Nancheng Banquet Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Nancheng Banquet Synopsis
A top-secret assassination mission intertwines the lives of the righteous heroine Fu Xiao and the scheming commander Yan Changyun, who initially have nothing to do with each other. A single misstep leads to Fu Xiao's mission failure, causing her to lose her memory and become an innocent "little white rabbit." She is then forced to become embroiled in Yan Changyun's grand revenge scheme.
Together, they navigate the treacherous court and the perilous world of martial arts, gradually uncovering and rectifying an old injustice, thereby restoring the honor of the loyal and virtuous. When all the dust settles, the two, uninterested in power and fame, choose to live as an immortal couple, retiring to the countryside to spend their lives together in peace.
Nancheng Banquet Recap
Episode 1 Recap
At Wanshi Pavilion, the master informs his most skilled disciple, Fu Xiao, that their mission is to eradicate evil. After fifteen years of training, she is assigned two targets. The first is General Guo Zhen, a border general known for his atrocities, who is returning to the capital for reporting. Fu Xiao must eliminate him to bring justice for his victims.
The second target is the Qianyu Guard Commander, Yan Changyun, who wields immense military power, manipulates the court, and causes suffering to the people. The master warns Fu Xiao that Yan Changyun is far more dangerous than Guo Zhen, being exceptionally skilled and ruthless. He also provides intelligence that Yan Changyun frequently visits an official courtesan named Chu Yue at Yunshao House. Yan Changyun arrives at the courtesan house, expecting to see Chu Yue.
Fu Xiao greets him, claiming Chu Yue is unwell and she is serving in her place. Yan Changyun immediately senses she is not Chu Yue but plays along, assessing her as skilled. Fu Xiao attempts to use seduction but then draws a dagger, stating she can do what Chu Yue can and more, revealing her intent to kill him. Yan Changyun notes her impatience and comments on her skill, finding her soft and lacking sufficient strength.
A fight ensues, and Fu Xiao, unable to defeat him, manages to escape. Yan Changyun orders a city-wide search with the assassin's masked description. A wanted notice for the masked assassin is posted throughout the city. That night, Yan Changyun goes to an abandoned house.
He reveals his hidden identity as a young master and explains his original plan was to lure Guo Zhen back to the capital to uncover the mastermind behind the Guan You incident and avenge his family. However, Guo Zhen's death ruined this lead. He asks about He Sanyuan, who served Guo Zhen and vanished, ordering a search for him. He then hears a noise and discovers someone hiding on the beam above – it is Fu Xiao.
Yan Changyun confronts her. Fu Xiao admits that she killed Guo Zhen and declares she will send Yan Changyun to join him in the afterlife. They fight again. Fu Xiao is defeated and loses her pouch during the struggle before escaping once more. Fu Xiao escapes to a passenger boat. After changing clothes, she is knocked unconscious with a stick by a eunuch named Xiao Qiangzi. She instinctively kills him, and his body falls into the river.
The next day, Fu Xiao wakes up on the boat, her head fuzzy and injured. She has an arm injury and discovers she has lost all memory, not knowing who she is or how she got there. She finds some valuables and a waist token with the name "Xiao Qiangzi" on it among her things and those on the boat. She disembarks in Nanguo City. As she walks through the city, seeing Yan Changyun triggers an instinctive fear.
She then witnesses Qianyu Guards arresting a man with an arm injury, as they are searching all men with such wounds at the city gates. Her subconscious fear causes her to instinctively try to evade them, which draws the guards' attention. They stop her for questioning. When asked her name, she says she doesn't know. As they prepare to physically search her, she presents the "Xiao Qiangzi" waist token.
The guards recognize it as belonging to someone from the palace and, assuming she is a young eunuch on official business outside the palace, they let her go. Fu Xiao looks at her reflection in a mirror, confused by her male attire. Seeking help for her memory loss, she finds a doctor.
The doctor diagnoses her with "Soul Loss" caused by a head injury, explaining it can cause her to forget people and events and may alter her personality and behavior. He states he cannot treat the Soul Loss itself but can offer herbal medicine for blood circulation. When Fu Xiao admits she has no money, the doctor throws her out.
Meanwhile, Liu Yidao, a palace eunuch known as "Dao-ge" to his subordinates, is frantically searching for the missing eunuch Xiao Qiangzi, stressing that their heads are on the line if he isn't found soon. At the palace, Prime Minister Xiao Wanli disregards the attendant's announcement that the Emperor is at the opera and barges into the hall, arguing with Lord Wei about who should be heard first.
Both the Prime Minister and Lord Wei are there to recommend replacements for the deceased Guo Zhen – Lord Wei suggests Cavalry Commander He Wei, while Prime Minister Xiao Wanli proposes Assistant Minister of Personnel Yang Xiong. They argue heatedly about the candidates' qualifications while the Emperor is absent. Emperor Zhao Yuan, having disguised himself and had a eunuch double take his place in the palace, is actually at the opera, secretly enjoying the performance and eating snacks.
Fu Xiao, also at the opera, hides under his table and steals some of his snacks. They bond over their shared enjoyment of the opera. Their moment is interrupted by Yan Changyun's arrival with Qianyu Guards, announcing a search for the assassin. Emperor Zhao Yuan, terrified of Yan Changyun, also hides under the table, encountering Fu Xiao. They both admit their fear of Yan Changyun and agree they need to escape the search. Emperor Zhao Yuan suggests creating a diversion.
Fu Xiao creates the diversion by calling out to Yan Changyun, but then abandons the Emperor in her haste to make her own escape. Hungry after escaping, Fu Xiao tries to trade the Xiao Qiangzi token for steamed buns. Liu Yidao spots the token and confronts her, demanding to know where she got it and where Xiao Qiangzi is.
She first claims the token is hers but then admits she found it and tells him about her amnesia and the doctor's diagnosis of Soul Loss. Seeing her innocent appearance and confusion, Liu Yidao decides she can impersonate the missing Xiao Qiangzi to save himself from punishment. He lures her with the promise of food, shelter, and a salary in the palace, which she accepts out of desperation. He takes her to the palace.
Once inside, he knocks her out and ties her up. Fu Xiao, terrified upon waking, demands to know why. Liu Yidao reveals she is now Xiao Qiangzi and must be castrated to maintain the deception, boasting that he is known as "Gentle Cut" for his skill. Fu Xiao, realizing the horror of her situation, struggles fiercely, breaks free, kicks Liu Yidao unconscious, and escapes. Wandering lost through the palace, she accidentally stumbles into Yan Changyun's chambers.
Yan Changyun is injured and asks for help putting on his clothes. As Fu Xiao (disguised as Xiao Qiangzi) helps Yan Changyun dress, he notices her arm injury. He questions her identity, and she gives the name "Xiao Qiangzi," stating she is new to the palace.
Before Yan Changyun can investigate further, a subordinate rushes in to report a significant lead on the assassin who killed Guo Zhen – a small boat found five miles away by the river with signs of a struggle, blood-stained clothes, a long sword, and a dagger, which match the description from the abandoned house encounter. The subordinate adds that a eunuch's body was found by the river, yet no eunuchs are missing from the palace registry.
This urgent news distracts Yan Changyun, allowing Fu Xiao to slip away undetected. She wanders into the Imperial Garden and encounters Emperor Zhao Yuan. They immediately recognize each other as the "brothers" from the opera. Emperor Zhao Yuan reveals he is also working in the palace (implying his true identity) and Fu Xiao confirms she is a eunuch. They discuss leaving the palace together but realize they have no money.
Emperor Zhao Yuan says he has a way to get some. Meanwhile, Yan Changyun, connecting the dead eunuch Xiao Qiangzi found by the river and the boat evidence to the assassin, realizes the "Xiao Qiangzi" currently in the palace must be an imposter and the potential assassin. He decides to investigate this eunuch identity. Emperor Zhao Yuan takes Fu Xiao to Miaoyin Pavilion, revealing it is where his valuables are kept. They steal treasures together, celebrating their newfound fortune.
They are discovered by guards. Emperor Zhao Yuan instructs Fu Xiao (as Xiao Qiangzi) to escape to the south gate and wait while he deals with the guards. Simultaneously, Yan Changyun, having confirmed the real Xiao Qiangzi is dead but not missing from the registry, orders all Qianyu Guards to search for the eunuch Xiao Qiangzi and kill him on sight.
He is convinced this imposter is the assassin who has infiltrated the palace and might know his true identity as a young master. Fu Xiao waits at the south gate, but when Emperor Zhao Yuan is delayed, she decides to leave alone with the stolen items. Yan Changyun intercepts her.
He identifies her as the eunuch Xiao Qiangzi and moves to execute her on the spot, citing the theft of palace property, but also wanting to eliminate her because she knows his secret identity. Emperor Zhao Yuan arrives just in time and stops him, revealing his identity as the Emperor. Yan Changyun reports that the person is a fake eunuch who entered the palace with ill intentions.
Emperor Zhao Yuan defends Fu Xiao, claiming he trusts Xiao Qiangzi and that the accusation of being a fake eunuch is not proven. Yan Changyun insists on a physical inspection to verify his identity for the safety of everyone in the palace. Fu Xiao is terrified, but the Emperor agrees, albeit reluctantly, stating Xiao Qiangzi should endure this small hardship. A palace attendant performs the inspection and reports that Xiao Qiangzi has indeed been castrated.
Yan Changyun acknowledges the verification as a "misunderstanding" regarding his status but still insists he should be punished for stealing palace property. Fu Xiao protests, but Emperor Zhao Yuan steps in again, declaring the treasures were not stolen but were a gift from him to Xiao Qiangzi. Yan Changyun, unable to dispute the Emperor, concedes on the theft charge. Yan Changyun then attempts to take Fu Xiao into custody to investigate his true identity.
Emperor Zhao Yuan stops him, declaring that Xiao Qiangzi is now his personal attendant, a decision he just made. Yan Changyun objects, citing the ongoing threat of unidentified individuals in the palace, but Emperor Zhao Yuan asserts his imperial authority, insists on keeping his word to Xiao Qiangzi, and tells Yan Changyun to give him face. Yan Changyun yields and leaves.
Emperor Zhao Yuan then tells Fu Xiao to get up, expressing his surprise and pleasure that she is the "brother" he met at the opera. Fu Xiao, also surprised he is the Emperor, expresses similar sentiments about their unexpected reunion. They reaffirm their bond, agreeing to protect each other both inside and outside the palace.
Meanwhile, Yan Changyun privately tells his subordinate they must be ruthless about the imposter Xiao Qiangzi and his potential knowledge of Yan's identity, but acknowledges that since he is now with the Emperor, they must proceed carefully and leave no trace of their actions.
Episode 2 Recap
After recent events, Liu Yidao instructs Fu Xiao that she is now Xiao Qiangzi, the Emperor's favored personal attendant, and that he (Liu Yidao) will henceforth call her Qiang Ge, acknowledging her new status. Liu Yidao expresses relief at having narrowly escaped Yan Changyun and credits the eunuch who helped Fu Xiao pass the verification process for her survival. It is revealed that this eunuch was previously bribed by a masked woman who paid him handsomely that night.
Fu Xiao, confused by the eunuch's unexpected help, tries to dismiss her doubts and focus on surviving. During the morning court session, ministers discuss the replacement for the deceased border official Guo Zhen. Prime Minister Xiao Quan proposes Yan Changyun, citing his bravery and loyalty. However, this suggestion faces strong opposition from other officials in the court.
Yan Changyun remains skeptical of Xiao Quan's support, reflecting on the fate of the Qin family, who despite their contributions, were framed and annihilated. The imperial edict concerning the Qin family is recalled, detailing their conviction for colluding with foreign enemies, abusing power, distributing "Zhu Yin powder" in the army causing soldier deaths, and their subsequent execution for treason and deception.
Meanwhile, Yan Changyun learns from Lei Bao's message that He Sanyuan has been located, raising hope that clues might be found regarding Guo Zhen. The Emperor notices Xiao Qiangzi watching him eat and invites her to join him. Despite her initial hesitation citing court etiquette, she accepts when the Emperor insists and eats with gusto, praising the food. The Emperor remarks that meals are usually uninteresting but are enjoyable with her company, ordering her to dine with him daily.
Xiao Qiangzi then requests permission to leave the palace, feeling uneasy there, but the Emperor refuses, promising his protection and stating he will reconsider her request later. Yan Changyun interrogates Lei Bao, a former deputy general under State Duke Qin. Lei Bao immediately recognizes Yan Changyun as the young master Qin Yan, whom he had helped escape the Qin family massacre. Yan Changyun demands to know who killed Guo Zhen.
Lei Bao claims ignorance initially, but under pressure from Yan Changyun's threats of torture, he confesses that Guo Zhen possessed a Jade Ring containing a great secret. He states that whoever holds the ring would possess significant power. He also describes the killer as being of medium height, dressed in white, with a veiled face, suggesting the ring is likely with the killer.
Yan Changyun quickly seeks out Fu Xiao (as Xiao Qiangzi), confronting her and stating Guo Zhen died by his sword, demanding the location of the Jade Ring. Xiao Qiangzi denies any knowledge of the ring or Guo Zhen, claiming there must be a misunderstanding and that she suffers from memory loss, specifically "Soul Loss," due to an injury.
Yan Changyun summons Imperial Doctor Qu, who confirms Xiao Qiangzi has Soul Loss due to a head injury and states that memory recovery is unpredictable, potentially taking from days to decades depending on luck. To test and potentially restore her memory, Yan Changyun subjects her to forceful methods, including being spun on a rotating disc and acupuncture. Terrified, Xiao Qiangzi briefly pretends to remember but then admits she lied to stop the treatment.
Yan Changyun appears to accept her amnesia and fabricates a story: she was his loyal dark guard, trained by him, sent to intercept Guo Zhen for the vital Jade Ring (proof of guilt), was injured and lost contact, and ended up in the palace by chance while seeking him. Inwardly aware he is lying, Xiao Qiangzi feigns delight at finding a "relative" and offers to inform the Emperor she will now follow Yan Changyun.
However, she immediately goes to the Emperor, tearfully claiming Yan Changyun tortured her with spinning and needles and threatened her with a sword. She begs to remain by the Emperor's side for protection, fearing she would die if forced to leave with Yan Changyun. The Emperor assures Xiao Qiangzi she can remain by his side for protection.
Later, Yan Changyun, still suspecting her, takes Fu Xiao/Qiang to the woods to reenact the scene of Guo Zhen's assassination to try and trigger her memory or reveal her guilt. Faced with armed guards simulating the scene, she panics and faints. Imperial Doctor Qu examines her again, noticing a red line on her wrist. He tells Yan Changyun that the red line indicates poison spreading, a complex "refined poison" for which only the maker has the antidote.
He warns Yan Changyun that if not detoxified, the poison will be fatal within 100 days. However, when Xiao Qiangzi is present, the doctor lies, saying she only has a minor ailment ("上火"). While in his private toilet, which he humorously calls his "true throne" as it's the only place he feels secure and clean from outside influence, the Emperor confides in Xiao Qiangzi about his powerlessness.
He explains how the Empress Dowager monitors his every move, Prime Minister Xiao Quan controls the court and even reviews his official documents, and State Duke Wei manages the country's finances. The Emperor praises Yan Changyun's loyalty, but Xiao Qiangzi privately thinks Yan is despicable and ruthless. Just then, Yan Changyun arrives, asking the Emperor to allow Xiao Qiangzi to join the Thousand Feather Guard, claiming she has applied multiple times.
Xiao Qiangzi immediately fakes illness, claiming dizziness and begging to stay with the Emperor. The Emperor, seeing her distress, refuses Yan Changyun's request and takes her to see a doctor. Later, Feng Shixi, a personal attendant, urges the Emperor to visit a consort that night, revealing only the Empress's card is available, a situation seemingly dictated by powerful forces.
Feng Shixi kneels, fearing severe punishment from the Empress Dowager and Prime Minister Xiao Quan if the Emperor does not comply with these arrangements. The Emperor agrees to visit the consorts and takes Xiao Qiangzi to the garden. Upon his arrival, the other consorts quickly scatter, terrified of the Empress's powerful father, Prime Minister Xiao Quan, which the Emperor notes. The Empress, who had been waiting, then comes out to greet the Emperor.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Xiao Quan severely reprimands his daughter, the Empress, for failing to produce a child after four years of marriage. He is particularly enraged because State Duke Wei has used her childlessness to propose her removal in court. Xiao Quan, feeling deeply humiliated, warns the Empress that if she does not conceive an heir soon, he will replace her with another woman from their family, emphasizing the absolute necessity of a Xiao heir for the imperial succession.
The Empress attempts to defend herself, suggesting the Emperor's avoidance of her might be the reason for her inability to conceive. Back with the Emperor, Feng Shixi continues to desperately plead with him to fulfill the expected visit to the Empress. Xiao Qiangzi, witnessing Feng Shixi's distress, offers a suggestion that could help the Emperor avoid the visit while also protecting Feng Shixi from repercussions.
Episode 3 Recap
The Emperor visited the Empress's palace. She told him she had been waiting for him. He spoke of how he remembered her from when they first met four years ago and admitted he had neglected her due to busy palace affairs. He announced he wanted to paint her portrait for the Yuquan Palace, where he could see it whenever he thought of her. This was a pretense to avoid intimacy, a tactic suggested by Qiang.
The Emperor had Qiang prepare the painting setup, intending to paint while the Empress posed, hoping she would fall asleep. However, after waiting for an hour, the Empress remained awake, and the Emperor himself grew tired and fell asleep. While waiting outside, Qiang was approached by a masked woman who revealed she knew about Qiang's amnesia (Soul Loss) and true identity, stating Qiang was not Xiao Qiangzi.
She offered Qiang a drug to put in the Emperor's food, claiming it was harmless and beneficial. Qiang refused, fearing execution. The woman then showed the spreading red line on "Qiang's" wrist, revealing it was a poison she had administered and warning it would be fatal in 100 days without her antidote. She pressured Qiang to use the drug on the Emperor quickly. Qiang questioned the woman about her identity and past, but she refused to answer.
Later, Qiang confronted the imperial physician who had previously lied about her condition being a fever. The physician confessed that Yan Changyun had instructed him to conceal the truth. Qiang showed the physician the drug from the masked woman, who identified it as something causing lethargy and suppressing desires, primarily making people extremely listless. As Qiang debated using the drug, an attendant named Yidao, exhausted from cleaning latrines, accidentally drank some of the drugged water Qiang had prepared.
Yidao became tearfully emotional, expressing deep gratitude and calling Qiang his best friend, saying Qiang was the first person in the palace to call him Dao Ge. Realizing the drug's effect and suspecting a plot against the Emperor's lineage (someone didn't want the Emperor to have descendants), Qiang decided to use only a minimal amount on the Emperor to appease the masked woman without severely harming him.
On the way back, Qiang encountered Yan Changyun, who deliberately tripped her into the water. Yan Changyun asked if Qiang would consider joining the Qianyu Guards. Qiang, eager to escape but seeing no immediate way, claimed she couldn't leave the Emperor, who relied on her constantly, even needing her to wait outside when he went to the latrine. Yan Changyun let her go but warned her not to play tricks. Qiang inwardly resented Yan Changyun for the humiliation, vowing revenge.
Meanwhile, the Empress visited the imperial physician, asking for something for the Emperor's fatigue. The physician provided potent tonics, suggesting a ten-ingredient soup, promising it would restore the Emperor's vigor and help the Empress conceive. Later, Yan Changyun brought Qiang to the Emperor, suggesting they practice boxing. Yan Changyun trained the Emperor roughly, causing him to fall repeatedly.
Believing Yan Changyun was not just bullying her but also taking it out on the Emperor, Qiang added the lethargy drug to Yan Changyun's tea. Yan Changyun immediately detected something after a sip and forced Qiang to drink the rest of the tea. Qiang tearfully complained to the Emperor about Yan Changyun's harsh treatment during the training and the Emperor's failure to intervene, saying she was almost beaten to death.
Qiang described feeling weak, tired, and hopeless, effects likely amplified by the drug. The Emperor comforted her, letting her sit on the couch with him. A eunuch arrived with a ten-ingredient tonic soup from the Empress, who had made it for the Emperor's purported weakness. The Emperor gave the soup to Qiang, who drank it and felt intensely hot and uncomfortable. The Empress arrived and was furious to see the Emperor comforting Qiang closely on the couch.
Accusing Qiang of being a low-life eunuch who bewitched the Emperor, she ordered Qiang thrown out. Feeling unwell and disoriented, Qiang stumbled towards Yan Changyun's quarters. Seeing him, she attempted to embrace him, calling him handsome, but was promptly knocked unconscious by Yan Changyun.
To force Qiang to leave the Emperor and seek refuge with the Qianyu Guards, Yan Changyun instructed his subordinates to spread rumors about the Emperor and Qiang's inappropriate closeness throughout the palace, specifically ensuring the Grand Empress Dowager heard the gossip, as she valued royal reputation. Qiang woke and hurried to the Emperor's palace, vehemently denying the rumors. While talking, something got in her eye, and the Emperor leaned in to gently blow it out, holding her face.
The Grand Empress Dowager arrived at this exact moment and witnessed the scene. Outraged by the perceived scandal, she ordered the eunuch Qiang beaten to death for corrupting the Emperor. The Emperor pleaded with his grandmother, who then ordered Qiang killed with white silk instead. As guards seized Qiang, a sudden flash of memory triggered an instinctive defensive reaction. Qiang displayed remarkable martial arts skills, fighting off the guards.
Yan Changyun arrived at this point and declared that Qiang must not be killed, revealing that Qiang was not a mere eunuch but a highly trained dark guard from the Qianyu Guards, secretly tasked with protecting the Emperor. Yan Changyun initially stated this was a secret known only to the Emperor and pointed to Qiang's fighting ability as proof.
To save Qiang's life from the Grand Empress Dowager, the Emperor agreed to transfer her to Yan Changyun's custody, stating that Yan Changyun should handle his own person. Yan Changyun accepted. Later, Qiang was bewildered by her sudden display of martial arts and continued amnesia, questioning her identity and Yan Changyun's motives for helping her. Yan Changyun's subordinate, Wei Tianjiao, voiced concern about trusting someone with an unknown background and amnesia.
That night, the Emperor had a vivid nightmare where he was restrained by figures like the Prime Minister and Empress Dowager and forced to watch Qiang being killed. The Empress was informed of the Emperor's distress, and a physician suggested Qiang's presence might help soothe the Emperor, as heart illness requires heart medicine. The Empress ordered Qiang brought back.
Meanwhile, Yan Changyun instructed Qiang to stay in his quarters for the night, giving her a mat on the floor while he took the bed. Qiang tried to leave, citing rules and her bad luck, but Yan Changyun insisted she stay under his watch, threatening to reveal her true identity to the Grand Empress Dowager if she left. An attendant arrived, stating the Emperor was gravely ill and urgently needed Qiang, who was then taken back to the Emperor.
