling Liu Xuanming naive as he isn't a tyrant. Liu Xuanming stated he could give up his position as City Lord for her. Yi Yangjun suggested Liu Xuanming remain Lord and let him protect Ye Zhaonan, calling it the best method.
Both men eventually realized their argument was futile, acknowledging that Ye Zhaonan, being who she was, would not run away with either of them. Guan visited the ancestral shrine of the Ye family, praying to the spirit of the former City Lord, Ye Zhaonan's father. He expressed his helplessness in the current crisis and prayed for his "苦命的闺女" (bitter-fated daughter) to be blessed and overcome the tribulation, turning misfortune into luck.
Huirou also appeared there, stating the irony that her sister plotted to kill Ye Zhaonan, but she was now praying for her. She expressed guilt over her sister's past actions, calling her sister sinister and cruel, and lamented being a weak woman unable to help. Guan also felt useless. Huirou then suggested that if Ye Zhaonan could achieve a "不世之功" (unprecedented/magnificent contribution), the ministers might see her differently. Guan understood the hint.
Ye Zhaonan was drinking, feeling foolish and lacking the resolve of others, reflecting that someone else in her position might kill Liu Xuanming for a great merit, but she was too kind. Liu Xuanming came to her, suggesting she could use the signal arrow he gave her to summon the Xuanyue army to attack Muxi City, which would silence her opponents.
But Ye Zhaonan refused, unwilling to betray her belief in peace or cause soldiers from either side to die because of her, or see families displaced and destroyed. She resolved to stay and achieve her ideal of building a "world of great unity" (天下大同) without hunger, poverty, or social divisions, where wealth and prosperity were shared. Liu Xuanming vowed to stay with her, no matter the hardships. Meanwhile, Guan, Feng Lei, and Zhao Jing gathered secretly.
Guan proposed a drastic plan to save Ye Zhaonan: killing Liu Xuanming. He argued that killing the Xuanyue City Lord would be a "大功一件" (a great merit) for Muxi City, forcing the ministers to see Ye Zhaonan in a new light. Feng Lei and Zhao Jing hesitated, fearing Ye Zhaonan's anger and resentment, or even retaliation.
However, Guan insisted that her safety was paramount, and the act would be worth it even if she hated them for life or killed them. They ultimately agreed to the plan, deciding to carry out the assassination the next day, ensuring Ye Zhaonan did not witness it. Ke Qianyue and Bailu overheard this conversation. Ke Qianyue was horrified, calling them reckless, and wanted to go persuade Zhao Jing to prevent a terrible mistake.
Bailu warned it was dangerous and suggested she warn Liu Xuanming instead, believing that if she helped him, he might spare Zhao Jing, referencing her own experience being tied up by them previously. Ke Qianyue immediately went to Liu Xuanming, who was with a sleeping Ye Zhaonan. She frantically told him it was an urgent matter, revealing that Guan, Feng Lei, and Zhao Jing planned to kill him tomorrow to help Sanmei make a great contribution and impress the ministers.
She added that Zhao Jing was instigated by the others and pleaded with Liu Xuanming not to blame him. Liu Xuanming remained unusually calm, saying he understood and telling her to go back to rest, adding that they planned it for tomorrow anyway. Disturbed by his lack of reaction, Ke Qianyue then went to inform Yun Luo. Separately, Huirou expressed amusement at the unfolding events, eager to see Liu Xuanming and Ye Zhaonan "kill each other."
She pressed Bailu again about what Ye Zhaonan said after seeing her wounds, worried that Ye Zhaonan might have uncovered her deception. Bailu insisted she hadn't heard anything clearly as Ye Zhaonan's voice was too quiet, despite Huirou's repeated pressing. Yun Luo worried about Liu Xuanming's safety after Ke Qianyue's warning. Tan Rang tried to reassure her that Guan, Feng Lei, and Zhao Jing were no match for him, and that he would protect him.
However, Yun Luo feared the biggest threat was Liu Xuanming himself, believing that if he thought his death could significantly help "big sister" (Ye Zhaonan), he might do it without hesitation. That night, Liu Xuanming stayed with the sleeping Ye Zhaonan, wishing for all her troubles to disappear by morning.
Episode 23 Recap
Ye Zhaonan woke from a nightmare, dreaming of Liu Xuanming being in danger, but found him safely beside her. Liu Xuanming had prepared breakfast for her and personally served it, asking how it tasted. He promised to cook for her every day in different ways if she liked it. She playfully commented that he was becoming smooth-tongued like Yi Yangjun. Guan then arrived, stating Princess Yunluo wished to see Liu Xuanming.