At the Emperor's side, the Empress ordered Qiang to administer the Emperor's medicine, threatening execution if she failed. Qiang gently gave the medicine to the Emperor, reassuring him that she was there. After the Emperor took the medicine, the Empress dismissed Qiang, and Yan Changyun departed to patrol.
Left to consider her situation, Qiang reflected on the unstable circumstances, realizing that with the Emperor incapacitated and having angered both the Empress and Grand Empress Dowager, her best chance for survival lay with Yan Changyun. Yan Changyun later gave Qiang a bottle containing an antidote for the poison, stating future doses depended on her performance. Qiang was surprised the antidote required long-term, not just one-time, use.
Yan Changyun asked if she resented the Emperor for not fully saving her from the Grand Empress Dowager. Qiang defended the Emperor, expressing sympathy for his lack of freedom and control over his own life, stating that while she expected him to save her (as staying alive is better than dying), she also didn't want to put her fate entirely in others' hands, a sentiment Yan Changyun seemed to agree with.
Later that night, Qiang attempted to sneak out while Yan Changyun appeared asleep but was immediately caught. Realizing escape was futile, she pretended to adjust Yan Changyun's blanket while secretly searching for the antidote she had seen him take out earlier, but he seemed aware of her actions. She returned to her mat, wishing him goodnight.
Episode 4 Recap
Qiang was brought back to the Qianyu Guards and introduced as a new member. His fellow guards mocked him for his short stature and effeminate appearance, suggesting he was unfit for their rigorous selection process and likely there just to fill numbers. Qiang admitted he used to be a eunuch, prompting further dismissive reactions before Commander Yan Changyun ordered him to fall in and introduced the day's training.
On the first day, the training was a basic weighted march of thirty li (roughly fifteen kilometers). Finding the task overwhelming and fearing for his life if he continued, Qiang seized an opportunity in the woods to desert and find the Emperor. He located the Emperor, who had been hiding. The Emperor was surprised and relieved that Qiang didn't seem to resent him for failing to help him previously.
Qiang expressed understanding for the Emperor's difficult position, dealing with court and harem matters and navigating officials, acknowledging the throne was a burden rather than a source of comfort. Yan Changyun arrived shortly after, having heard that someone had left training, and stated that if he were to catch someone running from training, he would beat them to death. Qiang, scared, appealed to the Emperor.
The Emperor attempted to protect Qiang by claiming he had asked him to stay and keep him company. Yan Changyun respectfully pointed out that such leniency, if known, would undermine his authority to lead the Qianyu Guards effectively and protect the Emperor. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the Emperor reluctantly allowed Yan Changyun to take Qiang back, promising to visit him later.
Back at the barracks, Qiang tried to explain he didn't "intentionally" avoid training and asked for a break since it was his first day, suggesting it would allow him to train more joyfully. He also suggested the training methods were unreasonable, like running thirty li straight, which he argued would exhaust and injure the soldiers, making further training difficult. He proposed focusing on enhancing comrades' cohesion and "love".
Yan Changyun agreed Qiang had a point regarding showing "love" and suggested he could start by demonstrating it by washing all his comrades' clothes. He set a deadline for the task to be completed before Qiang could eat and threatened military punishment if it wasn't done. Qiang, initially dismayed by the volume of clothes, planned to simply wet them and claim he finished, believing Yan wouldn't check. While washing clothes, Qiang played with soap bubbles.
The sight unexpectedly triggered a memory in Yan Changyun. He recalled being severely injured as a child and being taken in by a kind family. He remembered a little girl in that family playing with Dioscorea flowers and bubbles. The sudden, inexplicable familiarity of Qiang's action with that childhood memory left Yan Changyun pensive, wondering why he thought of her. Determined to get kicked out of the Qianyu Guards, Qiang continued to try and annoy Yan Changyun.
He served him a tea he called "Cordyceps tea" (which appeared to have floating insects or debris), deliberately spat food from his mouth while eating, and scattered snack crumbs everywhere, all while acting subserviently and claiming he was bad at serving others and should be released. Yan Changyun remained resolute, telling Qiang he had to stay and couldn't leave. Late one night, Qiang approached Yan Changyun's quarters while he was bathing and offered to rub his back.
This physical approach startled Yan Changyun, who reacted with alarm and suspicion, telling Qiang not to touch him and calling him crazy, wondering why a eunuch would have such intentions towards him. He sternly ordered Qiang to stay away from him from then on, even moving Qiang's bedding outside the door. Qiang then tried to negotiate the price or credit for an antidote from Yan Changyun.
Yan set the cash price at ten taels per pill, but offered credit at fifteen taels per pill plus three percent daily interest. Faced with such steep terms, Qiang decided he would need to find a way to earn the money himself. Meanwhile, Minister Wei received a large shipment of "Zhu Yin powder" from his brother-in-law, Chen Juncai, who had smuggled it from Ning State via ship.
Chen Juncai boasted about the high profits to be made, mentioning it could sell for 300 taels per bowl, and offered Minister Wei the larger share for his investment. Shortly after, Minister Wei's son, Wei Tianjiao, returned home. His father was happy to see him but was quickly asked for five hundred taels by Tianjiao as was customary.
Wei Tianjiao expressed disdain for his father's questionable business dealings, especially with Chen Juncai, preferring to focus on making a name for himself through achievements rather than relying on his father's influence at the Ministry of Revenue, where his father had even arranged a position for him. Through an informant (an "eyeline" in the area), the Qianyu Guards learned of the Zhu Yin powder dealings involving Chen Juncai and his associate Fang You. Yan Changyun ordered their arrest.
Under interrogation by Yan Changyun, and fearing torture, Fang You quickly confessed that he was working with Minister Wei's brother-in-law and that the Zhu Yin powder was located in Yinma Lane. Acting on this information, Yan Changyun led a search of Yinma Lane, where they found the Zhu Yin powder as confessed. To his surprise, they also discovered a large amount of treasury silver hidden there. At court, Yan Changyun presented the evidence.
Minister Wei vehemently denied any involvement, claiming the silver was a frame-up and that he would never be so foolish as to embezzle public funds. An official pointed out that the treasury silver, which Minister Wei's Ministry of Revenue managed, was found at the scene of the Zhu Yin powder trade.
Another minister reminded everyone that years ago, State Duke Qin Wenzhong had also been involved with Zhu Yin powder in the army, suggesting that seemingly unlikely individuals could be guilty and that a superficial innocence shouldn't be trusted. Minister Wei maintained his innocence, calling it a conspiracy against him by those who wished him harm.
After hearing the arguments, the Emperor ordered Yan Changyun to conduct a thorough investigation, including the treasury and the silver's origins, to clear Minister Wei's name if he was indeed innocent. To investigate the matter further and find potential links, Yan Changyun needed to examine Minister Wei's ledger. His subordinate noted that infiltrating the heavily guarded Wei Mansion to obtain it would be difficult. Yan Changyun devised a plan involving the issue of unpaid military salaries.
He announced a test where any soldier who could withstand ten moves from him (negotiated down to three by Qiang) would receive a hundred tael reward. He knew the Qianyu Guards had not received their wages for three months due to reported depleted funds from the Ministry of Revenue. Qiang, seeing the hundred tael reward as a way to earn money for the antidote, eagerly volunteered. He managed to "win" by using evasive tactics to last three moves.
However, when he went to the Ministry of Revenue to collect his reward (plus his two taels standard salary), the official claimed there were no funds, not even the two taels for his standard salary, citing an empty treasury. Outraged, Qiang confronted the official, who mockingly suggested he demand the money from Minister Wei, implying the Duke's corruption was the reason for the missing funds. This spurred Qiang to action.
Back with his comrades, who were also frustrated by the lack of pay, Qiang initially offered a perfunctory defense of Yan Changyun against accusations of embezzlement but quickly shifted to instigating the soldiers regarding the unpaid wages. He argued that their hard work and dedication deserved payment, highlighting his own struggle and the hardships of those with families to support.
He rallied the soldiers, asking if they wanted their money, and they agreed to follow him to demand it from Minister Wei at his mansion. Yan Changyun, aware of the plan, had chosen Qiang to lead this confrontation precisely because of his close ties to the Emperor, believing the Emperor would protect Qiang even if things went wrong, thus protecting the other Qianyu Guards from the most severe consequences.
He instructed his trusted guard, A Cheng, to accompany the group and cooperate fully, but warned them not to cause trouble or get hurt and to try to reason with the Wei mansion guards. He also ensured Wei Tianjiao would be assigned elsewhere to avoid interference. Upon arriving at Wei Mansion, Qiang initially attempted a civil discussion with the guards to meet the Duke. However, he was quickly insulted and dismissed as insignificant ("What kind of nobody are you?" ).
Other Qianyu Guards, provoked by the disrespect shown to Qiang and themselves, started fighting the Wei Mansion guards. In the ensuing chaos, A Cheng, as planned, used the opportunity to infiltrate the mansion, locate a secret room, steal the ledger, and discovered a large amount of treasury silver hidden inside the room with the ledger. The ledger, however, did not mention any transactions related to Zhu Yin powder.
Qiang, overwhelmed by the brawl, ran back to report the situation to Yan Changyun, informing him that fighting had broken out and that rumors were spreading that Yan Changyun had instigated the disturbance at the Wei Mansion. A Cheng also returned, confirming the fight and mentioning he saw Qiang leave. Qiang maintained he ran back only to inform Yan Changyun, knowing only he could help their captured comrades.
A Cheng reported finding the treasury silver and stealing the ledger but noted the ledger didn't mention Zhu Yin powder, raising questions about Minister Wei's potential innocence regarding that specific charge. Minister Wei, furious about the incident, reported the Qianyu Guards' actions to the Grand Empress Dowager, exaggerating their brutality and calling them bandits who acted without cause. The Grand Empress Dowager, outraged, immediately ordered the execution of Qiang as the ringleader.
The Emperor pleaded for Qiang's life, arguing he deserved a lesser punishment and should be made to apologize instead. Yan Changyun intervened, explaining the reason for the guards' frustration was the three months of unpaid wages due to the Ministry of Revenue's claimed treasury emptiness, and that they were forced into the action. He took responsibility for his inadequate supervision and offered to bear the punishment himself to spare Qiang and the other guards.
Despite Minister Wei's continued accusations and demands for harsh punishment, the Grand Empress Dowager agreed to spare Qiang, instead ordering one hundred floggings for Yan Changyun as a warning to him and the Qianyu Guards. As Yan Changyun received the severe punishment, which drew blood on his back, Qiang watched, realizing Yan had taken the blame for him and feeling a sense of obligation.
Observing the need for better discipline and supervision in the Qianyu Guards after the incident, the Emperor, after dismissing proposals from other ministers to appoint their sons, declared that Qiang would be appointed to the position of supervisor ("Dujun") to oversee and correct Yan Changyun's conduct.
Episode 5 Recap
Yan Changyun chose to take the blame for Qiang's actions. His subordinate questioned why he took the blow when the original plan involved the Emperor protecting Qiang, but Yan Changyun explained that if Qiang had taken the blame, the Great Empress Dowager would likely have killed him. He added that since it was their plan, it was his responsibility. The subordinate commented that despite his reputation, Yan Changyun had a soft heart.
Later, Qiang came to apologize to Yan Changyun, feeling it was his impulsiveness that led to Yan Changyun being punished. Qiang expressed how heartbroken he was seeing Yan Changyun get hit and wished he could have taken some blows for him, though he admitted he feared being accused of causing a scene with so many people around. He declared that Yan Changyun had saved his life and from then on, he would follow Yan Changyun's lead.
Yan Changyun simply hoped Qiang wouldn't cause any more trouble, and Qiang promised he wouldn't. When it was time to apply medicine, Qiang insisted on doing it himself since Yan Changyun was injured because of him. As he applied the medicine, Qiang noticed many scars on Yan Changyun's back and asked about them. Yan Changyun gave brief, dismissive answers about them being caused by cuts, training, or even being bitten by a dog for a new wound.
Seeing how many injuries Yan Changyun had sustained and noting they must have been painful, Qiang blew gently on a wound, telling Yan Changyun to remember that blowing on an injury makes it feel better. This action reminded Yan Changyun of a childhood friend.
Qiang then stated he couldn't let Yan Changyun's suffering at State Duke Wei's hands be in vain and vowed to find a way to help him get revenge, to which Yan Changyun wryly commented on not having been hit enough already. Qiang acknowledged Yan Changyun's kindness and promised not to forget the debt. Qiang later appeared before the Emperor wearing his new Military Governor uniform, looking pleased.
He received a badge but felt it was too small for his status and asked for a much larger one, which the Emperor jokingly agreed to let him carry on his back. Qiang then pulled the Emperor aside to propose a plan that would solve both the Qianyu Guards' pay issue and the Emperor's own money problems.
The Emperor hesitated, mentioning that State Duke Wei was his uncle and it felt awkward, but Qiang convinced him that money was more important. Qiang promised to handle the matter if the Emperor provided an imperial decree and made the Emperor promise not to implicate him if things went wrong. Soon after, the tax silver from Jiangnan arrived at State Duke Wei's residence earlier than expected, having traveled by land.
State Duke Wei personally supervised the transfer and signed for it. He instructed his subordinates to follow the "old rule," taking half and leaving half for the treasury, inwardly anticipating that he would control when the military pay was issued. The next day, Yan Changyun and Qiang arrived at State Duke Wei's residence with an imperial decree to assist in storing the tax silver in the national treasury.
State Duke Wei tried to dismiss them, claiming he had already counted the silver and it was ready for the treasury. However, Yan Changyun stated they were there under imperial orders for a routine inspection. As Qiang inspected the silver, he immediately noticed some of it was counterfeit and confirmed it was fake after testing. When questioned how such obviously fake silver was counted, State Duke Wei's subordinate claimed the silver hadn't been touched since arriving the previous night.
State Duke Wei protested, saying he had never seen that part of the silver and was being framed. To help clear State Duke Wei's name, Yan Changyun ordered a search of the residence. The search uncovered a large amount of national silver hidden in a secret room, revealing State Duke Wei's embezzlement. Although Yan Changyun's initial plan involved finding evidence related to Poppy powder (朱银粉) through the silver investigation, they only found State Duke Wei's embezzlement.
Yan Changyun acknowledged that those they were after had been undercover for many years and wouldn't be easily exposed. However, he admitted that Qiang's "little smarts" and "switcheroo" plan, which correctly anticipated State Duke Wei's greed, had succeeded in recovering the state silver and securing the military pay for the men. Shortly after, Qiang came to Yan Changyun, having received his portion of the reward money and military pay (a total of 102 taels).
He specifically asked about buying the "antidote." Yan Changyun had previously mentioned an antidote costing ten taels per pill. Qiang had earned 102 taels and was planning to use 100 taels to buy ten pills, asking for a discount to get three extra, citing the urgency of "life and death" and lamenting that to survive, he had to spend almost all his money. However, Qiang soon discovered Liu Yidao eating the same pills.
Liu Yidao revealed they were just hawthorn pills given by Doctor Qu for his poor appetite. Realizing he had been tricked, Qiang angrily confronted Yan Changyun, calling him a liar and heartless, claiming he had trusted Yan Changyun completely and worked hard to earn money to live, only to be given fake medicine. He demanded to know the truth and asked if Yan Changyun even had an antidote. Yan Changyun admitted he did not.
Later, Yan Changyun spoke with his subordinate Cheng, questioning if he had done wrong. Cheng agreed that after Qiang had helped them so much, deceiving him was excessive. Yan Changyun confessed that he had initially kept Qiang close to uncover the secrets related to the Jade Ring, but now found himself caring about him.
Seeing Qiang visibly upset, Yan Changyun approached him and gave him a jade bone whistle, telling him to blow it if he was ever in danger and Yan Changyun would immediately come. He quickly added that everyone in the Qianyu Guards had one, telling Qiang not to misunderstand, before leaving for a meeting. Qiang felt the whistle was useless and that Yan Changyun was just trying to placate him.
During the morning court session, the Emperor addressed the empty national treasury and asked for a minister to manage it. The Prime Minister suggested the Minister of Revenue, which the Emperor agreed to. The Emperor then announced that the imperial funds, which had been managed by State Duke Wei since the Emperor was young, would now be managed by him personally.
The Prime Minister then criticized Yan Changyun's lack of progress in investigating the Poppy powder case and suggested transferring the case to the Ministry of Justice. Before the Emperor could even speak, Yan Changyun readily agreed. He explained later to Cheng that this was a tactic to distract their enemies and allow them to secretly investigate the case related to his family's destruction.
Meanwhile, Wei Tianjiao returned late, facing implied disapproval from his colleagues and feeling like an outsider in the Qianyu Guards after his father's disgrace. Though initially resentful of Yan Changyun for the raid, he came to understand that Yan Changyun's actions had also protected him. He ordered food for himself and Yan Changyun, even sharing rare mare's milk wine, stating it was for when Yan Changyun was angry.
He admitted it was his father's fault and he couldn't have raided his own home anyway, thanking Yan Changyun. When he returned home, State Duke Wei furiously scolded him, calling him a traitor for causing the loss of their family wealth. Wei Tianjiao advised his father to earn wealth honestly, stating he could earn his own money for marriage.
He told his father to live peacefully and gave him a deed to a shop, suggesting he start a legitimate business using money Wei Tianjiao had saved. He assured his father that even if the business failed, Wei Tianjiao's monthly salary could support him, and that as long as they were alive, they could rebuild. Later, Wei Tianjiao visited Qiang and was surprised to see the jade bone whistle, suspecting Qiang had stolen it.
Qiang claimed Yan Changyun had given it to him as compensation for being wronged, casually dismissing it as just a whistle. Wei Tianjiao, however, recognized it as one of Yan Changyun's prized possessions that Yan Changyun had never given him despite his requests, feeling Yan Changyun was showing favoritism to Qiang. Qiang blew the whistle, seemingly to prove it worked. Hearing the whistle, Yan Changyun immediately rushed to them.
When Yan Changyun arrived, Wei Tianjiao asked why he hadn't received a gift if Yan Changyun had wronged him too. To downplay the significance of the whistle and Qiang's special treatment, Yan Changyun claimed everyone would get a gift and ordered his own treasured items moved out of his room to distribute among the Qianyu Guards. Qiang began to frequently misuse the whistle for trivial matters.
Hearing the whistle again, Yan Changyun rushed to find Qiang needing a cup of water and demanding it using his title as Military Governor. When Yan Changyun hesitated, Qiang threatened to report that the Guards didn't obey Imperial orders. Qiang then asked for a push on a swing, before changing his mind. He commented on Yan Changyun's unhappy expression, implying it was due to serving him.
At other times, he ordered Yan Changyun to wash clothes, get vegetables for his friends, and even demanded a massage in public, claiming aches and pains from touring the Qianyu Guards grounds. Yan Changyun's subordinates complained about Qiang's increasing arrogance, predicting it wouldn't last long. Overhearing the criticism, Qiang seemingly tried to make amends by climbing a tree to pick fruit for Yan Changyun but got stuck. Fortunately, the Emperor arrived just in time and caught him as he fell.
The Emperor, who had recently secured the keys to the imperial funds, suggested they go out to celebrate. Qiang was excited and looked at jewelry, claiming he enjoyed collecting it, and the Emperor paid for everything he liked. While out, they encountered a woman scolding her disobedient daughter by threatening that the Qianyu Guards would take her.
Qiang immediately corrected the woman, explaining that the Qianyu Guards protected the people and should be sought for help, adding that people with trouble should find Yan Changyun because he could do anything and was willing to help serve both the Emperor and the people, as that was the Guards' mission. Qiang emphasized that the Qianyu Guards represented the Emperor's image and the people shouldn't fear the Emperor. He then suggested letting the Guards serve the people more directly on behalf of the Emperor.
Episode 6 Recap
Having returned to the palace, Qiang presented Yan Changyun with body lotion he had purchased while accompanying the Emperor, suggesting it would soften his hands. Despite Yan Changyun's refusal, Qiang explained he bought it specifically for him. Qiang then proposed that the Qianyu Guards should engage more with the common people, arguing their focus shouldn't solely be on the palace but on serving the public, which would help improve their reputation.
The next day, Qiang, acting as military governor, led the Qianyu Guards out to sweep streets, pick up garbage, and assist the elderly and those in need, despite some guards' objections to performing such tasks, questioning the suitability of such duties for the Imperial Guards. Qiang encouraged Yan Changyun, as their leader, to also interact with the people and do small, helpful deeds to build trust.
While they were out, they witnessed a father violently beating his son, accusing him of stealing a pen. Yan Changyun intervened by drawing his sword, prompting Qiang to question his involvement in a domestic matter. Yan Changyun defused the situation, explaining it was a misunderstanding. The boy explained he had only taken the pen to fix it for his teacher, but his father wouldn't listen.
Yan Changyun told the boy to inform his father next time and sternly warned the father that he would face punishment as per military law if he was seen hitting his son again. Yan Changyun continued engaging with the public, helping with tasks like chopping wood, cutting vegetables, and peeling fruit for children. While Yan Changyun focused on helping, Qiang was seen playing games with some children nearby, a scene Yan Changyun seemed captivated by.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Xiao Wanli learned that Yan Changyun and the Qianyu Guards were busy outside the palace performing what he deemed trivial duties. Seeing this as an opportunity, he ordered his subordinates to immediately investigate the whereabouts of Fang You and expedite the case concerning Vermilion Powder, declaring that only he could ensure the stability of Nancheng State.
Xiao Wanli's son, Xiao Quan, arrived, and his father questioned him about frequenting the palace, urging him to focus instead on the Ministry of Justice and the Vermilion Powder case. Xiao Quan retorted that his affairs were his own and his father should focus on holding power rather than controlling him, suggesting not everyone was as greedy for power as his father. Xiao Wanli angrily called him a rebellious son.
Away from the palace, Master Bai anxiously awaited news of Fu Xiao. Discussing her prolonged silence and failure to return with his disciples, some suggested she must have failed since Yan Changyun was still alive, with one even suggesting killing her if necessary. Master Bai chided them for not prioritizing Fu Xiao's safety while she was missing. As they spoke, a masked figure, revealed to be Xiao Quan, appeared and revealed he had secretly poisoned them.
He reminded Master Bai of their agreement to kill Yan Changyun and called him despicable for breaking it now that Yan Changyun was still alive. Xiao Quan noted that Fu Xiao, the disciple sent to kill Yan Changyun, had surprisingly disguised herself as a eunuch and entered the palace, but had lost her memory. He viewed this as a beneficial development for himself as she was now mixed in with the Qianyu Guards.
Master Bai questioned why he was poisoned if he was now disabled and useless. Xiao Quan disagreed, stating there were important tasks ahead. He then presented an antidote, offering it to Master Bai and his disciples but warning that without it, they would die within a hundred days, leaving the choice to them. Back on the streets, Qiang noticed a large group of beggars.
He learned they were former members of the Qin Family who were implicated in the Guan You Incident and sentenced to lifelong begging as slaves, with other family members forced into servitude or entertainment. Yan Changyun inquired about the incident, which was described as a clear miscarriage of justice marking a hero's decline. Yan Changyun expressed concern that they likely hadn't eaten in a long time and sent someone to fetch food.
He personally helped an elder stand up, leading Qiang to believe Yan Changyun was doing so to support him (Qiang), given Yan Changyun's usual aversion to dirty environments. Some bystanders began slandering Yan Changyun, calling him ruthless and claiming his compassion was merely a pretense. Qiang became enraged, confronting the slanderers and threatening to fight them. Yan Changyun stopped him, reminding him of their policy of not fighting back.
Qiang defended Yan Changyun, describing him as a person who valued comradeship, was kind-hearted, sincere, and responsible, and noting that Yan Changyun wasn't the cruel person rumors claimed him to be. Yan Changyun, observing the pitiful state of the beggars, expressed his intention to find them clothes and provide medical care the following day. Yan Changyun continued tending to the beggars. Chu Yue arrived, having heard about Yan Changyun leading the Qianyu Guards in public service.
She brought food, which Yan Changyun immediately shared with the beggars, saying he wasn't hungry. Chu Yue mentioned she had come specifically to see "Brother Yan." Suddenly, a martial sister appeared and confronted Fu Xiao, addressing her by her name "Fu Xiao" and accusing her of faking her memory loss and betraying their master by colluding with Yan Changyun out of greed for status.
Fu Xiao, not recognizing her, questioned how she knew she had lost her memory and asked for her name. The martial sister dismissed her as acting and demanded she return with her. Fu Xiao refused, unsure if she was a good or bad person. The martial sister declared Fu Xiao a traitor and attacked, intending to kill her for their master.
She questioned Fu Xiao's martial arts skills and showed a plum blossom dagger given by their master, stating a cut from it would cause unstoppable bleeding. Yan Changyun intervened and rescued Fu Xiao. The martial sister, unable to defeat Yan Changyun, fled, reiterating that Fu Xiao had betrayed their master. The martial sister had injured Qiang's leg with a stone.
Yan Changyun offered to carry him back, which Qiang accepted after joking about being too heavy and making him carry him all the way back. As they left, bystanders identified Qiang as a eunuch from the Qianyu Guards. Later, Qiang spoke with Yidao, recounting how well Yan Changyun treated him, having saved him twice and never getting angry despite his antics, feeling he owed Yan Changyun a debt.
Yidao suggested Qiang had developed feelings for Yan Changyun, which Qiang strongly denied, stating he couldn't as he was a man. Qiang, wanting to repay Yan Changyun, made some shrimp cakes. He encountered the Emperor, who expressed missing Qiang and took the cakes, insisting on eating them first despite Qiang saying they were for Yan Changyun and were a single serving. After eating the cakes, the Emperor had an allergic reaction, his throat itching, and he fainted.
Guards panicked, calling for Yan Changyun. Yan Changyun arrived and immediately ordered a eunuch to get perilla leaves and make juice. The Empress arrived and ordered Qiang to be beaten to death for harming the Emperor. Qiang protested his innocence. Yan Changyun advised caution to determine what happened. The Emperor regained consciousness and stated he had insisted on eating the cakes, clearing Qiang of blame. He dismissed everyone except Qiang.
As Qiang, relieved, thanked Yan Changyun for saving the Emperor with the perilla leaf juice, he referred to Yan Changyun as Yan brother within earshot of the Emperor. The Emperor, knowing his secret shrimp allergy and that perilla leaf juice was the specific remedy, and hearing Qiang use the intimate childhood name "Brother Yan," became suspicious, thinking "Qin Yan, could that be you?" Later, Qiang spoke with Yan Changyun, confirming that Yan Changyun had received credit for saving the Emperor.
Yan Changyun acknowledged that the Emperor would likely suspect his true identity, noting their close familiarity from childhood made exposure inevitable. Yan Changyun then separately expressed concern about Qiang, considering him a liability if his memory returned, and stated he had a plan to deal with that situation. Flashbacks showed their childhood together, with young Qin Yan explaining how opera masks hid a person's true identity, allowing the performer to become the character.
Yan Changyun also remarked to Qiang on the stalled Vermilion Powder investigation, stating the Emperor was necessary to break the deadlock. Yan Changyun revealed that Fang You had escaped prison and he had arranged for him to be tracked, using him as bait to uncover the source of the Vermilion Powder. The Emperor dreamt of Yan Changyun, confirming his identity as Qin Yan and being stabbed by him. Waking up, and finding Yan Changyun present, the Emperor was startled.
Yan Changyun immediately knelt and requested punishment for his actions during the Emperor's medical emergency, explaining that he didn't know if it was poisoning or illness, but had seen the perilla leaf remedy work for someone with similar symptoms on the street and risked using it. The Emperor, seemingly accepting the explanation for the time being, but his suspicion solidified by the perilla remedy knowledge, confronted Yan Changyun, stating this knowledge proved he was Qin Yan.
Yan Changyun confessed, "That's right. I am Qin Yan." He then challenged the Emperor, asking why he hadn't cleared the Qin Family's name despite knowing they were framed, highlighting their loyalty and subsequent extermination, and expressing his deep hatred. The Emperor rewarded Yan Changyun for saving him. The Emperor summoned Qiang to dine with him, stating he missed him and was concerned about him eating well at the Qianyu Guards.
Qiang enthusiastically praised Yan Changyun, saying they had all misunderstood him, describing him as kind, not cruel, citing his personal care for the beggars. The Emperor, surprised by Qiang's changed perspective, inquired about Yan Changyun's healing injuries, regretting sending him to do manual labor while recovering. Qiang confirmed the back wound was healing and he had personally applied medicine. The Emperor then probed, asking about a chest scar.
Qiang replied he had never seen one, only the back injury, and the Emperor dismissed it as misremembering. Qiang asked to leave to practice sword with Yan Changyun, explaining Yan Changyun was testing him and would dismiss him if he couldn't withstand ten moves. The Emperor offered to help him train, claiming a unique technique specifically effective against Yan Changyun. Meanwhile, the Empress, seeking the Emperor because she missed him, found him practicing sword with Qiang.
Her attendant suggested getting rid of Qiang, even suggesting killing him. The Empress rejected killing him but considered removing him from the palace. The attendant suggested requesting Qiang be transferred to her palace, allowing her to monitor him, potentially discipline him when needed, and crucially, learn how he pleased the Emperor in order to attract the Emperor to her own quarters. The Empress approved of this strategy as a "double gain."
Episode 7 Recap
Yan Changyun was still awake late at night when Qiang returned. He questioned Qiang about his tardiness, who explained he had been learning martial arts from the Emperor and lost track of time. Qiang boasted that the Emperor had proactively offered to teach him techniques, claiming they would allow him to defeat Yan Changyun, and that he had already learned two moves, expecting to master them within days.
Yan Changyun suspected the Emperor's motive for teaching Qiang was to test his identity. A few days later, the Emperor visited the Qianyu Guards training ground under the guise of observing a test. During a sparring match between Qiang and Yan Changyun, Qiang used a specific move.
A flashback showed a young Qin Yan teaching this move, the "Nine Petal Thrust," from the Falling Blossom Sword technique to the young Emperor, describing it as a highly dangerous move usually resulting in death or severe injury, but noting the Qin family possessed a counter technique. Back in the present, Yan Changyun, recognizing the move and understanding it was a test, deliberately did not dodge and sustained a significant injury from Qiang's move.
The Emperor immediately offered to personally tend to the wound. Yan Changyun politely declined, suggesting they wait for the doctor, but the Emperor insisted on seeing the injury, specifically checking his chest for old scars. Qiang volunteered to remain and assist the doctor, and the Emperor specifically instructed Qiang to change Yan Changyun's dressing three times daily. After the Emperor departed, Cheng questioned how Yan Changyun, with his skill, could have lost to Qiang.
Yan Changyun revealed that Qiang had used the "Nine Petal Thrust," the very technique he had practiced with the Emperor as a child. He explained the Emperor had deliberately taught this move to Qiang to test if Yan Changyun was Qin Yan, forcing him to deliberately lose.
Yan Changyun mentioned that the Emperor had examined his chest and found no old scars, adding that he had taken prior steps, including covering his skin, to ensure no such old marks would be visible, hoping this would alleviate the Emperor's suspicions regarding his identity. As the Emperor returned to the palace, he was troubled by thoughts of the past.
He recalled placing the imperial seal on the decree fifteen years ago that led to the execution of the Qin family for treason, and felt overwhelming guilt whenever he remembered his friend, Qin Yan. When a servant suggested his preoccupation stemmed from not visiting the Empress, the Emperor clarified he was thinking of Qin Yan.
The servant expressed regret for mentioning the deceased, which the Emperor accepted, musing that perhaps it was better Qin Yan was gone, as he would not know how to face him. Meanwhile, Qiang sincerely apologized to Yan Changyun for injuring him. He confessed his intense desire to win so he could remain with the Qianyu Guards but insisted he never intended harm, believing Yan Changyun's superior skill would have protected him.
Qiang promised to fully care for Yan Changyun until he recovered. Observing Yan Changyun's poor mood, the Empress decided to seize the opportunity to bring Qiang to her palace, believing he could help her capture the Emperor's attention and conceive an heir. Her attendant expressed concern about confronting Yan Changyun, known for his formidable temper and potential refusal.
Initially hesitant, the Empress then asserted her status as mistress of the harem, resolving to obtain Qiang regardless of the difficulty, seeing him as crucial to her plans. The Empress then visited Yan Changyun, ostensibly to check on his injury, before revealing her true purpose: she needed staff in her palace and requested someone from the Qianyu Guards.
When she mentioned that the request was a special arrangement from the Emperor, Yan Changyun immediately agreed, stating he would obey the decree. Qiang vehemently protested, pleading with Yan Changyun not to send him away, but Yan Changyun instructed him to comply. The Empress departed, surprised by Yan Changyun's swift agreement and the prompt removal of Qiang's belongings. At the Fengyi Palace, the Empress sought Qiang's advice on winning the Emperor's favor.
Qiang responded with exaggerated flattery about her beauty and wisdom, which the Empress seemed to enjoy despite her attendant advising Qiang against flattering the master. The Empress then demanded Qiang write down all his methods by dawn, specifying "just" one hundred illustrated strategies, a task that daunted Qiang. The following morning, the Empress reviewed Qiang's manual. She selected a method called "Turn the tables" and declared her intention to test its immediate effect on the Emperor.
Her attendant advised caution, suggesting it could be a trap designed to make the Empress lose favor, and recommended Qiang test it first on Yan Changyun. The Empress agreed. Qiang went to Yan Changyun's door, calling out and asking him to open it, but received no response. He returned to the Empress, reporting the method's failure. Undeterred, the Empress chose another method, described as a "bitter trick" involving self-injury. Qiang expressed reluctance, asking for a less painful option.
The Empress suggested that being injured might evoke pity from Yan Changyun and lead to his return to the Qianyu Guards, thus ending his hardship. If not, the method was ineffective. She even offered her attendant's help if Qiang couldn't perform the injury himself. Following this, Qiang, with a visibly injured arm, approached Yan Changyun and tearfully begged to be transferred back to the Qianyu Guards, stating he could no longer bear his time with the Empress.
Though Yan Changyun felt internal distress seeing the injury, he responded coolly on the surface, advising Qiang to see a doctor as he could not cure him and stating he was not concerned with Qiang's well-being. Hurt by this apparent lack of care, Qiang sadly declared that Yan Changyun was no longer his boss and left. Seeing her strategies fail, the Empress concluded that Qiang was deliberately hiding his skills to secure the Emperor's favor for himself.
She ordered him punished with torture involving feathers tickling his feet, which caused him to laugh uncontrollably. Later that night, Qiang lay still in his room. His comrades, including Wei Tianjiao, visited. Wei Tianjiao joked that Qiang preferred "white silver" (money) to the white flowers they brought.
Qiang took out a Jade bone whistle, blew it mournfully a few times, then threw it away, lamenting that he had mistakenly believed Yan Changyun would miss him and stating he no longer cared about the whistle. He then went to sleep. Sometime later, Yan Changyun entered Qiang's room silently. He began to gently clean Qiang's injured arm but discovered the wound was faked when the coloring rubbed off.
Yan Changyun appeared visibly angry at the deception and left the room without a word. The next morning, Qiang woke to find the coloring on his fake wound had rubbed off. An attendant from the Empress's palace arrived to hurry him. Feeling tormented by the Empress and abandoned by Yan Changyun's perceived heartlessness, Qiang resolved to leave the palace. He wrote a farewell letter for Yan Changyun, placing it conspicuously on his desk, but Changsheng accidentally covered it with books.
Qiang walked slowly towards the palace gate, hoping someone would stop him. He reached the final gate feeling disappointed that no one had appeared. Just as he was about to exit, Changsheng called out his name. Believing Yan Changyun had sent Changsheng to retrieve him, Qiang turned back expectantly. However, Changsheng simply stated he was going to interrogate a prisoner.
Qiang was stunned to realize Changsheng was not there for him and felt completely forgotten by Yan Changyun and the Qianyu Guards. Convinced no one within the palace cared about him, he walked out through the gate alone.
Episode 8 Recap
Fu Xiao left the palace impulsively, having nowhere else to go. She considered returning but decided against it, not wanting to break her word. A man named Qing Yun approached her, introducing himself as her junior disciple. He explained that she was suffering from amnesia and led her to a secluded area to talk privately. Qing Yun told her about the Wanshi Pavilion, founded by their master to take in orphans, teach them martial arts, and perform righteous deeds.
He claimed Fu Xiao was the most skilled female warrior in the Pavilion, confirming her name was Fu Xiao. Fu Xiao expressed doubt, not feeling like a skilled fighter. Qing Yun then revealed that someone had poisoned the Pavilion members, controlling them with a monthly antidote that was withheld if they didn't obey.
He showed her a mark on his arm as evidence of the poison and gave her medicine, saying their master sent him because he feared her poison might act up. He advised her not to return to the Pavilion yet, explaining that their senior disciple, Qing Li, who had previously tried to kill Fu Xiao, had returned and falsely claimed Fu Xiao was faking amnesia, had abandoned her mission to eliminate Yan Changyun, and was romantically involved with him.
As a result, the other disciples believed she had betrayed them and wanted to kill her to cleanse the sect. Fu Xiao realized that she had to kill Yan Changyun to prove her innocence. She hesitated, admitting she didn't see him as completely evil. Qing Yun warned her that he was cunning and manipulative. Fu Xiao ultimately agreed to undertake the task, expressing confidence she could do it easily as she had gained Yan Changyun's trust.
Qing Yun gave her a package containing the Pavilion's unique hidden weapons before leaving to report to their master. Fu Xiao remarked that her junior disciple didn't seem very intelligent. Later, a guard suggested to Yan Changyun that they should bring Qiang back from serving the Queen, mentioning he seemed to be having a difficult time. Yan Changyun was reading a letter from Qiang which included a poem cursing him and vowing never to return.
Yan Changyun stated Qiang couldn't leave yet, as he was still needed, implying a secret Qiang held. He expressed concern for Qiang's safety outside the palace, noting his tendency to speak nonsense and lack of sense. The guard pointed out how well Yan Changyun treated Qiang despite the insulting letter. Qiang was walking outside, musing over Qing Yun's words and mistakenly convinced he was a martial arts expert.
He attempted a move, and when a passerby fell, he believed it proved his newfound skill, unaware the person had simply slipped on a banana peel. Qiang returned to the palace gate and encountered Yan Changyun. Qiang claimed he had gone out to seek a marriage blessing for the Queen and presented her with a "Marriage Manual." The Queen, however, was upset about his unauthorized departure and stealing her token, threatening punishment unless the Emperor visited her that night.
Qiang pleaded with the Emperor to visit the Queen, assuring him there was a plan for his safe return, despite the Emperor's apprehension and fear of the Queen's palace. The Emperor eventually went to the Queen's chamber. The next morning, Qiang apologized to the Emperor for his deception, explaining it was for the sake of the nation's stability by trying to improve the relationship between the Emperor and the Queen.
The Emperor explained his reluctance to have a child with the Queen, stating that as Prime Minister Xiao's daughter, any royal offspring would be used to strengthen the Xiao family's hold on power, further diminishing the Emperor's authority. Qiang expressed sympathy for the Queen, noting that she was sent to the palace as a pawn of her family and suffered from loneliness and lack of affection, despite her high status.
The Emperor recognized Qiang as a good friend who cared for others. That night, Fu Xiao's poison flared up, causing her immense pain. Despite questioning if it might be poison, she decided to take the medicine Qing Yun had given her. Yan Changyun went to Qiang's room and, after getting no response to his knocks, entered and found her unconscious. He discovered she was a woman and covered her to protect her identity. He summoned a physician.
The physician examined Qiang, observing that the poison seemed to be suppressed but not completely gone. He noted her strong pulse and the fading red mark on her wrist, admitting he couldn't identify the poison and was unable to cure it completely. Yan Changyun ordered the physician to find an antidote or face severe consequences. Qiang awoke and was surprised to find herself alive and the poison mark on her arm fading.
She now believed Qing Yun's claims about her identity as Fu Xiao from Wanshi Pavilion and her original mission to kill Yan Changyun. She felt conflicted, unsure if she should warn him. Meanwhile, Wei Tianjiao and Cheng were following Fang You and tracked him to an embroidery house, which they identified as Prime Minister Xiao's private property. Wei Tianjiao wanted to enter but was told by the shopkeeper that men were not allowed.
Recalling Qiang, he decided to enlist her help to infiltrate the place disguised as a woman, promising to help her return to the Qianyu Guards if she succeeded. Qiang agreed, seeing it as a chance to protect Yan Changyun and repay him. Qiang disguised herself as a woman, a transformation that impressed Wei Tianjiao. She entered the embroidery house, pretending to browse before slipping into the back.
Inside, Fang You was pleading with his master, Xiao Quan, to protect him as his cover was blown. Xiao Quan offered him a drink, intending to silence him. Before Fang You could drink, a subordinate announced the arrival of Qianyu Guards. Fang You panicked and begged Xiao Quan for help. Xiao Quan ordered Fang You to be hidden in a secret room. Qiang hid in a back room to avoid detection by the shopkeeper.
Yan Changyun arrived with a contingent of Qianyu Guards, having been informed that Qiang was inside in disguise and was likely in danger. He ordered his men to search the premises and apprehend the suspect. As the search was underway, Qiang emerged from a side door and approached Yan Changyun. Following his direct instruction to touch him, she did, and he immediately declared her the suspect who had committed indecency against him. He ordered her arrested and taken away.
After the Qianyu Guards left, Xiao Quan instructed his subordinate to cease all activities and stop the sale of Poppy powder in the capital. Later, Qiang complained to Yan Changyun about being framed after helping with the investigation, noting his order for the others to keep their distance from her, which she took as a sign of dislike. Yan Changyun, in fact, instructed his subordinates to stay away from Qiang and avoid any close physical contact.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Xiao learned of the Qianyu Guards' raid on the embroidery house and was surprised to hear his son, Xiao Quan, was present, which was unusual. His butler explained that Xiao Quan occasionally helped with the business. That night, Prime Minister Xiao overheard Xiao Quan discussing Poppy powder with his subordinate and confronted him.
He accused his son of being involved with the substance and questioned if it was connected to the Guan You incident from fifteen years prior. Xiao Quan denied a long-standing involvement, claiming he had only recently started dealing with it. Prime Minister Xiao ordered him to stop immediately and stated that he would handle the matter himself. Seeking to get back at Yan Changyun for framing her, Qiang approached him under the pretense of wanting to learn martial arts.
During a demonstration of a defensive move, she provoked him and then accused him of harassment. While they were arguing, news arrived that someone named Chu Yue was in trouble. Cheng identified Chu Yue as "Our commander's woman."
Episode 9 Recap
At the Yunshao House, a Madam pressured Chu Yue to entertain Master Wang, a wealthy merchant, noting that Commander Yan Changyun hadn't sent the monthly payment and had likely forgotten her. Just then, Yan Changyun arrived, sending in the payment and stating that Chu Yue was his woman, and the Madam should know what she should or shouldn't do. The Madam quickly deferred, promising to arrange another companion for Master Wang and urging Chu Yue to attend to Yan Changyun.
Yan Changyun checked on Chu Yue, who expressed relief he had come. Outside, Qiang, who had followed Yan Changyun, grew indignant at the scene, accusing Yan of indecency and betraying his status as commander by dallying with a courtesan. Yan Changyun ordered the eunuch to leave, stating that it was none of his business who he cared for. Other onlookers commented on a eunuch interfering with Commander Yan's affairs.
The Madam remarked to Yan that Qiang looked like a woman, but Yan Changyun simply dismissed him as a small eunuch. Feeling wronged by Yan Changyun, Qiang initially planned revenge, believing that without killing Yan and obtaining the antidote, he himself would die. He set a trap for Yan Changyun in his room.
However, remembering that Yan Changyun had saved his life, Qiang felt it was ungrateful to harm him and returned to warn Yan about the trap inside the room. Qiang confessed that he had been sent to kill Yan Changyun and that someone from his sect had contacted him, stating he would be a traitor if he didn't complete the mission.
Qiang explained that his entire sect was poisoned, and the antidote was being used to leverage them, promising them safety if he killed Yan. He told Yan that he hesitated because he saw him as a good commander, considered them brothers, and felt he owed Yan for saving his life, viewing his warning as repaying that debt. Qiang then stated he was at Yan Changyun's mercy.
Yan Changyun replied that he couldn't even manage his own feelings, let alone deal with Qiang. He struggled with his internal conflict, thinking about the unavenged injustices against the Qin family, the suffering of Chu Yue, Uncle Lei, and others, questioning how he could be swayed by personal feelings when the great revenge was not yet achieved. He mentally accused himself of hypocrisy, reminding himself that he was supposed to be using Qiang for the jade ring, not developing feelings.
Yan later trained intensely to steel his resolve. Later, Qiang spoke with the Emperor, who noted his sighs. Qiang explained he finally understood the Emperor's dilemma of having no right choices. Initially framing it as a friend's problem about being an assassin/vigilante caught between betraying a friend and self-preservation, Qiang eventually revealed his own struggle. When the Emperor suggested choosing self-preservation, Qiang countered, saying he would choose the friend, even sacrifice himself.