Liu Xuanming agreed to go, taking a moment to look at Ye Zhaonan before leaving. Yi Yangjun followed after Liu Xuanming departed. Liu Xuanming cooperated with Guan, Feng Lei, and Zhao Jing, allowing them to stage an attack on him. He explained that Muxi City was crucial for Ye Zhaonan's ambitions and she needed to remain there to fulfill them. He instructed them to proceed. Shortly after, Yunluo and Ye Zhaonan rushed in, shocked by the sight of blood.
Liu Xuanming was revealed to be unharmed, as the confrontation had been staged. Yi Yangjun and Tan Rang had arrived and saved Liu Xuanming from the staged threat. Liu Xuanming revealed that he, Tan Rang, and Yunluo had planned this staging to prompt Ye Zhaonan to make the decision to leave Muxi City. Liu Xuanming stated that the process was fake, but his feelings for Ye Zhaonan were genuine, and he would readily sacrifice his life for her if needed.
He expressed surprise that Yi Yangjun had intervened, but Yi Yangjun clarified he saved Ye Zhaonan, not Liu Xuanming, as she would be heartbroken if Liu Xuanming died. Witnessing this, Ye Zhaonan declared she had made up her mind and they should leave Muxi City.
Liu Xuanming remarked that Ye Zhaonan was stubborn to choose to leave Muxi City because of him but added that as long as they were alive, there was still hope, and he wanted to keep Ye Zhaonan safe. Meanwhile, Ke Qianyue helped Zhao Jing pack their belongings, noting they were leaving that night.
She observed Zhao Jing carefully keeping a stack of toilet paper given to him by Zhilan, finding his devotion touching and confirming she had chosen the right person. Elsewhere, Ye Zhaonan brought supplements to Princess Huirou. They engaged in a conversation using veiled metaphors about pupae and cocoons, hinting at transformation, entrapment, and breaking free.
Ke Qianyue then found Bailu, informing her that Ye Zhaonan was preparing to abdicate and they would be leaving Muxi City, instructing Bailu to pack so they could return to Xuanyue together. Bailu relayed this news to Huirou. Huirou learned that the news of Ye Zhaonan and Liu Xuanming's planned departure had spread, leading some ministers to release General Jinfu.
Informed about the intended escape, Jinfu declared his intention to torture Ye Zhaonan and capture Liu Xuanming, immediately ordering the city gates shut to prevent their escape. The news of Jinfu's release and the city lockdown caused panic for Eunuch Sun. Ye Zhaonan, however, remained composed and instructed Eunuch Sun to gather all the civil and military officials as she intended to read out her edict of abdication.
Knowing the gates were sealed, she urged Liu Xuanming to leave the palace and hide at Guan's house, promising to find him after the abdication, but he was reluctant to leave her. Simultaneously, Huirou, having changed her attire, spoke to Yi Yangjun about their plan to take control of both Xuanyue and Muxi, fulfilling Tianmu's long-held ambition. Yi Yangjun called her hopeless, and she struck him, rendering him unconscious.
Back in the assembly hall, Ye Zhaonan addressed the gathered ministers, reading her abdication edict. She spoke of her lineage and tenure as Lord, reflecting on how she was forced to yield her position due to gender prejudice despite her efforts for the people and her ancestors. She proclaimed that while she would abdicate the position, she would not abandon her principles, heart, or will, then challenged the ministers to choose a worthy successor from among them.
The ministers reacted with outrage, publicly accusing Ye Zhaonan of colluding with Liu Xuanming and having a secret relationship with him, labeling her a disgrace to Muxi and demanding she hand over Liu Xuanming. As the tension escalated, General Jinfu arrived, yelling threats at Ye Zhaonan and demanding she hand over Liu Xuanming. Unexpectedly, Liu Xuanming appeared in the hall, stating he would not leave Ye Zhaonan to face them alone. Jinfu ordered Ye Zhaonan to hand over Liu Xuanming.
Ye Zhaonan defiantly refused, daring them to kill her. As Jinfu stepped forward aggressively, Guan, Feng Lei, and Zhao Jing arrived carrying the memorial tablet of the former Lord Ye, Ye Zhaonan's father. They stood with Ye Zhaonan, declaring themselves family and calling the ministers traitors, demanding they pay respects to the former lord's tablet.