He gave an example, stating he would refuse offers of promotion and titles from Prime Minister Xiao if it meant betraying the Emperor, choosing instead to remain a humble eunuch by his side. The Emperor acknowledged his loyalty and offered him a drink, calling him a friend. Still troubled, Qiang called out to Yan Changyun from outside a closed door, apologizing for his actions and calling himself ungrateful and unworthy.
He begged Yan to open the door and take out his anger on him, offering to do anything for forgiveness because he didn't want to lose his friendship. He continued to apologize, saying he understood if he wasn't forgiven, as he couldn't even forgive himself, and didn't deserve Yan's consideration. Unbeknownst to Qiang, Yan Changyun was not inside the room but observing from a distance, grappling with his emotions and restraining himself from responding before quietly leaving.
On the street, Fang You ran out, shouting about ascending to become an immortal, before collapsing and spitting blood. Cheng and the Qianyu Guards arrived on the scene, shortly followed by officials from the Ministry of Justice, who demanded to take the body, claiming jurisdiction. The Qianyu Guards refused, stating they were handling the matter, but the Ministry of Justice insisted they were taking over. Despite the confrontation, the Qianyu Guards took custody of the body.
Elsewhere, Quan questioned if eliminating Fang You would end future threats, noting that Yan Changyun seemed unlikely to give up easily, but stated it was no longer up to him and that his father would handle it. Prime Minister Xiao arrived, angrily questioning Yan Changyun's authority in taking Fang You's body when the Ministry of Justice was investigating. Yan Changyun countered that sudden deaths on the street were within the Qianyu Guards' purview and that he only obeyed the Emperor.
Prime Minister Xiao asserted his position as the current Prime Minister and accused Yan of defying the Ministry, challenging him to face the Emperor. They proceeded to the palace, where Eunuch Feng told them the Emperor was not seeing anyone. The Emperor was actually in the Queen's chambers, admitting to her that he was hiding from Prime Minister Xiao and Yan Changyun, who were arguing and demanding a decision from him.
The Queen offered to help him leave through the back door, but he decided to stay for tea, as they hadn't seen each other in days. Prime Minister Xiao and Yan Changyun arrived outside the Queen's chambers. Prime Minister Xiao demanded Fang You's body and the authority over the Poppy powder case. Yan Changyun responded with "Xiao Daren, please proceed." Eunuch Feng again blocked them, stating the Emperor was resting inside.
Prime Minister Xiao attempted to push past, but Qiang intervened, warning that disturbing the Emperor's private time with the Queen would be a grave offense. Prime Minister Xiao paused and ultimately decided to leave. Qiang's intervention successfully prevented the confrontation from escalating further, which pleased the Emperor, who later rewarded Qiang. Prime Minister Xiao returned and urgently pressed the Emperor regarding the importance of the Poppy powder case, presenting a blank imperial edict.
He demanded the Emperor affix the imperial seal so he could add the names of those involved, and also grant him the authority of execution before reporting. Eunuch Feng objected, but Prime Minister Xiao dismissed him, accusing him of trying to interfere in state affairs. Prime Minister Xiao argued that the Poppy powder had harmed the nation, citing the execution of Duke Qin and his family, and claimed Qin descendants were now attempting to destabilize the state.
He insisted the Emperor act quickly or face a rebellion. The Emperor recalled the late Emperor's trust in Duke Qin and his disbelief that he was involved with the powder, noting how Prime Minister Xiao had used similar tactics in the past to frame Duke Qin. Prime Minister Xiao called Duke Qin a traitor and asserted that the young Emperor was being deceived, stressing the need to eliminate everyone connected to the powder to ensure the nation's stability.
He demanded the Emperor apply the seal immediately. Reluctantly, the Emperor complied. Prime Minister Xiao thanked him and left to implement the order. Later, drinking alone, the Emperor lamented his life as a tragedy and his role as a puppet, wondering if Yan (Duke Qin) in heaven resented him for allowing his execution. He reflected on the superficial respect shown by palace officials and his lack of true friends.
Later that night, Quan presented a list of individuals related to the Poppy powder case to his father, Prime Minister Xiao. Prime Minister Xiao explained he had taken drastic measures to protect Quan, his only son, planning for him to eventually become Prime Minister. Quan dismissed the position as insufficient, stating he didn't care about being second only to the Emperor.
He called the Emperor inept and declared his ambition to hold the highest position, implying a desire for the throne. Prime Minister Xiao was shocked and angry, calling it treason and forbidding Quan from ruining the family's reputation for loyalty. Quan argued that his father's manipulation of the Emperor was public knowledge, questioning the family's supposed loyalty, and suggested his father was merely concerned about being implicated himself.
He acknowledged his family name and stated he would heed his father's teachings, but Prime Minister Xiao reiterated his command for Quan to stay out of the Poppy powder matter. Prime Minister Xiao then began writing names on the blank imperial edict. Yan Changyun joined the Emperor, who found comfort in Yan's presence. Yan promised to stay by his side and protect him, recalling a past promise.
He urged the Emperor not to give up hope, assuring him he could reclaim everything that belonged to him. The Emperor asked if Yan would still be with him if he made mistakes. Yan replied that his father taught him to correct mistakes and promised he would never blame the Emperor, considering it his duty as a loyal subject. Eunuch Feng announced the Queen was looking for the Emperor, who stated he did not want to see her.
Yan Changyun excused himself. The Queen found the Emperor, expressing how long she had waited. She presented him with fertility medicine obtained by her father from a sacred mountain, claiming it was very effective, and asked him to return to her chambers. The Emperor agreed but then commanded her to undress right there in the hall if she desired to consummate, eating the medicine.
He insisted on doing so on the spot, ignoring pleas to return to the chambers and accusing her of defiance if she hesitated. He ordered her to undress. The next morning, the Emperor discussed his actions with Qiang, who pointed out how overly harsh they were. The Emperor, unable to apologize directly due to his status, decided to compensate the Queen by granting her long-desired wish to visit her family estate.
Meanwhile, the Qianyu Guards were frustrated by Prime Minister Xiao seizing Fang You's body, a key clue. Cheng questioned why Yan Changyun wasn't angry. Yan Changyun, their leader, told them to be patient, that the cunning old Prime Minister would reveal his true nature soon. He advised them to use strategy rather than brute force. Yan Changyun confirmed that Prime Minister Xiao was linked to the Poppy powder and likely possessed a list of contacts.
They planned to take action that night. Qiang unexpectedly approached Tianjiao, stating his intention to help steal the list and asking Tianjiao to be at the Xiao residence's back gate at midnight. He requested Tianjiao keep his involvement a secret from Yan Changyun, as he wanted to surprise him. Tianjiao expressed concern for Qiang's safety, but Qiang argued that being with the Queen provided him better access than the others.
Tianjiao later reported to Yan Changyun that he was escorting the Queen to her family estate, where he would guard the gate all night to assist. Yan Changyun noted Qiang's presence, which Tianjiao explained was at the Queen's request, and Yan Changyun seemed subtly concerned. Yan instructed Tianjiao to study the layout of the Xiao residence and escape routes, and to wait outside, as Yan intended to enter alone to retrieve the list, despite Tianjiao's warning about the heavy security.
At the Xiao residence, the Queen expressed worry that the Emperor might be cold at night. Qiang reassured her that the Emperor was surely thinking of her and urged her to rest. Quan, the Queen's brother, arrived. Qiang excused himself. Quan gave the Queen a sachet, telling her he had kept it safe since her 14th birthday when he got it for her from the mountain to protect her from poisons.
She remembered its fragrance and recalled she had left it at home because the Emperor disliked the smell. She asked Quan to keep it there. Quan agreed. The Queen then mentioned she was sleepy and suggested he rest as well. She asked him to stay for a few days, and he agreed before leaving.
Episode 10 Recap
Qiang entered the Prime Minister Xiao Wanli's residence under the guise of needing the latrine, while secretly searching for a list. Yan Changyun learned that Qiang had entered the residence to steal the list and, concerned for Qiang's safety, also infiltrated the residence. After obtaining the list, Qiang was nearly caught by patrolling guards but was pulled into a corner by Yan Changyun. Xiao Wanli discovered the list was stolen and ordered an extensive search.
His son, Xiao Quan, the Vice Minister of Justice, suspected it was an inside job and proposed gathering everyone in the residence to identify who was missing. Qiang was noticed by Xiao Quan to be absent from the gathering. Qiang arrived late, claiming he had been in the latrine, guided by Xueru. Xiao Quan found his behavior suspicious and ordered his arrest for questioning.
Empress Heng, Xiao Wanli's daughter and Xiao Quan's sister, intervened, vouching for Qiang and stating he was not a thief. She appealed to her father for a fair handling of the matter and asked her brother to ensure justice for Qiang. Yan Changyun, concealed nearby, created a deliberate commotion while making his escape, drawing the guards away and alleviating suspicion from Qiang.
Under the pretext of an imperial edict related to the Poppy powder case, Xiao Wanli secretly ordered Xiao Quan to act immediately and eliminate everyone on the list before dawn. Meanwhile, Yan Changyun, using the same Poppy powder case as justification, ordered the Qianyu Guards to apprehend everyone on the list. The two forces clashed during the night, and some individuals on the list were killed by Xiao Quan's men before Yan Changyun could reach them.
Overnight, Qiang stayed up, worried about Yan Changyun. She heard the sound of a jade bone whistle and rushed out of the residence. Yan Changyun was waiting nearby. Qiang ran to him, expressing concern for his safety and asking if he had been caught. Yan Changyun thanked Qiang for obtaining the list, acknowledging its great usefulness, but cautioned against taking such risks in the future.
Qiang noticed Yan Changyun had the jade bone whistle she had previously discarded, and he admitted to retrieving it. Qiang then asked Yan Changyun to escort her back to the palace as she had taken leave from the Empress and could return early. Yan Changyun escorted Qiang back to her room and was noticeably affected by her presence before quickly leaving. Upon learning that Yan Changyun had intercepted many people from the list, Xiao Wanli suspected the Emperor's backing.
He decided to impeach Yan Changyun, viewing him as a dangerous rival who must be eliminated. Xiao Wanli revealed his plan to use his daughter, Empress Heng, to control the Emperor, even suggesting she bear an heir who could be elevated to the throne if the current Emperor proved disobedient. He expressed frustration that Heng was not proving useful and hinted he might replace her with her younger sister if this continued.
Empress Heng overheard her father's conversation about his schemes and his willingness to discard her, becoming distressed and feeling like a stranger in her own home. She decided the palace was now her only home and left her father's residence despite Xiao Quan's attempt to comfort her by saying their father was just angry. Xiao Quan informed his subordinate that the list he gave his father was a fake one, used to cause chaos and divert Yan Changyun's attention.
This was intended to protect their Poppy powder operation, which was essential for funding their forces. He stated the operation would continue as planned, as stopping it would ruin years of planning. Yan Changyun discovered that the individuals he had apprehended had no connection to the Poppy powder case but held grudges against the Xiao family.
He realized Xiao Wanli had used the case as a pretext to eliminate rivals, just as he had fifteen years prior during the "Zhu Yinfen" incident to harm loyal officials. Xiao Wanli submitted a petition to the Emperor, impeaching Yan Changyun for defying orders. The Emperor received the petition, noting that Yan Changyun must have caused significant trouble for Xiao Wanli to provoke a direct impeachment.
Yan Changyun reported his findings to the Emperor, confirming his suspicion that Xiao Wanli was using the case for a purge. The Emperor acknowledged Xiao Wanli's power and asked if Yan Changyun was confident he could bring him down. Yan Changyun admitted he lacked sufficient evidence at the moment. The Emperor instructed Yan Changyun to find evidence and secretly authorized him to investigate Xiao Wanli, but cautioned him to proceed carefully.
He ordered Yan Changyun to visit the Prime Minister the following day to request cooperation in investigating the previous night's events and to punish the involved officials. Back at the Qianyu Guards' quarters, Qiang praised the food. Wei Tianjiao offered her some porridge from his bowl, and they shared it. Yan Changyun witnessed this and became visibly annoyed. He publicly reprimanded Wei Tianjiao for not having enough bowls for everyone and for making excuses, punishing him with a run.
Later, the Emperor was seen practicing a dramatic performance, portraying the Overlord, noting he had many roles left to play in the future. Qiang asked the Empress if a man could possess feminine qualities and if she saw any in her. The Empress shook her head after observing Qiang, leading Qiang to lament her perceived lack of femininity due to pretending to be a man for so long.
Xiao Quan planned to send his sister, Empress Heng, a beloved toy from her childhood to cheer her up. Xiao Wanli berated him for constantly visiting the palace instead of focusing on the family's ambitions. Xiao Quan fiercely defended his devotion to Heng, recounting how she was the only one who cared for him after their father had him severely beaten and confined as a child. He stated he had vowed to protect her forever.
Xiao Wanli dismissively called Heng unimportant compared to the family's power and revealed she was not born to his wife. Xiao Quan stated he already knew this, having witnessed Xiao Wanli's assault on a young woman who came to the residence to deliver flowers, her imprisonment, and eventual murder after giving birth to Heng, who was then placed under his wife's name.
Xiao Quan then revealed a secret even Xiao Wanli did not know: the woman was already pregnant before Xiao Wanli assaulted her, meaning Heng was not his biological daughter. Xiao Quan declared himself Heng's only true support and proclaimed his intention to take the throne from the Emperor to give Heng happiness and the position of Empress, leading to a heated argument with his father, who called him an 'animal' for prioritizing an 'illegitimate child'.
The next day, Yan Changyun arrived at Prime Minister Xiao Wanli's residence as ordered by the Emperor. Xiao Quan personally led him to his father's location. After knocking with no response, they entered and discovered Xiao Wanli's lifeless body lying on the floor. The characters "关酉" (Guan You) were written in blood nearby. Xiao Quan cradled his father's body and wept. Yan Changyun immediately ordered the scene to be sealed off.
News of Xiao Wanli's death reached the Emperor, who feigned deep grief and entrusted the investigation to Yan Changyun. Xiao Quan, however, insisted on investigating his father's murder himself, immediately concluding that the killer was linked to the "Guan You Incident" based on the word found at the scene, and specifically accused remnants of the Qin family. Yan Changyun questioned Xiao Quan's hasty conclusion based solely on the characters 'Guan You', suggesting it was premature for someone in his position.
Xiao Quan accused Yan Changyun of protecting the Qin family. The Emperor intervened, stopping their dispute, and ordered a thorough investigation. To find the killer quickly, he decreed that anyone, officials or citizens, could investigate and offered a substantial reward to the one who apprehended the murderer.
Later, reflecting on the murder with a subordinate, Yan Changyun (the "Young Master") addressed the subordinate's confusion as to why Xiao Wanli was killed just as they were closing in on his link to the Poppy powder, and the significance of the "Guan You" inscription. Yan Changyun dismissed the idea that it was a reckless act by one of their allies, such as Lei Shu, stating that Xiao Wanli's death was too significant for such a move.
He concluded that the murder occurred precisely because they were getting closer to the truth, and that the killer understood Xiao Wanli better than they did, suggesting the person behind the Guan You incident might not have been Xiao Wanli after all.
Episode 11 Recap
At the funeral of Prime Minister Xiao, the public speculated on the cause of his death, with rumors suggesting he was killed by Qin Yan or others among the Qins' former subordinates. Yan Changyun arrived with the Thousand Feather Guard and ordered Prime Minister Xiao's body taken away for investigation. Xiao Quan, the late Prime Minister's son, vehemently protested, accusing Yan Changyun of acting on a personal vendetta.
He stated that his father had left the characters "Guanyou" before dying, which he believed indicated a connection to the Qins' former subordinates. To appease Xiao Quan, the Emperor decreed that Yan Changyun must return the body for burial. Yan Changyun's examination of Prime Minister Xiao's body revealed that the fatal stab wound to the chest was not delivered with significant force and appeared unprofessional, unlike the work of a martial artist.
He also discovered white powder, resembling women's makeup, in the Prime Minister's hair. The body was then returned for burial as ordered by the Emperor. In the palace, the Queen was distraught over her father's sudden death, lamenting that her recent visit home was their last meeting. Feeling increasingly isolated and unloved by the Emperor, and having lost her family's political support, she confided in Xiao Qiang.
Understanding her pain, Qiang drank heavily with the Queen and vowed to help her win the Emperor's affection by grooming her to look her best. The Queen, touched by Qiang's kindness, helped apply makeup to Qiang's face, remarking how beautiful Qiang would be as a woman. In her drunken state, Qiang confessed to being a woman, though the Queen, also intoxicated, did not seem to fully comprehend or believe her.
Later that night, a disheveled and drunk Qiang stumbled out of the Queen's palace. The Emperor, seeing Qiang from afar, was struck by her appearance. That night, he painted a portrait of Qiang dressed as a woman, wishing that his trusted confidant could instead be his lover. Outside the Phoenix Palace, Yan Changyun intercepted Qiang and carried her back to his chambers.
There, Qiang held Yan Changyun's hand and, gathering courage, revealed her true identity as a woman and expressed her feelings for him. Before she could finish, Yan Changyun attempted to stop her, but Qiang kissed him. Yan Changyun responded with equal passion, no longer hiding his own emotions. The next morning, Qiang woke up, initially dismissing the night's events with Yan Changyun as a dream. However, catching sight of herself in the mirror, she realized the kiss was real.
She also remembered telling the Queen she was a woman and worried about the severe consequences if the Queen revealed her secret, which could be interpreted as deceiving the Emperor. Elsewhere, Xiao Quan was attending to his sister, the Queen, who was resting after their drinking session. Qiang, concerned about the Queen, came to visit. Peeking through the door, Qiang witnessed Xiao Quan secretly kissing the sleeping Queen.
Qiang contemplated immediately reporting this to the Emperor but decided against it, fearing it would severely damage the Queen's reputation and lead to a royal scandal. While still debating, Qiang was spotted by Xueru, the Queen's maid. Xiao Quan then emerged. Qiang quickly composed herself and appealed to Xiao Quan for fairness, claiming Xueru had unfairly scolded her upon arrival, despite only wanting to check on the Queen's health. Xiao Quan, seemingly unaware of what Qiang had witnessed, reprimanded Xueru.
Xiao Quan later visited a pleasure house, the Yunshao House. Upon seeing him, Chu Yue, one of the courtesans and a top performer there, immediately sent a message to Yan Changyun. In a private room, Liu Qingshan and other court officials were discussing who should take over the Prime Minister's position. Xiao Quan entered, revealing he possessed evidence of their forming cliques, corruption, and bribery, effectively controlling them.
Liu Qingshan only yielded after Xiao Quan presented his wife's jade ring, stained with blood. Chu Yue, having overheard parts of the conversation, was discovered by Xiao Quan, who ordered an investigation into her background and questioned if she was connected to Yan Changyun. Meanwhile, Wei Tianjiao had identified the white powder found on Prime Minister Xiao's body.
It was a high-grade powder from Qingzhou Wanhong County, exclusively supplied to the palace as tribute and used by noblewomen and some individuals in the Yunshao House. Yan Changyun instructed Wei Tianjiao, leveraging his connection to the Empress Dowager, to discreetly investigate who in the palace used this specific powder. Chu Yue, risking danger, met with Yan Changyun later that night and reported what she had heard about Liu Qingshan and Xiao Quan's meeting.
Yan Changyun cautioned her to be careful and ensure her own safety. Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Quan was already aware of their meeting and had learned that Chu Yue was the daughter of Lei Bao, recognizing her connection to the Qins' former subordinates. Observing Yan Changyun's protection of Chu Yue, Xiao Quan ordered her to be closely monitored.
Learning that Wei Tianjiao was investigating the powder, Xiao Quan plotted to use this to frame Chu Yue, intending to eliminate her as a remnant of the Qins' former subordinates and potentially avenge his father using her as a scapegoat. The following day, the court convened.
Most officials, under duress from Xiao Quan, unanimously recommended Vice Minister Xiao Quan to be promoted to Minister of Justice, citing the need for stable leadership and for someone to continue investigations left unfinished by the late Prime Minister, such as the Poppy powder case. Only Yan Changyun voiced opposition, arguing that a decision should wait until the investigation into the Prime Minister's death was complete. However, the other officials stressed the urgency of filling the power vacuum.
After the session, Xiao Quan confronted Yan, accusing him of hindering his efforts just as Yan had previously clashed with his father over cases, implying Yan was responsible for his father's death. Yan countered by referencing the deaths linked to the Poppy powder. News of Xiao Quan's nomination reached the Queen. She expressed concern that her brother, upon gaining such power, might treat the Emperor disrespectfully, just as their father had.
Xiao Qiang advised the Queen to maintain a proper distance from Xiao Quan, pointing out that it was inappropriate for outside officials to frequently enter the inner palace. Xiao Quan overheard this conversation. Later, he intercepted Qiang, confronting her about what she had seen. Qiang swore repeatedly that she would not reveal anything, understanding the danger she was in.
As Xiao Quan threatened her, implying he could easily dispose of a eunuch and that his family controlled the law, Qiang tried to flee, blowing her Jade bone whistle for help. Yan Changyun quickly arrived, finding Qiang injured on the ground. He immediately took her back to his room, administered first aid, and summoned Physician Qu.
He sternly instructed Physician Qu, whom he called the smartest person in the palace, to treat Qiang as a eunuch and to reveal nothing about her true identity or the circumstances of her injury, even if the Emperor inquired. Shortly after, news reached the Emperor that Qiang had been injured.
Episode 12 Recap
Waking from a severe injury, Fu Xiao dreamt of the childhood day her parents were killed. In the dream, she, as a young girl, urged a boy she called "little brother" to flee quickly. While still unconscious, she repeatedly uttered Yan Changyun's name. Moved, Yan Changyun held her hand. Hearing that Qiang was badly injured, the Empress went to visit him. On the way, she met her brother, Xiao Quan.
Xiao Quan falsely claimed he was going to discuss state affairs with the Emperor. To ascertain if Qiang was truly dead, he accompanied the Empress. Fu Xiao regained consciousness. Yan Changyun personally fed her medicine. She noticed the change of clothes and felt shy, realizing Yan Changyun had changed them for her. Just then, the Emperor arrived. Yan Changyun quickly covered her with a blanket, anxious that her true identity as a woman might be discovered.
The Emperor asked Qiang who had injured him. As Qiang was about to speak, Xiao Quan and the Empress entered. Xiao Quan feigned concern for her. Qiang initially wanted to identify Xiao Quan as the attacker but realized it would implicate the Empress, who was innocent. To protect the Empress, Qiang claimed not to have seen the attacker clearly.
The Emperor wanted to bring Qiang back to the palace for recovery, but Yan Changyun insisted Qiang was too severely injured to be moved, keeping him at his location. As Xiao Quan left, he gave Qiang a look that filled her with fear. After leaving the palace, Xiao Quan realized that Qiang was Fu Xiao.
Knowing she was connected to Bai Yi, and having not been identified as the attacker, he suspected she had reservations and could be useful later, deciding not to harm her for now. Meanwhile, Wei Tianjiao investigated the scene and concluded that Qiang's injury was inflicted by someone he knew, reporting this suspicion to Yan Changyun and suggesting Qiang was concealing something.
Yan Changyun privately questioned Qiang if he knew his attacker, but she refused to reveal the information, stating only that she would get revenge someday. Yan Changyun then applied medicine to Qiang's injury. He explained that he concealed her identity not just for her, but also to protect the Qianyu Guards from being penalized for their oversight in allowing a woman disguised as a eunuch into the palace, which was his failure as their leader.
When Chu Yue was out, she was harassed by two men, a father and son. A skilled person from afar threw stones to deter them. Seeing someone assisting Chu Yue, Xiao Quan had Xueying intervene to help her. Chu Yue thanked Xiao Quan and Xueying for their help. Yan Changyun speculated that the person who benefited most from the death of Prime Minister Xiao was his son, Xiao Quan, whose recent behavior was suspicious.
At this time, Acheng reported that Chu Yue had been targeted by Xiao Quan, and their planned contact was canceled for safety. Later, Chu Yue played the zither for Xiao Quan in an outdoor pavilion. Xiao Quan praised her skill and remarked that she was truly the daughter of General Lei Bao. Chu Yue hesitated for a moment, realizing her identity was known, and admitted it had been a long time since she heard her father's name.
Xiao Quan gave Chu Yue a reward and promised to help clear her family's name from their wrongful accusations. After recovering from her injuries, Qiang saw a signal from Qing Yun inviting him to meet. She quickly went to the meeting point. She told Qing Yun about Yan Changyun's recent care for her. Qing Yun suspected Yan Changyun was using a honey trap.
Fu Xiao, however, was eager for him to use such a strategy, planning to turn the tables on him and counterattack. She then unexpectedly saw Yan Changyun enter a brothel and abandoned Qing Yun to follow him. Inside the brothel, Yan Changyun urged Chu Yue to leave and offered her a new identity, citing the danger from Xiao Quan. Chu Yue was reluctant, arguing that staying could help him gather information and that her sudden departure might raise suspicion.
She had made a coat for Yan Changyun and presented it. Yan Changyun commented that it didn't seem to fit, but Chu Yue insisted he keep it. Qiang encountered Yan Changyun in the corridor and berated him for wasting money in such a place. Chu Yue then came out with the coat. Qiang snatched the coat and left with Yan Changyun.
Watching them go, Mama, the madam of the brothel, approached Chu Yue and told her that Qiang was actually a woman and warned Chu Yue not to lose Yan Changyun, calling him a cash cow. That night, the Emperor came to bring Qiang back to the palace to live. However, Qiang and Yan Changyun, through careful conversation, managed to coax the Emperor into leaving without him.
The next day, while Qiang was exercising, Yan Changyun came to check on him, but Qiang brought up the coat Chu Yue made, showing signs of jealousy. Afterwards, to prove she was better than Chu Yue, Qiang tried to make a coat herself using a book. What was intended as an outer coat ended up shrinking as she worked on it, turning into a small piece of fabric.
Desperate to have Qiang return to his side, the Emperor sent someone to falsely report that he was ill. Qiang rushed to visit him. After exchanging a few words with the Emperor, Yan Changyun arrived with Doctor Qu. The doctor took the Emperor's pulse, looked up, caught the Emperor's eye, and falsely declared that the Emperor had a severe cold. Hearing this, Qiang immediately helped the Emperor lie down to rest.
Yan Changyun then used this as an opportunity to insist that Qiang, being an outsider, should not disturb the Emperor's rest, and forcibly took him away. As they walked back to the camp, Qiang and Yan Changyun argued. Yan Changyun suspected the Emperor faked his illness by applying powder. Qiang retorted that men can also use powder. This comment triggered a realization in Yan Changyun that the killer of Prime Minister Xiao could have been a man. Yan Changyun then took Qiang to a training ground late at night to practice martial arts, telling him he needed to learn to protect the Emperor as his best friend.
Episode 13 Recap
Yan Changyun outlined a plan for Fu Xiao's complete withdrawal. He explained that in three days, Tianjiao would come to pick her up for a performance at the State Duke Wei's estate, and she must return by 11 pm, where their people would meet her. He mentioned that Uncle Lei was entrusted with all escape routes from the city and would escort her away.
The plan was to stage an abduction by bandits on her way back, with her body to be discovered ten days later on the city outskirts. However, Fu Xiao stated she was not leaving. Just then, Qiang arrived, bringing snacks because he thought they might be hungry from talking so long. Yan Changyun abruptly ordered Qiang out of the room. Observing Yan Changyun's reaction, Fu Xiao noted that he had a truly different regard for Qiang, unlike for others.
Yan Changyun admitted that now she knew, he would not hide it – Qiang was indeed special and different from others. In his room, Qiang was adjusting his appearance, thinking he was much prettier than the famous courtesan Fu Xiao. The Emperor arrived looking for Qiang. He accidentally saw that Qiang was a woman. While still flustered, he encountered Yan Changyun.
He began asking Yan Changyun about Qiang indirectly, asking what he thought of her and if he found Qiang different from other eunuchs. Yan Changyun found the questions suspicious, wondering why the Emperor was so concerned about a minor eunuch and sensing a hidden meaning behind his words. He wondered if the Emperor had discovered Fu Xiao's secret.
Later, Yan Changyun returned to his room and found Qiang with her hair down, dressed in a way that revealed her female identity. He immediately realized the Emperor's earlier questions were due to this. He sternly warned Qiang not to let her hair down in the room where others could see. As they argued, a small embroidered purse fell from Yan Changyun. Qiang picked it up, noticing how uptight Yan Changyun became about it.
Qiang accused Yan Changyun of valuing the purse more than her, asking if it belonged to Fu Xiao. Yan reacted strongly, suggesting it was from a childhood playmate with whom he had a marriage agreement. Qiang then revealed that her mother had insisted she learn embroidery so she wouldn't have trouble finding a husband. Qiang showed him the yam flower design she was currently embroidering, comparing it favorably to Yan Changyun's purse.
She declared she would give the finished embroidery to him as a betrothal gift, stating that if he accepted it, he would be hers. The Emperor, reflecting on Qiang's identity as a girl, felt it was inconvenient for her to stay with the Qianyu Guards.
He considered issuing an imperial edict to bring her into the harem but worried that the Grand Empress Dowager was not fond of Qiang and might not believe her being in the palace was an accident. He concluded it was safer to keep her in the Qianyu Guards for now.
He mused that a young girl like her, who went to such lengths to enter the palace as a eunuch to stay by his side, caring for him, alleviating his concerns, and silently protecting him, must be an act of love for him. The next day, the Emperor went to the Qianyu Guards, bringing Qiang food and even helping her fetch water. He specifically brought her favorites because he thought the Qianyu Guards' food was terrible.
Qiang deliberately praised the food and fed some to Cheng in front of Yan Changyun, clearly trying to provoke him. Both Yan Changyun and the Emperor showed signs of jealousy. To get back at Yan Changyun for making her stand guard for him and Fu Xiao earlier, Qiang decided to go back to the palace with the Emperor, leaving Yan Changyun to guard the gate.
The following day, Yan Changyun brought buns specifically for Qiang, something the others couldn't find in the mess hall when Cheng went to look. That night, Yan Changyun gave his comforter to Qiang, leaving himself shivering in the cold. Qiang told him he didn't need to pretend and that she clearly meant something to him. Yan Changyun initially faltered, saying she was his Qianyu Guards person, but when prompted by Qiang, he shyly admitted that she was his person.
Hearing this, Qiang was moved and covered him with the comforter. Meanwhile, Fu Xiao proceeded with the plan to go to the State Duke Wei's estate. However, Xueying, who was in the carriage with her, instead took her to Xiao Quan's residence, stating Lord Xiao requested her presence. Fu Xiao explained she was invited by the Weis and changing her schedule was improper, but Xiao Quan insisted she stay to play the zither, saying it wouldn't take much time.
Xiao Quan confessed he missed her music since he wasn't feeling well and couldn't go out. Fu Xiao politely agreed to play for him, even for three days, but reiterated that the invitation was sudden and she had promised the State Duke Wei. Xiao Quan dismissed the State Duke Wei's invitation as unimportant and asked her to examine an ancient zither whose sound was off.
Xiao Quan was using Fu Xiao, knowing she was the daughter of Lei Bao, a general under the late Qin Wenzhong, to lure the remaining Guanyou survivors into a trap. When Master Wei arrived at the State Duke Wei's estate looking for Fu Xiao, he was told she had been taken by Xiao Quan's people and realized something was wrong.
Back in the palace, the Grand Empress Dowager discovered a drawing of a woman on the Emperor's desk and was furious. At the Qianyu Guards, Qiang was secretly embroidering a purse for Yan Changyun, thinking about how he would be hers if he accepted it. At this time, Madam Xi arrived with guards, stating the Grand Empress Dowager summoned Qiang and it would be best to go willingly.
As Qiang was taken away, she told Cheng that the Grand Empress Dowager had requested her presence, asking him to inform Yan Changyun. Cheng immediately sensed trouble and rushed to find Yan Changyun. At the same time, news arrived that Fu Xiao was being held by Xiao Quan. Yan Changyun decided to go rescue Fu Xiao and instructed Cheng to quickly inform the Emperor so he could go to the Ciqing Palace to save Qiang.
Yan Changyun then took a team of Qianyu Guards to Xiao Quan's residence. Qiang was brought before the Grand Empress Dowager, where her identity as a female was verified. The Grand Empress Dowager declared her a bold imposter who had infiltrated the palace with malicious intent, calling her a "fox spirit" who deceived the Emperor, and ordered her beaten to death. Just as the guards were about to carry out the order, the Emperor arrived and stopped them.
To save Qiang's life, he claimed she was pregnant with his child. The Grand Empress Dowager called for the imperial physician, Doctor Qu, to verify the claim. Qiang subtly signaled the physician, indicating her life depended on his words. Doctor Qu, looking between the Emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager, nervously confirmed that Qiang was two months pregnant.
The Grand Empress Dowager ordered an official in charge of imperial records to check the records of the Emperor's whereabouts over the past two months. The records showed the Emperor spent fifteen nights in his study the previous month, and Qiang had been in attendance for five of those days. The Emperor corroborated this, explaining that during those five days, they were alone in the study, and he momentarily lost restraint.
He claimed it was meant to be a surprise for the Grand Empress Dowager. Seeing that Qiang was carrying a potential royal heir, the Grand Empress Dowager accepted the situation for now and allowed Qiang to stay in the palace, stating they would decide her fate after the child was born. Qiang thanked her, promising to care for the unborn child.
After leaving, Qiang worried about how she would produce a royal heir and what this lie would mean for her reputation. The Emperor dismissed her concerns, asking if she was embarrassed to be pregnant with his child. That night, a group of people arrived at Xiao Quan's residence to rescue Fu Xiao. Xueying, pretending to be Fu Xiao, was playing the zither in the courtyard as a decoy. Uncle Lei and the others were ambushed; many were killed or injured.
Uncle Lei was forced to flee by his subordinates. One captured rescuer refused to reveal the mastermind's identity, even when threatened with death. Just then, Yan Changyun arrived with the Qianyu Guards to retrieve Fu Xiao. Xiao Quan declared that Fu Xiao was a Guanyou survivor and a suspect in his father's murder, stating that if Yan Changyun took her, it would be proof of his connection to the Guanyou rebels.
One of Uncle Lei's captured subordinates, seeing this, cursed Yan Changyun, accusing him of colluding with Xiao Quan, and was killed by Xiao Quan in a fit of rage. Fu Xiao then emerged, stating she knew she was insignificant but was grateful for Yan Changyun's care. She said she couldn't bear to see him accused of favoritism or breaking the law for her sake.
Yan Changyun insisted it had nothing to do with her, but that someone was using her identity to frame him and implicate her, declaring that his woman would not be easily humiliated. Xiao Quan asserted that if Yan Changyun insisted on taking Fu Xiao, he would retaliate. Fu Xiao, however, stated she didn't know any of the dead men but was willing to cooperate with Xiao Quan to prove her innocence and trusted Yan Changyun would clear her name.
Yan Changyun then ordered the Qianyu Guards to seal off Xiao Quan's residence, declaring it the primary crime scene of the Prime Minister's murder and requiring everyone inside to cooperate with the investigation. Xiao Quan, to gain back some control, ordered his men to dump the bodies of the rebels in the mass grave to be eaten by dogs, insisting they witness the dogs consuming the bodies before returning.
Meanwhile, the Empress arrived and confronted Qiang (whom she initially addressed as Xiao Qiangzi and then Fu Xiao), believing she was pregnant with the Emperor's child. She tore a handkerchief, declaring that their friendship was over, upset about the multiple deceptions regarding her identity, gender, and name, compounded by the pregnancy. The Emperor tried to intervene, telling the Empress not to get agitated, as Qiang was pregnant. The Empress was heartbroken by the betrayal.
Episode 14 Recap
Yan Changyun, also known as Qin Yan, expressed deep remorse for the Qin family members who were killed and declared that he would forever be enemies with Xiao Quan, swearing to avenge this loss. Meanwhile, Fu Xiao, formerly the eunuch Qiangzi, was showered with numerous treasures after it was announced she was carrying the Emperor's child. She was overjoyed by the rewards and eager to show them off to the Qianyu Guards. News of her transformation spread among the guards.
They were astonished to learn that "Qiangzi," whom they knew as a former comrade, had become a woman and had risen so rapidly within months – becoming a Qianyu Guard Supervisor, commanding the ten thousand Qianyu Guards under Yan Changyun, and now potentially a high-ranking consort by carrying the royal heir. Fu Xiao deliberately went to Yan Changyun's room, displaying her new riches. However, Yan Changyun was drinking alone, lost in thought over the deaths of the Qin family members.
Fu Xiao mistakenly believed he was upset because of her. She urged him to say something to keep her before her official conferral as a consort. When she asked if he cared about her and liked her, he acknowledged internally that his feelings were "more than just liking."
However, for her safety, he told her that staying by the Emperor's side was her safest option and that she was now the Emperor's woman, so she should mind her words and conduct herself appropriately. Heartbroken, Fu Xiao left crying. Left alone, Yan Changyun felt unworthy of her, blaming himself for failing to protect even the Qin family, and wondered if she might be better off without him.
Turning her sadness into eating, Fu Xiao devoured a large amount of food. Yidao, her attendant, worried she would harm the child by eating so much. Fu Xiao sought out the Queen to apologize. The Queen revealed her anger wasn't about the pregnancy itself, but because Fu Xiao had consistently deceived her and hidden her true identity, despite being considered a best friend.
Fu Xiao swore never to lie again and expressed how much she cherished their friendship, noting the Queen was the only one in the palace who called her Fu Xiao instead of Qiangzi. The Queen, noticing Fu Xiao's cold hands, instructed her maid Xueru to ensure the other consorts looked after Fu Xiao well, especially given her condition.
Following the Queen's instructions, the palace consorts began attending to Fu Xiao, but their care felt overly restrictive, controlling her diet and movements. Fu Xiao found this suffocating and pleaded with the Emperor to let her leave the palace, calling it no place for a human being. The Emperor asked if she preferred the previous neglect or the current intense attention, suggesting everyone's focus was on the child.
Worried her fake pregnancy would be exposed if her belly didn't grow, she felt she'd rather die. The Emperor presented her with padded garments designed for different months of pregnancy, suggesting they tell the imperial physician she was carrying Nezha to buy more time. Still desperate, Fu Xiao wanted to die. The Emperor then proposed they make the pregnancy real by going to his chambers. Fu Xiao rejected this, again asking him to end her life instead.
In the imperial court, Xiao Quan provocatively asked if he was a "treacherous minister," claiming Yan Changyun constantly obstructed him and searched his residence, terrifying his family. Yan Changyun countered that the Qianyu Guards were merely investigating on orders and pointed out that Xiao Quan's Ministry of Justice prison held many innocent people.
Xiao Quan then accused Yan Changyun of protecting Chu Yue, an official courtesan linked to the Guan You remnants, claiming her father was Lei Bao, the deputy of the former Duke Qin, and suggested she was connected to the assassination of his own father. Yan Changyun explained Chu Yue was implicated by the Guan You incident fifteen years ago and was a courtesan to atone for her family's crime, a matter of official record.
He accused Xiao Quan of using this to target him. Xiao Quan questioned why Yan Changyun would cause such a commotion over a courtesan if he had nothing to hide. The Emperor intervened, calling both men his trusted aides and finding justification for both of their actions, urging patience. The Emperor then announced the good news of a royal heir and his decision to elevate Fu Xiao to the status of a consort, ordering preparations to begin swiftly.
Ministers objected, citing the scandal of a eunuch pregnancy already being widespread gossip that would tarnish the state's reputation abroad. Xiao Quan remarked that although it was a significant matter, it was ultimately the Emperor's personal family affair, and since the child was his, he had no further comment. However, the Grand Empress Dowager arrived and adamantly opposed the conferral, stating it disgraced the royal family and asking how the Emperor would face his ancestors.
The Emperor reminded her that she had instructed him to care for Fu Xiao and protect the fetus. The Grand Empress Dowager clarified that she only cared for the child and had her own plans for Fu Xiao after the baby was born. In the harem, the other consorts and concubines were unexpectedly pleased about the prospect of a royal heir, as there had been none for years.
The Queen touched Fu Xiao's fake belly, expressing happiness that Nancheng finally had hope for a successor and urging Fu Xiao to take good care of the child. The Queen also genuinely seemed happy for Fu Xiao because she was now noticed by the Emperor. Fu Xiao was surprised by their apparent happiness, noting that previously the Emperor avoided the Queen, but now everyone had hope. Fu Xiao, feigning discomfort, requested to lie down and was carefully escorted.
She later met the Emperor and asked if he had seen Yan Changyun. The Emperor confirmed he had and mentioned Yan Changyun was in low spirits because his confidante Chu Yue was in trouble, having been imprisoned by Minister Xiao (Xiao Quan) on suspicion of being a Guan You remnant linked to the assassin of Chancellor Xiao (Xiao Quan's father).
The Emperor added that Yan Changyun's absence during the previous incident when Fu Xiao was in danger was because he had gone to save Chu Yue. Meanwhile, Uncle Lei was hiding and recovering from injuries in a secret room with Yan Changyun. Uncle Lei urged Yan Changyun not to forget Fu Xiao's true identity – a skilled person who knew his secret before losing her memory.
He warned that if her memory returned, especially now that she was involved with the Emperor, she could become a great danger and future trouble for their plans. They needed the Jade Ring and could only wait for her memory to return before deciding what to do, but Uncle Lei felt she couldn't be allowed to stay.
Yan Changyun deflected, stating he wouldn't be distracted by personal feelings, adding that his current status would endanger anyone he married, just as he had inadvertently harmed a farm family when he was young. Xiao Quan confided in Bai Yi about his suspicion that the person who killed his father for the Guan You rebels, Qin Yan, had not died after all. Bai Yi claimed he had personally killed Qin Yan, who then fell off a cliff.
Xiao Quan suggested he might have survived and, if so, still didn't know the full truth. He proposed they could eliminate Qin Yan again. Xiao Quan, stating his success wasn't due to luck, appealed to Bai Yi as the Prince of Ning State, suggesting they should not leave their fates to chance. He proposed they collaborate again to be invincible: Bai Yi reclaiming the Ning State throne and Xiao Quan taking control of Nancheng State.
The Queen spoke with her brother, Xiao Quan, requesting his help in persuading the Grand Empress Dowager to grant Fu Xiao the title of consort. She explained that while the pregnancy was an insult to her, she didn't care who had the child as long as the Emperor had an heir, and she was worried about Fu Xiao's safety after the birth because the Grand Empress Dowager would not let her go.
Xiao Quan called her naive, questioning why she would help Fu Xiao, whom he deemed not a good person, and how it would affect her own life in the palace. The Queen insisted she only wanted the Emperor to be happy. Reluctantly, Xiao Quan agreed because she was his cherished sister. After agreeing to speak to the Grand Empress Dowager, Xiao Quan left, stating that the Emperor must not have children and "that woman" must be eliminated.
The Queen later discussed the conferral ceremony with Fu Xiao, describing the elaborate plans. She warned Fu Xiao not to monopolize the Emperor because of the child. Fu Xiao asked if the Queen truly didn't mind. The Queen admitted she did mind, but understood the Emperor was not solely hers. She believed true love meant giving sincerely and selflessly, and that her happiness lay in his happiness.
Fu Xiao thought the Queen was too kind and couldn't understand loving someone without seeking to be together. Fu Xiao resolved to find a way to be with Yan Changyun. Later, a masked woman appeared before Fu Xiao. Fu Xiao recognized her from a previous encounter where a task given by the masked person had failed due to Yan Changyun's strength. The masked woman came closer, proposing a new task. Suddenly, she attacked Fu Xiao with a dagger.
Fu Xiao dodged and fought back, tearing off the attacker's mask to reveal Xueru, the Queen's maid. Yan Changyun arrived just as Xueru was revealed. Xueru confessed that she attacked because Fu Xiao had seduced the Emperor and become pregnant, thus shaming the Queen who had been kind to her. The Queen was brought to the scene and couldn't believe Xueru would do this.
Yan Changyun believed Xueru was acting under orders and requested the Emperor's permission to take her for interrogation to find the mastermind. The Emperor agreed. Just as she was about to be taken away, Xueru apologized to the Queen and killed herself on the spot, declaring she would pay for her crime with death. Fu Xiao was distraught, feeling responsible for Xueru's death.
Yan Changyun told her Xueru's claims were unreliable and warned her that the palace was full of hidden dangers she couldn't handle alone, reminding her of the Grand Empress Dowager's intentions only for the child. He offered to help her leave the palace, but Fu Xiao questioned why he always tried to push her away, calling him slow and annoying.
The Emperor was calmly drinking tea when Fu Xiao confronted him, asking how he could do so while the Queen was grieving Xueru. An attendant scolded Fu Xiao for her disrespect, but the Emperor referred to Fu Xiao as the "mother of the heir apparent" and told the attendant to treat her well. Hearing this, Fu Xiao immediately wanted to remove her fake belly and stop pretending.
The Emperor warned her that revealing the fake pregnancy would lead to her death and urged her to endure for ten months. Fu Xiao insisted she couldn't wait and threatened to die. The Emperor sent the others away. Fu Xiao asked what would happen after ten months, and the Emperor promised to help her get rid of "this thing" when the time was right. Fu Xiao called men unreliable and decided she would handle her own "flesh and blood" herself.