Arguments ensued, with ministers claiming the former lord would disapprove of his daughter's association with their enemy, but Guan retorted that a father's greatest comfort is seeing his daughter happy. The ministers hesitated, but Jinfu pressed his demand: for Ye Zhaonan to prove her loyalty as a Muxi person and a member of the Ye family, she must kill Liu Xuanming in front of them and her father's tablet, promising to spare her if she complied. Ye Zhaonan refused.
Liu Xuanming then calmly asked Jinfu if his death would truly satisfy them and ensure Ye Zhaonan's safety. Jinfu confirmed his word. Liu Xuanming pulled out a blade, declared his intention to end his life there in the Muxi court as they wished, and issued a final warning: if they dared to pursue Ye Zhaonan further, his Xuanyue soldiers would retaliate and destroy them. With that, Liu Xuanming stabbed himself and fell. Ye Zhaonan rushed to his side in anguish.
As he lay dying, Liu Xuanming told her not to die without his command and to live on to fulfill her ambition of a prosperous, unified world. With a final thought about his handsomeness, he succumbed. Ye Zhaonan wept over his body. Just then, Princess Huirou appeared, observing the scene and expressing a small regret that Ye Zhaonan hadn't killed Liu Xuanming herself, stating that would have made the event more "wonderful".
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
The vanguard troops rode swiftly, understanding that it was a matter of life and death and they must reach their destination within an hour. Meanwhile, Lord Huirou appeared before the Muxi ministers. Ye Zhaonan informed them that Huirou was now the Lord of Tianmu City, a revelation that shocked the ministers, who were surprised that the Lord of Tianmu City was also a woman.
Lord Huirou declared her intention to unify the three cities and revealed that the Tianmu Army had already reached the foot of Muxi City. The ministers panicked, begging General Jin Fu for help and urging him to lead the troops. Lord Huirou attempted to entice Jin Fu, offering him the position of general of the three unified cities if he helped her destroy Muxi and then Xuanyue.
However, a signal arrow was fired, indicating the Tianmu Army was ready to attack, but it turned out to be Xuanyue Army's signal. Ye Zhaonan revealed that she had arranged for the signal arrows to be swapped and that the Xuanyue Army had gone to Tianmu City first.
She explained to Lord Huirou that while Huirou attacked Muxi, the Xuanyue Army had attacked and broken through Tianmu City the previous night, calling it a fair exchange, a classic case of "reaping what one sows". Lord Huirou scoffed, pointing out that Xuanyue City's forces were inferior and would be exhausted after attacking Tianmu City and then rushing to Muxi, making them no match for the Tianmu Army, as tired troops are a military taboo.
Ye Zhaonan agreed, but stated that she had placed all her bets on Jin Fu. The Muxi ministers continued to urge Jin Fu to lead the troops out to fight. Lord Huirou tried to dissuade him, arguing that he would be killed even if they won, and he should simply profit from the situation by accepting the prestigious position of general of the three cities. Ye Zhaonan countered, pointing out the dire fate of Muxi's people if Lord Huirou won.
She reiterated that she bet on Jin Fu because she knew that no matter how much he hated her, he was ultimately a Muxi person. Heeding the call of his people, Jin Fu ordered the Muxi army to march out and face the enemy. He declared that even if he died, he would die as a Muxi person. Lord Huirou was furious, calling the Muxi people lunatics for sacrificing wealth, glory, and life for their nation.
Ye Zhaonan countered that Lord Huirou would never understand those who value their nation more than life itself, the heroes who use their lives to perpetuate their nation's existence and prosperity. The soldiers pledged their loyalty, wishing blessings upon their leader, peace upon Muxi City, stability upon the world, and lasting well-being. Later, Liu Xuanming's father visited him, expressing relief that Liu Xuanming was alive and urging him to marry and have children to continue the family line.
He was very satisfied with Ye Zhaonan, praising her beauty and fierce temperament, and even shared his "secret of how a gentleman disciplines his wife," which boiled down to always agreeing with her. Liu Xuanming joked that his father could mourn him when he was actually dead.
He explained that the knife wound wasn't fatal and was intended to make the ministers feel guilty for the suffering they had caused Ye Zhaonan, thus ensuring their loyalty after she saved Muxi City. Ye Zhaonan teasingly called him insidious, a label Liu Xuanming attributed to Yi Yangjun, who he claimed had described Liu Xuanming as having many shortcomings but being generally decent, and a good fallback if Ye Zhaonan didn't want to marry Yi Yangjun.