Resolved to end the fake pregnancy, Fu Xiao planned to fake a fall. She climbed onto a table, musing that it was high but would work since no one was watching, contemplating just lying down. Just then, she saw Xiao Quan approaching and thought it was a perfect opportunity, like enemies meeting on a narrow road. She deliberately walked towards him.
As they passed, Fu Xiao faked a fall, grabbing her stomach and crying out in pain, loudly blaming Xiao Quan for intentionally knocking her down and causing her to lose her child.
Episode 15 Recap
Doctor Qu examined Fu Xiao, hesitating to reveal his findings. Fu Xiao repeatedly expressed that her child wouldn't survive, while the Emperor insisted that the royal child was a true dragon heir protected by heaven. Dr. Qu, in an internal thought, felt helpless, noting the child's ill fate and that he would die anyway in ten months if there was no child, so he might as well use this situation.
He then declared his inability to save the child, telling the Emperor the child was gone and to accept his loss. The Empress Dowager was shocked and questioned how the child was lost after being fine just yesterday. Fu Xiao blamed Xiao Quan, saying he deliberately bumped her, causing the miscarriage.
The Empress Dowager stated that since the child was gone, Fu Xiao didn't need to stay by the Emperor's side and offered her two choices: shave her head and become a nun or clean toilets in the cleaning department. Fu Xiao readily chose to clean toilets, feeling relieved and happy from shedding the burden of her fake pregnancy as she no longer had to lie.
The Emperor came to her, asking why she seemed so happy cleaning toilets and questioning why she would choose this over being with him. He listed his qualities – being the Emperor, having wealth and power, being handsome, and getting along well with her as a friend – expressing his confusion. Fu Xiao replied that she didn't like money or power and simply wanted to live a free and easy life.
She urged the Emperor to leave, stating his presence was unsuitable for such a place, was scaring people away, and leaving her without help. Yan Changyun arrived to caution Fu Xiao. He told her it was right to use the fake pregnancy to get out of her predicament, but she shouldn't have been so clever as to provoke Xiao Quan, as it would put her in greater danger.
Fu Xiao wasn't receptive to his advice, arguing that she believed in an eye for an eye and felt satisfied being reckless, which she deemed better than someone who was always overly cautious and afraid, comparing him unfavorably to a woman. She told him not to lecture her, called him delicate, and advised him to leave. Yan Changyun, frustrated by her shifting attitudes, questioned if she was playing games with him.
Later, while Fu Xiao was taking a break and eating melon seeds, other palace maids mocked her for her supposed lack of heart after losing her child. Fu Xiao retorted, telling them not to bother her if they were so delicate. The maids, seeing her defiance, physically attacked her. Yidao intervened, helping Fu Xiao fight them off. After the maids fled, Fu Xiao, grateful that Yidao was the only one who came to her aid, thanked him profusely.
Yidao revealed that Yan Changyun had forced him to come. Fu Xiao secretly smiled upon hearing this. Later, the same maids returned and knocked Fu Xiao's food to the ground. Just as she was about to retaliate, Yan Changyun appeared, scaring them away.
Yan Changyun checked if she was alright and gave her some hand cream, telling her to apply it three times a day for her hard work scrubbing toilets and assuring her that the maids wouldn't bother her again. The three maids who had bullied Fu Xiao were kneeling, worried because they hadn't succeeded in forcing Fu Xiao back to the Emperor as ordered by Feng Shixi and had also offended Yan Changyun.
They discussed their predicament, feeling caught between two sides. Fu Xiao overheard their conversation, learning that their bullying was orchestrated by Feng Shixi. Enraged, she stormed off to confront the Emperor. Feng Shixi, seeing the situation, quickly left. Fu Xiao accused the Emperor of being despicable, pretending to be her friend while letting palace maids bully her. The Emperor denied knowing about the bullying, blaming Feng Shixi.
Fu Xiao, heartbroken, declared she no longer wanted to be his friend and left. The Emperor tried to call her back. Later, the Emperor spoke with Feng Shixi, lamenting Fu Xiao's resolute refusal to return. Feng Shixi advised the Emperor not to spoil women and suggested ignoring her for a few days to give her a lesson and make her remember his kindness.
The Emperor expressed hope that this would work, and Feng Shixi assured him he had a plan to make Fu Xiao voluntarily come back and admit her mistake. Yan Changyun investigated the death of Prime Minister Xiao Wanli. Reviewing records, he noted the use of makeup/face paint. He questioned Wei Tianjiao about the Emperor's activities on the night Xiao Wanli died.
Wei Tianjiao recalled that the Emperor had unusually dressed in opera attire and makeup to sing in the city tower that night, instead of his usual venue and without costume. He also noted that Feng Shixi had not been present according to inquiries, and that the Emperor had ordered Xiao Wanli's body returned shortly after it was brought back for examination. Feng Shixi went to the cleaning department, personally helping Fu Xiao scrub toilets.
He admitted that he had orchestrated the maids' bullying on his own initiative to try and make her return to the Emperor, emphasizing that the Emperor himself was unaware and innocent and urging her not to blame him. Fu Xiao replied that she, a commoner, had no right to blame the Emperor, nor did she have the right to reconcile with him.
Feng Shixi urged her to reconsider, lamenting how long he would have to keep scrubbing if she didn't go back, pleading with her to take pity on him and change her mind sooner. The Emperor later came and apologized to Fu Xiao, admitting he shouldn't have disrespected her wishes but claiming it was with good intentions, though he acknowledged it damaged their bond. He promised to only treat her as a brother from then on.
Fu Xiao, recalling the saying "once bitten, twice shy," said she didn't believe him. She told him she was fine in the cleaning department and no longer found the smell unpleasant, adding that she wasn't the naive person he could easily fool anymore. She told him she would think about forgiving him and he should go back and wait for her decision. After the Emperor left, Feng Shixi urged Fu Xiao not to be ungrateful and to take the hint.
Fu Xiao replied she was thinking, and if she didn't teach him a lesson, he wouldn't learn. Feng Shixi remarked on the cold weather. Fu Xiao wondered if she had gone too far and if her "acting" was a bit much, expressing slight worry. In court, ministers debated how to handle the remaining members of the Qin family amidst rumors following the Prime Minister's death.
Song Ting proposed executing them all to comfort the Prime Minister's spirit, quell rumors, and prevent future threats, citing the Qin family's heinous crimes fifteen years prior. Other ministers disagreed, warning that indiscriminate killing without evidence would harm innocents and incite public outrage. The Emperor strongly rejected Song Ting's suggestion, stating that executing people based on suspicion would make him a tyrant. He adjourned the meeting.
Afterward, Xiao Quan spoke privately with another official, expressing hope that this pressure would force Qin Yan to appear. He believed Qin Yan would follow his father, State Duke Qin, who sacrificed his family's safety to protect his subordinates fifteen years ago. Yan Changyun met with the Emperor and revealed that he had discovered the true killer of Prime Minister Xiao Wanli, claiming it was the Emperor himself.
He explained his deductions: the presence of makeup/face paint on the body, the seemingly weak force of the wound suggesting a woman or someone disguised, and the Emperor's unusual behavior of singing in costume that night, suggesting Feng Shixi had impersonated him. The Emperor acknowledged Yan Changyun's sharp detective work and effectively confessed that Xiao Wanli's death was done on his behalf.
He accused Xiao Wanli of forming factions, monopolizing power, and coercing him, and wanting to use the Emperor to eliminate opponents. He reminded Xiao Wanli that he was just like fifteen years ago when he pressured the Emperor to kill State Duke Qin. The Emperor told Yan Changyun that he had always suspected Xiao Wanli orchestrated the Guanyou Coup but Xiao Wanli never admitted it before he died.
He added that he trusted State Duke Qin and never believed he was involved in the Vermillion Silver Powder incident or any treasonous acts. The Emperor lamented that his attempt to use the "Guanyou" clue left at the scene to investigate the coup's mastermind had backfired, implicating innocent people from the Guanyou families. Yan Changyun suggested that Song Ting must have had help, specifically mentioning Xiao Quan.
The Emperor agreed, admitting he found Xiao Quan not simple and had appointed him Minister of Justice after his father's death to test him, but was disappointed that Xiao Quan was now using the Guanyou incident to target the Qin family's former subordinates, proving to be more vicious than his father. Yan Changyun proposed a plan to temporarily suppress Xiao Quan but required something from the Emperor.
The Emperor asked what, and Yan Changyun requested the murder weapon, which the Emperor gave him. Yan Changyun thanked him for his trust. He then made another request: to ensure Chuyue's safety, as she was still in the Ministry of Justice prison and he was worried about her.
The Emperor noted Yan Changyun's concern and commitment to Chuyue, asking if he liked her, and Yan Changyun replied that since Chuyue had entrusted herself to him, he had a responsibility to protect her. The Emperor praised Yan Changyun as a loyal, righteous, true man and promised to help protect Chuyue regardless of the circumstances. Yan Changyun instructed a subordinate, A Cheng, to hide the dagger in Song Ting's mansion.
A Cheng expressed concern that framing Song Ting, who worked for Xiao Quan, would expose Yan Changyun to danger from Xiao Quan. Yan Changyun insisted it was the only way to protect those implicated by the Qin family issue and save Chuyue. He stated he had his own way to handle the consequences and ordered the subordinate to proceed. The next day in court, Song Ting again proposed the execution of the Qin family remnants.
Yan Changyun stepped forward and announced that the true killer of the late Prime Minister had been found: Song Ting, the Supervisor of the Lesser Treasury. Song Ting vehemently denied it, calling it slander. Yan Changyun revealed that the murder weapon, a dagger, had been found in Song Ting's mansion, and its blade matched the wounds on the Prime Minister's body. He presented testimony from Song Ting's servants who witnessed the discovery. Song Ting argued the dagger was common.
Yan Changyun then revealed he found a silk thread under the Prime Minister's fingernail, and its origin was from Song Ting's left shoulder, proving he was at the crime scene. Xiao Quan dismissed the silk thread as insufficient evidence, questioning Song Ting's motive since he supposedly had good relations with Xiao Wanli.
Yan Changyun presented a ledger detailing Song Ting's corruption, arguing that Song Ting killed the Prime Minister because the Prime Minister discovered his crimes and was about to report him. He added that Song Ting then framed the Qin family's old guard to cover his tracks and eliminate potential rivals, achieving two goals at once. The Emperor was enraged by the evidence of corruption and murder and ordered Song Ting to be arrested and punished according to the law.
Song Ting was dragged away, protesting his innocence and claiming the Qin family remnants were the real murderers. Meanwhile, Chuyue was suffering torture in prison. Yan Changyun arrived with men to rescue her, but Xiao Quan was waiting, intending to catch him attempting a prison break. Yan Changyun produced an imperial edict from the Emperor ordering Chuyue's release, thwarting Xiao Quan and asking if Xiao Quan dared to resist the edict.
Later, the Emperor told Fu Xiao that Yan Changyun had accomplished something significant: capturing the corrupt official Song Ting and rescuing his childhood sweetheart, Chuyue. He mentioned that Yan Changyun had taken the imperial edict to personally pick her up from prison and had requested that her slave status be removed, seemingly planning to redeem her and marry her openly.
The Emperor praised Yan Changyun as a brave and straightforward man and expressed his happiness for them, although his status prevented him from witnessing their reunion. He suggested Fu Xiao go see them. Yan Changyun brought Chuyue back to his mansion and settled her into a room in the back courtyard, telling her she could recover there since she couldn't return to her father yet. Fu Xiao soon arrived, having heard the news.
She took Chuyue's hand, expressing her concern and repeatedly addressing Yan Changyun by his first name, seemingly trying to emphasize their close relationship. Chuyue thanked Yan Changyun for freeing her and letting her stay at his home. Yan Changyun told Chuyue that the Emperor had granted her freedom, canceling her status as a government prostitute, so from then on, she was free.
Episode 16 Recap
Xiao Quan learned that Yan Changyun had cleverly framed Song Ting, his subordinate, as the killer of Minister Xiao, thus removing a key figure from court. Considering this move, Xiao Quan planned his next step, deciding to use Princess Jiayang of Ning State to counterbalance Yan Changyun. Meanwhile, Fu Xiao was expressing her displeasure about Yan Changyun bringing Chu Yue back to his estate.
Her companion remarked that Yan was just being sympathetic, adding that most men are unfaithful, suggesting only the Emperor is loyal. The Emperor summoned Fu Xiao, urging her to return to his side from scrubbing chamber pots and offering her a position as a female official. Fu Xiao declined, citing the need for the Queen Grandma's approval and cheekily stating that the Emperor's promises weren't as appealing as her chamber pots.
Feng, the eunuch, suggested to the Emperor that allowing Fu Xiao to handle the reception for Princess Jiayang would get her out of her unpleasant duty in the laundry alley and chamber pot area, give her a chance to earn merit, and potentially lead to a higher title like a consort. The Emperor found this idea astute and ordered Feng to proceed.
At court, a minister reported the upcoming visit next month of Princess Jiayang from Ning State for trade negotiations. The Emperor ordered preparations. Ministers expressed concerns about the reception due to the Princess's high status, nearing that of the Ning King, the potential for her visit to be a search for a son-in-law, the lack of female officials, and the impropriety of male officials hosting a female guest.
The Emperor, eager for a potential match for his officials, dismissed their concerns, offering rewards to anyone the Princess favored. However, the ministers revealed that Princess Jiayang had married three times and her husbands (or fiancés) had met untimely deaths, making them reluctant to take the task. The Emperor became frustrated by the lack of volunteers, calling them useless. Feng then proposed that Fu Xiao, as the newly appointed reception official, handle the Princess's reception.
Fu Xiao, now a sixth-rank female official, proudly showed off her new attire to the Qianyu Guards. Yan Changyun told her to take off the outfit and not accept the position, citing rumors about Princess Jiayang's improper conduct. Fu Xiao retorted that if Yan Changyun could keep women hidden away, she could certainly have the company of handsome men.
Princess Jiayang arrived and was formally greeted by Fu Xiao, the reception official, and Yan Changyun, the Qianyu Guard Commander responsible for her safety. Princess Jiayang made a gesture towards Fu Xiao for help descending from the carriage, but Yan Changyun stepped forward instead, assisting her. He had noticed silver-gray marks at the base of the Princess's nails, indicating prolonged contact with Zhu Yin powder. Fu Xiao watched his solicitous action with jealousy.
Bai Yi and his apprentice Li'er observed from a distance. Li'er commented to Bai Yi that Fu Xiao's gaze towards Yan Changyun showed she had private feelings for him and had betrayed their master. Bai Yi warned Li'er against jumping to conclusions and reminded her of her previous attempt to kill Fu Xiao, telling her never to say such things again.
Bai Yi shared his wish that Fu Xiao and Li'er, his best disciples, would look after each other and be the closest people in the world after his death. Inside the palace, Princess Jiayang formally greeted the Emperor, stating her purpose was to discuss opening trade routes for the benefit of both nations. The Emperor welcomed her and hosted a banquet. Princess Jiayang proposed that four young men from Ning State perform a sword dance.
During the performance, two swords broke and flew towards the Emperor and Fu Xiao. The Emperor maintained composure, while Yan Changyun quickly threw wine cups, deflecting the swords and saving Fu Xiao. He ordered the Ning State dancers arrested. Princess Jiayang apologized for the disturbance caused by her entourage, specifically for disturbing the Emperor. The Emperor accepted her apology, believing she had no malicious intent to assassinate.
As a gesture of apology, Princess Jiayang presented Yudai Incense, describing it as a newly developed tribute exclusive to Ning State nobility, known for its revitalizing and longevity effects. Everyone present praised the wonderful scent, except Yan Changyun, who appeared troubled and frowned. Princess Jiayang inquired why he seemed displeased when everyone else found the incense delightful. He politely replied that as a noble gift, he could not be displeased.
The Emperor suggested Jiayang stay longer for the upcoming Lunar New Year Eve Festival. Princess Jiayang requested that Yan Changyun serve as her personal bodyguard during her stay in Nancheng State, stating that his martial prowess made her feel secure. Fu Xiao immediately objected, citing the impropriety of a man providing close protection to a woman. Yan Changyun also seemed hesitant and found it improper.
The Emperor, however, readily agreed, perhaps hoping with a selfish motive that the Princess would take a liking to Yan Changyun, leaving Fu Xiao available for himself. Princess Jiayang then feigned dizziness from the wine and leaned on Yan Changyun, who noticed a red tattoo on her hand. To investigate further, Yan Changyun agreed to escort her back to the Tianqing Pavilion residence.
At the residence, Princess Jiayang insisted Yan Changyun come into her room for protection, asking how he could protect her if he was far from her bed. Fu Xiao stepped in, declaring that as the reception official, she would provide the close protection and there was no need for Yan Changyun to enter the room. Princess Jiayang remarked that with Yan Changyun present, she didn't need anyone else.
Yan Changyun stated that the Qianyu Guards were securing the entire residence and no intruder would get close. He noticed a unique scent on the Princess and asked about it. She explained it was the Yudai Incense she frequently burned in her chambers and offered him some to smell. Yan Changyun sniffed the incense but stated he generally disliked being close to women and asked Fu Xiao to be mindful.
Despite this, Princess Jiayang offered him a box of the incense. Yan Changyun accepted it and left. Bai Yi met with Xiao Quan, questioning why he was using Princess Jiayang, knowing she was his sister. Xiao Quan acknowledged she was Bai Yi's sister but reminded him that she offered no help when he was expelled from Ning State over ten years ago.
Xiao Quan pointed out they hadn't seen each other in years and suggested this was a chance to reconnect. Bai Yi, acknowledging their kinship, warned Xiao Quan not to push things too far, or he would turn on him. Xiao Quan responded that they were merely pawns in a larger game, as was the Princess, and assured Bai Yi that they would succeed if they cooperated.
Bai Yi offered to help Xiao Quan kill Yan Changyun, but Xiao Quan refused, stating Yan must remain alive for his current plans to succeed, and Yan's removal would be easy later. Xiao Quan then complained about Bai Yi's beloved apprentice causing trouble and urged him to discipline her. Bai Yi stated Fu Xiao was his apprentice and not Xiao Quan's concern. Xiao Quan commented that Bai Yi's loyalty was why he valued their friendship.
Fu Xiao believed that Princess Jiayang's attractiveness to men stemmed from the Yudai Incense. She decided to replicate the effect and instructed her companion, Qiang, to burn a large quantity of the incense in the room, filling it with the aroma. Qiang remarked the scent was tempting.
Yan Changyun told Wei Tianjiao about the silver-gray marks on Jiayang's nails from Zhu Yin powder and the red tattoo on her hand, which was identical to the one on the person who pursued him during the Guanyou Coup. Wei Tianjiao identified the tattoo as a unique mark of the Ning State royal bloodline, applied at birth and only visible when body temperature rose, likely due to the wine she drank.
This suggested the mastermind of the Guanyou Coup was connected to the Ning State royal family. Yan Changyun decided to send men to Ning State to investigate the tattoo and find his attacker. Qiang became heavily intoxicated by the excessive incense, talking in a daze about surpassing Princess Jiayang for Fu Xiao's happiness. Fu Xiao, also affected and lightheaded, came looking for Yan Changyun. Yan Changyun entered, saw the scene, and ordered the incense removed. Qiang resisted.
Yan Changyun picked up the dizzy Fu Xiao and carried her out. She felt lightheaded and asked him to leave with her, just the two of them, inquiring if he liked her. Yan Changyun apologized for potentially bringing her danger and hurting her, expressing his strong desire to be close to her, hold her, and give her happiness. He promised to explain everything once the matter was resolved.
Princess Jiayang met with Bai Yi, asking how he had been in Nancheng for so many years. Bai Yi called himself a cripple or useless person, saying it was the same everywhere. Jiayang expressed her regret for not taking care of him after his exile, apologizing for leaving him alone for so many years. Bai Yi said it was his destiny. Jiayang suggested Nancheng State was a place of right and wrong and not suitable to stay long.
She was there as a Ning envoy with a duty to complete the trade agreement. She suggested he return to Ning State with her after her mission was complete, promising to protect him there as the Ning State had changed. Bai Yi declined, saying he couldn't go back, as he was used to life in Nancheng, cannot walk, and had people and things he couldn't abandon.
Doctor Qu reported to Yan Changyun that his analysis of the Yudai Incense only found beneficial ingredients like borneol, sandalwood, and cinnamon. Yan Changyun questioned the thoroughness of the examination and offered to leave the incense with him for a more detailed study, stating the matter was extremely crucial. He also decided to send additional perfumers to assist Doctor Qu, demanding immediate reports of any abnormalities.
The next morning, Fu Xiao brought breakfast for Yan Changyun but found he wasn't in his room. As she left with the breakfast, she saw him eating with Princess Jiayang in her room and hid near the door. Princess Jiayang noticed her and invited her to join. During the meal, Princess Jiayang asked Yan Changyun if he had a woman he favored and what kind of girl he liked.
Yan Changyun replied that he admired women who were intelligent and sensible, like Princess Jiayang, who had traveled far to facilitate trade for the benefit of both nations, stating that any man would love a woman with such broad concerns. Princess Jiayang said it was natural for her, as a Princess, to care for her people and praised Nancheng's prosperity and rich resources. She then suggested Yan Changyun accompany her to explore Nancheng, as she hadn't had the chance. Yan Changyun agreed. Fu Xiao also volunteered to join them, and Princess Jiayang assented, remarking that Fu Xiao would be very useful.
Episode 17 Recap
Princess Jiayang took Yan Changyun shopping, buying numerous gifts and an 800 tael belt for him. Fu Xiao accompanied them, feeling competitive with the princess. To prove herself, Fu Xiao started exercising and dieting, aiming to lose 2. 5 kilograms, betting with her friends who tempted her with meat to win the wager. Meanwhile, Guard Qiang was using Yudai Incense, claiming it energized him. Fu Xiao smelled a barbecue scent and found Princess Jiayang enjoying a feast.
She ate some before asking the princess why she liked Yan Changyun. Princess Jiayang said it was because of the spark in his eyes and her own natural charm. Fu Xiao mentioned feeling tired, and Princess Jiayang offered her Yudai Incense and face creams from Ning State to improve her mood and complexion. Back at home, Yan Changyun took the Yudai Incense from Fu Xiao, saying she shouldn't use it, despite her claims of improved skin, hair, energy, and charm.
Xiao Quan presented a trade agreement with Ning State to the Emperor, who asked Yan Changyun to review it. Yan Changyun discovered that Yudai Incense was a condition for every proposed commodity. He also reported that excessive use of the incense led to hyperexcitability and requested more time to investigate, which the Emperor granted. At the barracks, Qiang's friend Yidao noticed he looked thin and tired since Yan Changyun took his Yudai Incense. Fu Xiao, despite dieting, gained 1.
5 kilograms and had to pay her bet of 3 taels each to her friends. Yan Changyun arrived, declared gambling forbidden, fined everyone 10 taels and then gave that fine money to Fu Xiao to buy the meat she loved, making her very happy and earning her a total of 21 taels. Princess Jiayang then invited Yan Changyun to return to Ning State with her, promising him a better future, but he refused, stating he was a Nancheng subject.
Fu Xiao, angered, told Yan Changyun to buy his own food. Fu Xiao went to Chu Yue, who was playing the guqin. She expressed concern about Princess Jiayang's pursuit of Yan Changyun, but Chu Yue remained unconcerned, seeing them as minor tricks. When Fu Xiao described Princess Jiayang's flirtatious behavior, Chu Yue acknowledged them as skills but believed Yan Changyun would naturally be attracted to a more excellent woman.
Fu Xiao disagreed, insisting Yan Changyun was not superficial and wouldn't leave for Ning State. She pointed out that Yan Changyun even bought Wangyou's freedom from Yunshao House to care for Chu Yue. Feeling like she needed to act, Fu Xiao dressed in her uniform and returned to the barracks. Fu Xiao devised a plan to have guards seduce Princess Jiayang, but only Changsheng volunteered. She arranged for three guards to "harass" the princess so Changsheng could "rescue" her.
However, Princess Jiayang's guards mistook Changsheng for the instigator and beat him severely. Later, Fu Xiao visited Princess Jiayang, and after pretending to sleep, she criticized Yan Changyun's character. Princess Jiayang, however, interpreted Fu Xiao's descriptions as positive traits, only solidifying her interest in him. Princess Jiayang advised Fu Xiao to not fixate on one man. Yan Changyun arrived and confronted Fu Xiao about badmouthing him.
Fu Xiao twisted his words, claiming he had "seduced" her, "let her fall in love" with him, "hindered" her, and "pushed her away." Yan Changyun hugged her, apologizing, and explained he was only investigating Princess Jiayang's connection to a case and asked for her trust, which she affirmed. Fu Xiao, disguised as a man, took Princess Jiayang's four men to Yunshao House to extract information.
Xiao Quan's manager appeared and was recognized by one of the men, but the manager denied ever having been to Ning State. Fu Xiao reported this to Yan Changyun, believing it proved Xiao Quan was colluding with Ning State, and warned that Princess Jiayang was dangerous. Yan Changyun dismissed her findings and warned her to stay away from the princess, causing Fu Xiao to leave angrily. Xiao Quan's manager reported the Yunshao House encounter.
Xiao Quan warned him to stay put and gave him a secret letter for Princess Jiayang, instructing her to agree to "any" of the Emperor's demands to finalize the trade agreement so their plan could proceed. The next day, the Emperor told Princess Jiayang he would impose a 50% tariff on Ning State's goods to protect Nancheng merchants, which she accepted. She then requested that Yan Changyun become her husband.
Episode 18 Recap
Princess Jiayang proposes to Emperor that Yan Changyun be made her consort as a condition for the trade agreement between Ning State and Nancheng. Emperor confirms this was his reaction too, but agrees because Princess Jiayang offered a five-cheng tariff, and refusing this small request would raise suspicion, jeopardizing the trade talks, which benefit the people.
Yan disagrees with the proposal, but Emperor insists he already gave his word, explaining that Yan's plan didn't include marrying Princess Jiayang is a minor issue. Emperor expresses faith in Yan to uncover the trade scheme before the New Year and pleads with him for the sake of Nancheng. Yan states he needs to consider it, wondering how to explain the situation to Fu Xiao.
However, he recognizes that going along with the marriage is the only way to investigate the trade conspiracy and potentially find justice for the Qin family, especially since Princess Jiayang appears connected to Poppy powder. Yan practices, and Princess Jiayang observes, praising his skill and saying he embodies the unity of man and sword, reflecting his state of mind.
She tells him she has proposed to the Emperor and, after the New Year and the signing of the trade agreement, she will take him back to Ning State, promising to fulfill any requests he has and even make him Commander in chief there. Yan replies that as a subject of Nancheng, he follows the Emperor's arrangements. Princess Jiayang suggests it's not the Emperor's plan, but fate's.
Emperor arrives, saying he is tired and intended to exercise with Fu Xiao but the weather is bad. Fu Xiao suggests they can still exercise in the rain. Emperor assures her he's fine as long as she is happy, then praises Fu Xiao's intelligence, beauty, grace, and skill at kicking the shuttlecock. Fu Xiao is modest. Emperor notes her joy, and she attributes it to exercising. Emperor states he and Commander Yan are also in good spirits.
Fu Xiao asks why Yan would be happy. Emperor replies that good news uplifts a man's spirit. Fu Xiao presses him for the news. Emperor reveals Yan will sacrifice for the greater good by going to Ning State to marry Princess Jiayang. That night, Fu Xiao gets drunk and confides in Chuyue, saying she was wrong about Yan and believes he is the type of person who covets glory.
She tearfully tells Chuyue that he is going to marry Princess Jiayang and leave for Ning State, expressing disbelief and sadness. Chuyue tries to comfort her, suggesting maybe he was forced and has difficulties. Fu Xiao laments that he lied to her and is ready to abandon her for Princess Jiayang. Yan watches the drunk Fu Xiao and speaks to her, expressing his feelings for her. The next day, Fu Xiao leaves a note for Yan and departs.
The assassin, following Uncle Lei's instructions, observes Fu Xiao, believing she must be eliminated as she knows Yan's true identity. Yan returns to his room, finds the note, and discovers a purse Fu Xiao embroidered with a yam flower on it. Seeing the flower triggers a memory: a young girl showing him a similar yam purse she embroidered as a betrothal gift and suggesting they practice wedding rites, asking what kind of man she would marry.
Yan realizes Fu Xiao is the little girl from his past and rushes to find her. Fu Xiao is stopped by an assassin who tells her he is there to kill her, calling her a menace that must be eradicated. Fu Xiao blows a whistle. Yan Changyun arrives and saves her. Fu Xiao embraces Yan, crying that she almost died. Yan tells her he has finally found her and will never let her leave his side again, then kisses her.
As they walk back, Fu Xiao holds his hand tightly, saying she doesn't want to let go because she fears he will run away again. Yan confirms he will never leave her. Fu Xiao asks if he is still marrying Princess Jiayang. Yan says no, he never considered it. Fu Xiao realizes his earlier statement about marrying the princess was to investigate the Poppy powder and admits it made her upset. Yan hints he was worried about her safety.
He promises that no matter what happens, they will face it together. Fu Xiao teases him about his past behavior. She suggests that since he still needs to get close to the princess for the investigation, it might be best to keep their relationship secret for now. Yan asks if she minds sneaking around. She admits she does and wishes they could be together openly, but understands his mission and is willing to wait, asking for some assurance.
Uncle Lei confronts Yan after the failed assassination attempt on Fu Xiao, asking if he has forgotten his blood vengeance and the suffering of their people in places like Jijin and beggars' alley. Yan insists he hasn't forgotten and lives daily with the pain and fire of revenge, having witnessed the brutal end of Jijin and the plight of their former comrades. He tells Uncle Lei he knows what he is doing.
He then asks Uncle Lei if he remembers the little girl who saved his life fifteen years ago. He reveals he searched for her for so long only to find she has been right beside him – Fu Xiao is that girl. Yan recalls that after Uncle Lei took him away that night, her village was massacred. He states that her family died because of him and that he vowed at their graves to find her, who was then missing.
Uncle Lei offers to have their former comrades search discreetly. Yan orders Uncle Lei not to harm Fu Xiao again, emphasizing her importance. Yan also clarifies his relationship with Chuyue, stating he has protected her but never intended to marry her. Uncle Lei expresses concern, asking if Yan has considered that if Fu Xiao regains her memory and learns her parents died because of him, she might hate him.
The next day, Princess Jiayang reports that Liu Yidao was caught stealing. Liu Yidao appears disoriented with red eyes. Princess Jiayang calls him a thief and insults Nancheng people, demanding Yan take responsibility. Yan apologizes and promises strict punishment. Liu Yidao confesses he didn't mean to steal the Dai incense but couldn't resist. He explains that using it initially made him feel energetic, but skipping even one day left him listless, feeling addicted.
Yan's subordinate notes that these symptoms resemble those from Poppy powder use. Yan confirms that the Dai incense contains Poppy powder and questions who is using it to poison Nancheng. Empress visits Emperor, asking for more Dai incense as it has made her feel much better. Emperor says it was a gift from Princess Jiayang before trade and he will send some to her later.
Madam Xi arrives seeking more Dai incense for Grand Empress Dowager, who felt unwell but has improved greatly since using it. Empress informs Madam Xi that Emperor has already gifted the incense to her. Xiao Quan arrives and, upon hearing the situation, tells Empress that since Grand Empress Dowager enjoys it, she should give all the Dai incense to Madam Xi, calling it filial duty. Empress thanks Xiao Quan, and Madam Xi leaves with the incense.
Xiao Quan speaks to Yi Heng (also known as Bai Yi), quoting a passage about the relentless flow of time. He states time is running out, the Emperor's delays may indicate suspicion, and the Liu Yidao incident means the secret of the Dai incense will soon be exposed.
He gives Yi Heng antidote, warning him against benevolence and reminding him he is the Second Prince of Ning State, not merely Bai Yi from the Wanshi Pavilion, urging him not to squander this rare opportunity. Yan informs his team that he suspected the Dai incense contained Poppy powder and has confirmed it. He believes Ning State is using it under the guise of trade to undermine Nancheng. He suspects Princess Jiayang is connected to Xiao Quan.
His subordinate questions if Xiao Quan is influenced by the princess or accepting bribes. Yan states Xiao Quan is not driven by greed or lust, and the extent of his secrets is unknown. Fu Xiao suggests they extract information from the embroidery house manager to clarify the connection between Xiao Quan and the princess, perhaps by finding a man who resembles one of the four gentlemen of Ning State. Wei Tianjiao volunteers for the task.
Wei Tianjiao, disguised and masked like one of the four gentlemen of Ning State, arrives at Xiao Quan's embroidery shop. The manager recognizes his disguise and warns him not to be so obvious as the area is crowded. Wei Tianjiao removes his mask, astonishing the manager. The manager is taken into custody but denies knowing any of the four gentlemen of Ning State, claiming he is being framed and threatening to report them.
Yan explains to his team that the manager is a servant of the Xiao family whose family is being held by Xiao Quan, making any interrogation futile as he will not confess. Keeping the manager will, however, unsettle Xiao Quan. Xueying asks Xiao Quan if she should infiltrate the prison to kill the manager. Xiao Quan refuses, believing it would be walking into a trap as they are likely prepared.
He considers the situation like a critical chess game where the opponent aims to checkmate him with a pawn, stating he will sacrifice a piece to save the king. He expresses weariness with court struggles and slander, offering to resign to the Emperor for the sake of Nancheng. Emperor is surprised but acknowledges Xiao Quan's loyalty, suggesting he should not mention resignation. Xiao Quan insists he is slandered and cannot continue. Emperor asks if he means Yan Changyun.
Yan arrives, reporting evidence of the manager's collusion with Ning State and suspecting him to be a spy. Xiao Quan counters that the manager has served him for years, suggesting Yan suspecting the manager is like suspecting Xiao Quan himself. He warns Yan that if the manager shows any sign of injury, it will be seen as torture to extract a confession, and he will not let Yan off the hook.
Emperor mediates, recognizing both as important officials essential to Nancheng, and returns Xiao Quan's resignation. Xiao Quan accepts, promising loyalty, and departs. Emperor remarks to Yan that Xiao Quan's tactics are deeper than his father's, but his resignation act was unconvincing due to his attachment to power. Emperor assures Yan he will handle the manager's situation. He then asks about Yan's progress with the princess as the year end approaches.
Yan states his relationship with the princess is merely a pretense. Emperor instructs him to make the pretense more convincing, emphasizing that cultivating genuine feelings is necessary to advance the investigation. He orders Yan to spend time with the princess in the coming days, an order Yan cannot disobey. That night, Yan and Fu Xiao talk to each other through the wall separating their rooms. Fu Xiao asks if he is asleep; he replies he is not.
She asks why he isn't sleeping, adding that if he is awake, she won't sleep either. She asks when she will be able to fall asleep while looking at his face. He calls her thoughts complicated. She asks if he doesn't desire that. Later, she asks if he has fallen asleep, and he signals yes by nodding through the wall.
Episode 19 Recap
Fu Xiao expressed her strong desire to spend all her time with Yan Changyun, who assured her he would visit whenever he could. Their intimate moment was accidentally witnessed by A Cheng and Wei Tianjiao. A Cheng, noticing, quickly pretended not to have seen anything. As Fu Xiao and Yan Changyun prepared to go out for New Year goods, A Cheng and Wei Tianjiao initially accompanied them but soon left the couple to go shopping together.
Later, the Princess encountered Fu Xiao and Yan Changyun as they were setting out. She enthusiastically declared her love for shopping and her excitement about experiencing the vibrant Nancheng Spring Festival, insisting Yan Changyun take her. Fu Xiao stated that accompanying the Princess was her duty and joined them. While shopping, a vendor explained the "wish-making branches" custom, mentioning that wishing on New Year's Eve with a loved one makes dreams come true.
The Princess immediately asked Yan Changyun to accompany her for this on New Year's Eve. Yan Changyun, after glancing at Fu Xiao, declined the Princess's request, citing his duty to guard the capital with the Feathered Forest Guards that night, but promised to send elite soldiers for her protection. During the extensive shopping trip, the Princess bought many items and asked Fu Xiao to carry the bags. Fu Xiao returned visibly exhausted.
The Emperor arrived to bring New Year gifts for the Princess. Seeing Fu Xiao burdened, the Emperor took the bags, stating he appointed her an attendant, not a laborer. Witnessing the Emperor's concern, the Princess apologized for making Fu Xiao carry so much, blaming the alluring Nancheng goods. Fu Xiao insisted she didn't mind helping.
Taking advantage of the occasion, the Princess asked the Emperor to grant Yan Changyun leave from his guard duties to spend New Year's Eve with her. The Emperor agreed, commenting that Yan Changyun, as a future Princess's husband, should begin fulfilling his responsibilities. Yan Changyun tried to speak, but the Emperor interrupted by presenting gifts to Fu Xiao. After the Emperor asked if she liked them, Yan Changyun excused himself for patrol duties.
In return, Fu Xiao gave Feng Gonggong dolls for the Queen, expressing hope for a noble son. When the Emperor asked for his gift, Fu Xiao presented ginger, explaining its symbolism of "Jiang Shan" (rivers and mountains), representing the empire. The Emperor accepted but remarked he'd prefer a soulmate. Fu Xiao suggested the Queen was his soulmate, a sentiment echoed by Feng Gonggong, who urged the Emperor to cherish his blessings.
Back in her room, Fu Xiao found a gift on her bed – a dress she had admired earlier, secretly bought by Yan Changyun. She was delighted. Yan Changyun arrived, promising to find a way to spend New Year's Eve with her despite his commitment to the Princess. Fu Xiao, however, urged him to prioritize the larger situation. Meanwhile, the Emperor returned to the palace, complaining to Feng Gonggong that while the empire belonged to him, Fu Xiao did not.
The Queen arrived, having stayed up late to make him a new outfit. The Emperor initially seemed distant but, sensing the Queen's hurt as she spoke of having only him in the palace and asking him not to push her away, he agreed to try on the clothes. Later, the Queen sent gifts to Fu Xiao. Fu Xiao expressed gratitude and discreetly inquired about the Yudai Incense.
The Queen revealed her brother, Xiao Quan, had taken the incense given to her by the Emperor (which originated from the Princess) and given it to the Grand Empress Dowager when she also requested some. Fu Xiao was surprised, noting Xiao Quan's usual doting on his sister and how unusual it was for him to give away something she desired. The Queen also found her brother's actions perplexing, speculating that their father's passing might have made him more cautious.
Fu Xiao discussed this incident with Yan Changyun. Yan Changyun initially thought Xiao Quan's action was merely filial piety towards the Grand Empress Dowager. However, Fu Xiao inadvertently revealed that Xiao Quan liked the Queen. Realizing her slip, she confessed to Yan Changyun about seeing Xiao Quan secretly kissing the Queen. This revelation deepened Yan Changyun's suspicion that the Yudai Incense might contain poison.
Shortly after, a servant informed Yan Changyun that the Princess requested him to join her in writing couplets. Upset, Fu Xiao openly cursed the Princess for trying to take her man. She then plotted with A Cheng and Wei Tianjiao against the Princess. This plan was overheard by Yan Changyun. Caught off guard, Fu Xiao sheepishly denied any plans, assuring him they were good people. The following day, after everyone had put up spring couplets, Fu Xiao slept late.
She learned that Yan Changyun, the Princess, and all officials of rank two and above, along with imperial title holders, were invited to the palace for the New Year's Eve banquet. Feeling excluded, she faced the prospect of spending the holiday alone. The streets were festive, and both Fu Xiao and Yan Changyun were thinking of each other. Watching the fireworks and seeing couples, Fu Xiao's sadness grew. Yan Changyun accompanied the Princess as they strolled through the lively streets.
Fu Xiao spotted them, hid behind an umbrella, and subtly reached out to briefly hold Yan Changyun's hand. The Princess, unaware of Fu Xiao, eagerly suggested they explore further. Fu Xiao watched them walk away, heartbroken. The Emperor, in disguise, came across Fu Xiao. He offered to spend time with her, but her sadness made her decline. Wei Tianjiao was also seen walking with Chu Yue, causing a moment of awkwardness when Fu Xiao saw them.
The Emperor had acquired a wish-making plaque for Fu Xiao and was about to hang his own beside hers on the intertwined branches when Yan Changyun arrived and quickly hung his plaque first. The Princess also decided to try the Nancheng custom, taking a plaque to make a wish, but it fell as she was doing so. Yan Changyun appeared to be with the Princess, but his thoughts were clearly elsewhere, noticed by the Princess.
She directly confronted him, asking why he had pursued her and demanding his true intentions now that she was receptive. Yan Changyun dropped his pretense and asked the Princess about the secret of the Yudai Incense. The Princess stated she would reveal everything once they returned to Ning State after the trade agreement was signed, asserting her determination to obtain what she desired.
As Yan Changyun looked up at the fireworks, Bai Yi signaled Li'er, who, posing as a passerby, stealthily stabbed the Princess. By the time Yan Changyun realized what had happened, the Princess had collapsed. Seeing the attack, the crowd scattered in panic. Shortly after, Xiao Quan arrived with his men. He questioned Yan Changyun's presence, holding him responsible for the Princess's safety and demanding an explanation to prevent conflict with Ning State. Yan Changyun offered to go with Xiao Quan's Ministry of Justice for investigation to provide an account to both Ning State and the people of Nancheng.
Episode 20 Recap
News of Princess Jiayang's death reached the palace, causing distress and creating a diplomatic crisis with Ning State. Minister Xiao Quan argued that Yan Changyun, as the princess's personal guard, bore inescapable responsibility and must be executed to appease Ning State's anger. This sparked a heated court debate, with ministers divided between supporting the execution for diplomatic appeasement and arguing against sacrificing a valuable general, urging the Emperor to reconsider.
The Emperor acknowledged that while Yan Changyun might not be the killer, he was responsible for the princess's safety, questioning how to address Ning State if the true culprit wasn't found, especially since she died in his arms. Xiao Quan continued to press for Yan Changyun's execution, while other ministers defended his value as a general. Using a pass, Fu Xiao went to the prison to visit Yan Changyun.
She brought him dumplings she had made herself, noting he hadn't been eating well. As she fed him, they shared a brief memory of making dumplings together in their childhood. She asked if Xiao Quan's men had mistreated him, which he shrugged off. When the guard signaled time was up, she told him she would go plead with the Emperor. Fu Xiao went to the Emperor and asked why Yan Changyun had been arrested.
The Emperor explained the difficult situation, with the princess dying in Yan Changyun's arms and numerous petitions demanding action, adding pressure from Ning State. Fu Xiao argued against sacrificing a loyal minister for Ning State. The Emperor then revealed he intended to release Yan Changyun. Relieved, Fu Xiao asked for a pass to visit him in prison, which the Emperor readily granted her. Meanwhile, Xiao Quan visited Yan Changyun in the prison, taunting him about his confinement.
Yan Changyun retorted that Xiao Quan seemed quite pleased and pointed out the suspicious timing of the princess's death right after he began suspecting issues with the imported Yudai Incense, suggesting Xiao Quan was hiding something. Yan Changyun accused Xiao Quan of obstructing his investigation by trapping Chu Yue, eliminating remnants of the Qin family, and even killing the princess to corner him.
He declared that these actions revealed Xiao Quan as the true mastermind behind the Guan You incident, finally solving a long-standing mystery for him. Xiao Quan retorted that Yan Changyun, identified by Xiao Quan as Qin Yan, should have died long ago and mocked his failure to clear his name over the past fifteen years. Xiao Quan threatened that even if the Emperor didn't execute him, he could easily fabricate a charge to ensure Yan Changyun died in prison.
Yan Changyun advised Xiao Quan to act swiftly, warning that if he got out, it would be Xiao Quan who perished. Later, the Qianyu Guards arrived at the prison, asserting their right to enter as they were responsible for the capital's security, but Xiao Quan blocked them. Just then, Fu Xiao arrived, presenting the pass from the Emperor, and was immediately admitted.
She joyfully told Yan Changyun that the Emperor had given her the pass and said he would be released soon. Yan Changyun cautioned that it wouldn't be that simple, explaining that while the Emperor might wish to release him, the court officials and Ning State would object, potentially escalating tensions or causing war. Fu Xiao told him she was concerned about him, while he worried about the state.
Yan Changyun reassured her that he wasn't the killer and that Xiao Quan couldn't easily harm him, stating that finding the real culprit and the secret within the incense would prove his innocence. Fu Xiao promised that she and Wei Tianjiao would investigate quickly to get him released. They embraced, unaware that the Emperor was observing this scene from nearby. The Emperor sought counsel from a minister regarding Yan Changyun's case.
The minister argued that despite Yan Changyun not being the murderer, his negligence contributed to the princess's death. Releasing him without solid evidence, the minister warned, would intensify the conflict and create both domestic and foreign crises for the Emperor, urging him to deliberate further. Fu Xiao walked outside, appearing worried about the investigation. She encountered Bai Yi, calling him Master and feeling a sense of familiarity, recalling hazy memories of being adopted by him as a child.