Liu Xuanming acknowledged that Yi Yangjun had saved many lives by persuading the Tianmu Army. Given Yi Yangjun's high prestige among the Tianmu forces, they agreed it would be a good idea for him to manage Tianmu City.
Ye Zhaonan suggested Liu Xuanming talk to Yi Yangjun due to their close relationship, but Liu Xuanming cleverly argued that precisely because their relationship was already solid, it would be better for Ye Zhaonan to make the offer, as it would impress Yi Yangjun. Liu Xuanming called Ye Zhaonan's argument insidious too, but Ye Zhaonan countered it was wisdom. Before addressing the matter with Yi Yangjun, Liu Xuanming insisted they finish their previously interrupted business.
Ye Zhaonan playfully resisted, pretending not to know what he meant, leading to a moment that was interrupted when Ye Zhaonan touched Liu Xuanming's injury. He feigned pain but admitted he was lying, then grew bolder, leading to a playful chase as Ye Zhaonan called him a hooligan. Yi Yangjun declined the offer to become Lord of Tianmu City.
He explained his belief that permanent peace could only be achieved by unifying the three cities into a single, invincible force to face foreign invaders, leading to a world of great unity and shared prosperity. He announced his intention to travel the world and see the sights, deciding not to say goodbye to Ye Zhaonan directly, as he might cry.
He gave Liu Xuanming a book, teasing him about his pretended aversion to it, and stated he was giving Liu Xuanming his two most important treasures, urging him to cherish them before departing. Liu Xuanming noted he had only received one treasure, confused about the other. Ye Zhaonan confronted Lord Huirou, revealing she had never truly trusted her from the beginning, even suspecting her 'ruse of self-injury' and the 'false secret report' from a spy.
She recalled asking about Bailu's injury and being sympathetic to her misfortune, but later discovering Bailu was a spy from Tianmu City. Ye Zhaonan stated she had given Lord Huirou a chance to avoid conflict by swapping the signal arrows. Lord Huirou maintained that no one in the world was truly innocent, citing humanity's exploitation of the world and her own past suffering, including being locked away by her father despite being a sick child.
She argued this taught her there are no innocent people. Ye Zhaonan countered that with so many lives in her hands, she should be cautious, and that with good intentions, everyone appears innocent. She argued that misfortune should be a source of strength to help others, not an excuse to create more suffering.
Meanwhile, Ke Qianyue returned to Xuanyue City and was greeted warmly by her mother, Mrs. Ke, who quickly became affectionate with Old Guan, much to the amusement of the onlookers. Mrs. Ke mentioned Ye Zhaonan's return for the wedding and praised her frugality. She also teased Old Guan and Ke Qianyue about the two of them getting married soon, declaring she would "get married again" and might even wear a wedding dress before her daughter.
Tan Rang's eyesight began to improve, bringing relief to Yun Luo, who was amazed that the "best assassin in the world" could be so devoted in love. A grand wedding ceremony was held for multiple couples: Ye Zhaonan and Liu Xuanming, and Yun Luo and Tan Rang. Old Guan and the Grand Madam sat in the high seats, witnessing the marriages.
As the ceremony concluded, Liu Xuanming expressed his joy at finally marrying Ye Zhaonan and seeing her in her wedding dress. In the bridal chamber, Ye Zhaonan lifted Liu Xuanming's veil, and he explained he wanted to make her feel like she was at home. He showed her a portrait he brought from Muxi City, curious about the person in it, which made Ye Zhaonan uneasy.
As they prepared for their wedding night, Ye Zhaonan discovered the book Yi Yangjun had given Liu Xuanming. Initially scolding him for possessing such "filth," she quickly became engrossed in looking at it with him, pointing out pages and noting how worn it was. Liu Xuanming claimed the book wasn't his, first attributing it to Yi Yangjun, then also mentioning Jin Fu.
Ye Zhaonan teasingly accused him of blaming others, before becoming completely absorbed in the contents of the book together, noting how many times it must have been looked at based on its condition.
Separately, a character spoke with another, addressing him as "young master," suggesting that given the unification of the three cities and Jin Fu's appointment as general in Muxi City, the "young master" should ask "Sanmei" (Ye Zhaonan) for a high position in any of the cities, arguing he was more capable than Jin Fu. The "young master" demurred, stating that "Sanmei" appointed based on merit and that his own skills were only suitable for minor tasks, not national affairs. The speaker then revealed that his father had left him as a "hole card" in Muxi City, surprised that it turned out to be the "young master."