Bai Yi examined her pulse, confirming she had old internal injuries but was recovering well, stating her memory would eventually return. He invited her back to the mountain for further treatment. Fu Xiao declined, explaining she couldn't leave as someone she cared about was in trouble and she had to save him. After Fu Xiao departed, Bai Yi looked thoughtful while Qing Yun commented to Bai Yi that once Yan Changyun was executed, Fu Xiao would surely return.
Returning to the matter of the princess's death, Fu Xiao examined the coroner's notes, noting the profuse bleeding and the unique shape of the wound, which she recognized was caused by a plum blossom three-edged dagger, similar to one given by her master (Bai Yi) and which was her senior sister Qing Li's weapon. She immediately went back to Bai Yi and asked about Qing Li's whereabouts, who was said to be at Wanshi Pavilion.
Fu Xiao stated that the princess's fatal wounds were inflicted by a plum blossom three-edged dagger, Qing Li's weapon, implying her suspicion. She looked at Bai Yi with suspicion. Qing Yun defended Qing Li, stating that despite her petty nature and jealousy, she wouldn't kill a Ning State princess and risk war. Fu Xiao clarified that she didn't suspect Bai Yi gave the order, but wondered if Qing Li might have acted alone.
Qing Yun accused Fu Xiao of still suspecting Bai Yi and suggested she arrest him if she truly believed it. Bai Yi intervened, stating he would return to Wanshi Pavilion with Qing Yun the next day to check on Qing Li and would hold her accountable if she was found responsible. Fu Xiao mused about Qing Li's possible motive, which also puzzled Bai Yi. Remembering something important, Fu Xiao left, asking to be kept informed.
Fu Xiao and Wei Tianjiao went to Doctor Qu, waking him to inquire about the Yudai Incense. Doctor Qu reported that after working for several days with the perfumers assigned by Yan Changyun, they had confirmed the presence of Zhu Yin Powder in the incense. However, the sophisticated techniques used by Ning State made it impossible to extract the substance from the incense itself.
Just then, Liu Yidao arrived, asking Doctor Qu for more of the medicine he had received previously, stating it had helped curb his craving for the Yudai Incense. Seeing this, Fu Xiao suggested that since the Zhu Yin Powder couldn't be extracted from the incense, they should try extracting it from Liu Yidao's body. Doctor Qu confirmed he knew of a "urine extraction method" mentioned in an old medical text that could potentially work.
They proceeded, prompting Liu Yidao to drink water to produce urine, and successfully demonstrated the presence of accumulated Zhu Yin Powder extracted from his system. The four men from Ning State arrived at the court, demanding an explanation for Princess Jiayang's death, which they described as a tragedy for a princess who came with good intentions for mutual prosperity.
They insisted that Yan Changyun, in whose arms she died, must be punished severely, demanding his execution and threatening that they had already informed Ning State and would launch their 100,000 cavalry if he was not executed. A Nancheng minister pushed back, stating their Qianyu Guards were equally capable. Fu Xiao arrived and was granted audience.
She addressed the envoys, stating Nancheng's sorrow for the princess's death and explaining that with the missing weapon and the unique wound pointing to a plum blossom three-edged dagger, it was clear someone else had committed the murder as part of a conspiracy. The Emperor agreed such a person was despicable.
Fu Xiao then asked the envoys to clarify another matter and had Liu Yidao brought in, describing him as the Emperor's most trusted eunuch, now incapacitated and inseparable from him. She showed his current state, weak and with dark eyes, stating it was a result of using their Yudai Incense. She presented the evidence from Doctor Qu: Zhu Yin Powder, a banned substance in Nancheng, was found in the incense and extracted from Liu Yidao.
She demanded an explanation from Ning State. Empowered by the evidence, the Emperor asserted Nancheng's strength and fearlessness despite valuing peace, and demanded an answer regarding the prohibited substance. The envoys denied any knowledge of Zhu Yin Powder being in the incense. The Emperor ruled that trade would continue, but the Yudai Incense was strictly forbidden. He also imposed an additional 20% tariff to compensate for the harm inflicted on his people.
Following the court session, the Emperor discussed the outcomes with Xiao Quan. Xiao Quan, eager to protect himself, agreed that Ning State's motives regarding the incense were questionable and that it should be banned. The Emperor stated that since Ning State was now in a position of culpability, he would not accede to their demand for Yan Changyun's execution.
He outlined his plan: to appease Ning State regarding the princess's death, he would find a criminal from the Ministry of Justice's death row to be sent to Ning State as the killer. Regarding Yan Changyun, while not the killer, he was guilty of dereliction of duty as commander responsible for the princess's safety. He would be severely punished by being demoted to a commoner and permanently removed from office, which would also satisfy the court officials. Xiao Quan assented.
An official decree announced Yan Changyun's demotion and permanent removal from office for dereliction of duty. Later, Fu Xiao prepared a meal for Yan Changyun upon his release, naming one dish "White with a Hint of Red" to ward off misfortune and another "Unity." She told him she knew he was aware of her efforts to clear his name and her challenge in court. Wei Tianjiao, who had been appointed the new Qianyu Guard commander, arrived and joined them.
Meanwhile, Chu Yue was seen sewing clothes for Yan Changyun late into the night. Her maid expressed concern, lamenting that Chu Yue had waited years without recognition, while Yan Changyun appeared quite fond of Fu Xiao, who had recently entered the picture, and they seemed close. Chu Yue dismissed her maid's worries.
Fu Xiao brought pomelo leaves to Yan Changyun, suggesting they could help remove bad luck after his time in prison, and also presented him with new clothes she had prepared. Yan Changyun apologized for making her worry. Fu Xiao responded that she had to worry because he was hers. They shared a tender moment, promising to protect each other.
Chu Yue arrived with the clothes she had sewn just as Yan Changyun told Fu Xiao that her being in danger was the greatest danger to him. Heartbroken by their closeness and his words, Chu Yue sadly left and was later shown burning the clothes she had made for him. The next day, Chu Yue sought out Xiao Quan.
She identified Fu Xiao as the killer of Guo Zhen and mentioned the Jade Ring Fu Xiao had taken from him, suggesting it might interest Xiao Quan as Yan Changyun didn't kill Fu Xiao because of it. Xiao Quan initially feigned disinterest, but Chu Yue pressed, arguing that anything Yan Changyun wanted so desperately must contain a significant secret.
Xiao Quan warned her about the dangers of excessive curiosity, but Chu Yue stated she was more afraid of losing someone important. She declared that Fu Xiao should not be involved with Yan Changyun, because he belonged to her. Xiao Quan agreed to help her, instructing his subordinate Xueying to keep a close watch on her.
After Chu Yue left, Xiao Quan pondered the Jade Ring, fearing it held evidence of his conspiracy with Guo Zhen and Ning State during the Guan You incident.
Flashbacks revealed Xiao Quan's past dealings, including plotting with Guo Zhen to use Zhu Yin Powder to overthrow Duke Qin and securing Guo Zhen's promise never to return to the capital, as well as discussions with Guo Zhen and a Ning State representative about destroying their tripartite agreement after the Qin family's demise.
Xiao Quan worried that Guo Zhen might have destroyed a fake agreement, and if Fu Xiao were to regain her memory and reveal the real Jade Ring, Yan Changyun could expose the Guan You incident secrets. Realizing the threat Fu Xiao posed, Xiao Quan concluded she could not be allowed to live and instructed Xueying to arrange a meeting with Bai Yi.
Episode 21 Recap
Yan Changyun informs Uncle Lei that Xiao Quan knows his true identity as Qin Yan. Uncle Lei expresses concern that the Emperor might harm Qin Yan, recalling it was the Emperor who ordered the execution of the Qin family. Xiao Quan's initial plan to seize power by using the princess's death to kill Yan Changyun failed, resulting only in Yan Changyun's dismissal.
To continue his scheme, Xiao Quan decides to target the Qin family's former subordinates to force Yan Changyun into action. He also instructs Bai Yi to eliminate Fu Xiao directly to prevent her from remembering the location of the jade ring, ensuring its secrets remain hidden forever. Xiao Quan warns Bai Yi that if Fu Xiao regains her memory, Yan Changyun will discover their collusion in instigating the Guan You incident.
Bai Yi realizes Xiao Quan has been manipulating him and resolves to obtain the jade ring to gain leverage over Xiao Quan. Fu Xiao creates a romantic atmosphere by scattering petals on the bed for Yan Changyun's return. However, upon entering, Yan Changyun is preoccupied with discussing the case of Princess Jiayang's death. Fu Xiao mentions meeting her master and tries to subtly guide the conversation towards the bedroom, but Yan Changyun remains focused on the investigation.
Seeing Yan Changyun is tired, Fu Xiao gently guides him onto the bed, where he immediately falls asleep. The following morning, Yan Changyun wakes to find Fu Xiao asleep next to him and affectionately strokes her hair. Fu Xiao wakes up, explaining she fell asleep unintentionally. As she prepares to leave, Yan Changyun pulls her back, expressing his happiness at seeing her upon waking.
Yan Changyun then indirectly asks how she would feel if he kept something from her, questioning if honesty is always necessary between loving individuals. Fu Xiao replies she doesn't mind secrets as long as he doesn't hide money. Suddenly, her poison symptoms reoccur, causing her to collapse in pain. Doctor Qu examines her and finds the poison has reached deep into her system, warning that without the antidote soon, she doesn't have much time left.
Bai Yi arrives with the antidote, but Yan Changyun is suspicious of his intentions. Despite his doubts, given Fu Xiao's critical condition, he decides they must try the antidote. Afterward, Bai Yi warns Yan Changyun to let Fu Xiao go, claiming she will kill him once her memories return. Yan Changyun refuses, believing Bai Yi is the one who intends to harm Fu Xiao.
Witnessing Yan Changyun's genuine affection for Fu Xiao, Bai Yi reveals they are both under Xiao Quan's control, relying on him for the monthly antidote. Yan Changyun is skeptical that they are merely coerced. Bai Yi insists that if Fu Xiao fails to kill Yan Changyun, Xiao Quan will kill her instead, adding that Yan Changyun, now a commoner, is powerless to protect her against Xiao Quan.
Upon learning of Bai Yi's meeting with Yan Changyun, Xiao Quan prepares to counter any potential threat, stating he is ready to kill Fu Xiao and seize the opportunity to eliminate Yan Changyun at the first sign of trouble. Yan Changyun observes Bai Yi eating watermelon with spices, a custom unique to Ning State, and suspects he might be Yi Heng, the second prince of Ning State. That night, Yan Changyun, disguised, confronts Bai Yi, and they recognize each other.
It is revealed that Yan Changyun (as Qin Yan) injured Bai Yi's legs during an encounter fifteen years ago, causing his permanent disability. Bai Yi admits he is no match for Yan Changyun and warns that if Yan Changyun dies, Fu Xiao will lose her only source of the antidote. He also contends that even without Ning State's involvement, the Qin family's immense power would have inevitably led the Southern Emperor to view them as a threat.
The next day, Yan Changyun reports to the Emperor that Xiao Quan confessed to being the mastermind behind the incident fifteen years ago and is also involved in the princess's death. Yan Changyun offers himself as bait to draw Xiao Quan out. He then instructs Wei Tianjiao to sell off all his assets, convert them to silver, and arrange for traps to be set up at his residence.
He also entrusts Wei Tianjiao with the care and well-being of their brothers (presumably the Qianyu Guards). That evening, Yan Changyun visits Fu Xiao and finds her writing a list of future activities she wishes to do together. Chu Yue plans to invite Yan Changyun to her birthday celebration but sees him affectionately interacting with Fu Xiao. Enraged, she approaches Xiao Quan, urging him to eliminate Fu Xiao.
Xiao Quan advises against killing Fu Xiao immediately, suggesting instead that Chu Yue should sow discord between Yan Changyun and Fu Xiao as a more effective way to truly win his heart. Uncle Lei discovers Chu Yue's intentions regarding Fu Xiao and reprimands his daughter, expressing disappointment in how she has changed and questioning her actions, which could jeopardize their plans, particularly concerning the jade ring.
Chu Yue tearfully explains the hardship she endured for fifteen years in the Yunshao Division, sustained only by the hope of marrying Yan Changyun, a dream she now sees slipping away. Seeing his daughter's deep-seated desire, Uncle Lei appears resigned. Fu Xiao speaks with the Empress, confessing she has no affection for the Emperor and was never pregnant with his child. She reveals that Yan Changyun is the only person she loves.
The Empress expresses her understanding and offers her sincere blessings to Fu Xiao and Yan Changyun. Later, Fu Xiao notices Chu Yue behaving secretively and follows her to a courtyard. There, she discovers Uncle Lei, the man who had previously attempted to kill her. Inside, she overhears Uncle Lei and Chu Yue discussing Yan Changyun's relationship with Fu Xiao.
They imply his affection is a calculated strategy to gain Fu Xiao's trust and obtain the jade ring as part of his plan to avenge the Qin family's extermination. They also refer to Yan Changyun as the son of Duke Ding, implicitly identifying him as Qin Yan. Upon hearing this, Fu Xiao is shocked, unable to believe that Yan Changyun, whom she loves, would be the person responsible for the death of her parents fifteen years ago. She resolves to seek the truth from Yan Changyun himself.
Episode 22 Recap
Fu Xiao confronted Yan Changyun, recognizing him as Qin Yan, and he admitted his identity. Fu Xiao reminded him that her family had saved him fifteen years ago, yet he had ordered their deaths. Someone present commented that her parents died because of him and asked if he feared her hatred. Yan Changyun replied that he had only approached her to get the jade ring and could not have loved her, then demanded the jade ring's location.
As he prepared to strike, Fu Xiao stabbed him with an arrow. Just then, Cheng arrived and knocked Fu Xiao unconscious. Yan Changyun, wounded, instructed Bai Yi to honor a promise before losing consciousness. Fu Xiao was then taken away by her master, Bai Yi. The Empress looked out sadly. The Emperor placed a coat around her shoulders, noting the cold weather. She wondered if he could have loved her had she not been born into the Xiao family.
The Emperor replied that his position made it difficult to gain true affection or truly love someone, stating he cherished her comfort and warmth but acknowledged it was not love. The Empress accepted this, expressing her willingness to give everything for him without regret. News reached the Emperor that Fu Xiao had attempted to kill Yan Changyun. He rushed to see him and ordered the imperial physician to spare no effort in saving Yan Changyun's life, emphasizing its critical condition.
The physician confirmed Yan Changyun was severely injured with a faint pulse but promised to try his best. The Emperor then asked about Fu Xiao and was told her master had taken her away, wondering aloud why she would attack Yan Changyun. At the Wanshi Pavilion, Fu Xiao woke up after taking an antidote from Bai Yi, which he said would fully cure her poison. She asked where she was and was told she was safe at Wanshi Pavilion.
She expressed a desire to return to check on something. Bai Yi urged her to let go of the past, including her enmity with Yan Changyun, and to forget about him. Fu Xiao insisted her hatred for him was irreconcilable and she just wanted to confirm if he was dead. Bai Yi encouraged her to let everything go.
Chu Yue stayed by Yan Changyun's bedside as he recovered, speaking her thoughts about wanting Fu Xiao to leave him while he repeatedly called out Fu Xiao's name. When he woke, he found Fu Xiao was not there and knew Fu Xiao had stabbed him because of Chu Yue. Despite Uncle Lei's plea for Chu Yue, apologizing for his own actions, Yan Changyun dismissed her, saying he didn't want to see her again.
Uncle Lei apologized for his foolishness in the matter, but Yan Changyun stated he owed them all and would make it right for everyone. Xiao Quan was informed that Yan Changyun survived Fu Xiao's attack and that Bai Yi had taken Fu Xiao. Someone suggested killing Fu Xiao, but Xiao Quan wondered what Bai Yi's intentions were. His focus was on the Ning State. He was told their preparations were complete and they could act anytime.
Xiao Quan decided to use the situation to force "Qin Yan" to appear, wondering if he would come out or let the Qin family remnants die. The Emperor was notified that the Ning State envoy had returned and the Ning State had brazenly declared war, demanding the execution of Yan Changyun, using the death of Princess Jiayang as a pretext. The Emperor, feeling insulted, initially ordered troops to the border.
However, ministers discussed the gravity of the situation, highlighting the strength of the Ning State cavalry and the potential suffering of the people if war broke out. They urged the Emperor to consider the bigger picture and the welfare of the citizens. The Emperor was torn between fighting and yielding to the demand to kill Yan Changyun, whom he protected. Xiao Quan suggested finding a scapegoat if Yan Changyun could not be sacrificed.
He proposed blaming the Guanyou remnants, stating they had old grievances with Ning State from fifteen years ago and new ones with Nancheng after the action taken against the Qin family. He argued that they could be framed for the Princess's murder, and their elimination would both appease Ning State and remove an internal threat. The other ministers concurred, deeming it the best strategy.
Cheng informed Yan Changyun about the Ning State's demands, the Emperor's reluctance to go to war, Xiao Quan's suggestion, and the decision to blame the Qin family remnants for the Princess's death and execute them all to prevent invasion. Yan Changyun was shocked and immediately ordered his attire prepared to go to the palace. Cheng warned him that Xiao Quan intended to use this to have the Emperor kill him, but Yan Changyun insisted on going.
Yan Changyun met the Emperor, who was already aware of the court's decision and initially told Yan to leave. Yan pleaded for the innocent Qin family remnants, offering his own life for the peace of Nancheng. He then revealed his true identity: Qin Yan, the sole surviving son of Duke Qin, who escaped the massacre fifteen years ago, lived under a false name, and rose through the military to become the Qianyu Guard commander, intending to clear his family's name.
Now, he was willing to surrender if the innocent could be spared. The Emperor stated he couldn't kill him, asking who would protect him if he did. Yan Changyun countered that the Emperor had long suspected his identity, citing moments like his shrimp allergy being exposed or being taught the Nine Petal Thrust as deliberate tests. He knew this day would come.
The Emperor confessed he kept the secret because Yan Changyun never harmed him but always protected him, cherishing their old bond. However, he felt forced by the dire situation to agree to Xiao Quan's plan. Yan Changyun insisted on bearing the blame alone, stating he had no remaining attachments. When asked about Fu Xiao, he said she didn't belong there, implying he couldn't give her a future, and reiterated he didn't want to implicate anyone else, especially her.
The Emperor remarked that Fu Xiao was far more courageous, daring to love and hate. Seeing Yan Changyun's determination to die for the others, the Emperor agreed and ordered him imprisoned in the heavenly prison under strict guard, forbidding anyone from approaching him. He then instructed Feng to draft an edict announcing Yan Changyun's incarceration and impending execution to the public. Xiao Quan was informed that Yan Changyun had revealed his identity, was imprisoned, and would soon be executed.
He expressed satisfaction that "Qin Yan" had finally appeared and surrendered. He reflected that Yan had guarded the Emperor for years, preventing his own plans from advancing. Believing that with Yan Changyun gone, Nancheng would be vulnerable, like a toothless tiger, allowing their forces to advance, he planned to act immediately after Yan Changyun's execution.
The Emperor reflected on being forced to use Yan Changyun as a last resort and hoped he understood his predicament, noting that Xiao Quan's forces were already showing signs of plotting as expected. At Wanshi Pavilion, Bai Yi spoke to Fu Xiao, suggesting love could blind a person and that her history with Yan Changyun should conclude.
He prompted her to think about the item Yan Changyun was seeking and its hidden meaning, mentioning the jade ring and asking if she knew where it was. Fu Xiao, still pretending to have amnesia, said she couldn't remember anything beyond getting a jade roller made for his leg, which delayed her return, and claimed thinking about it gave her headaches. Bai Yi urged her not to push herself and focus on her health. Fu Xiao thanked him and left.
Fu Xiao confronted her senior sister, Qing Li, asking if she killed Princess Jiayang. Qing Li denied it, warning Fu Xiao not to make wild accusations. Fu Xiao produced the plum blossom dagger Bai Yi had gifted her, noting the Princess's fatal wound matched it. Qing Li admitted to the murder, stating it was on their master's orders as a means to eliminate Yan Changyun.
She justified it as punishing evil and expressed disdain for those prioritizing emotional attachments over their mission, citing Yan Changyun willingly taking Fu Xiao's stab wound to save her as foolishness. Qing Li initially claimed Yan died by her hand but then revealed he didn't die from the stab but was now imprisoned as Qin Yan, the fugitive, awaiting execution by the court.
Fu Xiao was visibly shocked by the revelation of his identity and capture, recalling Yan Changyun's words telling her to forget him and live happily. She realized her master had lied about not being involved in the Princess's death and that she had misunderstood Yan Changyun. Bai Yi checked on Fu Xiao again, stating the poison was gone and her blood was clearing, asking if she remembered anything.
She continued to feign amnesia, expressing nostalgia for Wanshi Pavilion's past life before these events. She offered to massage Bai Yi's leg using the jade roller she had made, interacting briefly with Qing Yun before doing so. She deliberately dropped the roller and quickly picked it up, offering to repair it immediately, which Bai Yi allowed. In her room, Fu Xiao took the jade ring out of the roller.
She examined it closely, confused about why both Yan Changyun and Bai Yi were searching for it and what its secret could be. As she handled it, she accidentally triggered a mechanism, and a piece of paper fell out. She read the paper, her expression turning to shock. The next day, Qing Yun massaged Bai Yi's leg with the roller and noticed it felt lighter and didn't move as smoothly as before.
Bai Yi took it and found something missing inside. He asked for Fu Xiao's whereabouts. Learning she wasn't in her room and no one had seen her since the previous night, Bai Yi immediately sent a message via carrier pigeon instructing Qing Li to pursue her. Fu Xiao rode towards the capital with the evidence. On the way, she was intercepted by a masked figure, whom she recognized as the one who had killed everyone in her village fifteen years ago.
Episode 23 Recap
Fu Xiao confronted the masked figure, recognizing him as the one responsible for the massacre of her family and village fifteen years prior. She attacked, and the masked man's subordinates proved no match for her. As she moved towards the masked figure, a masked woman intervened. Fu Xiao tore off the woman's mask, revealing her to be a subordinate, confirming the masked man was indeed Xiao Quan. As Fu Xiao prepared to kill Xiao Quan, Bai Yi appeared, stopping her.
Bai Yi claimed that the suffering in Ning State was caused by Qin Yan and demanded Fu Xiao hand over a jade ring. Fu Xiao refused, stating she could not stand by and watch Yan Changyun die unjustly or allow Bai Yi to ruin Nancheng State. Bai Yi insisted the Qin family deserved death, citing Qin Wenzhong for killing countless Ning soldiers and Qin Yan for causing him to lose his legs.
He declared he could finally fulfill Ning State's grand ambition and return to royalty with honor, offering to take Fu Xiao with him. Fu Xiao countered that he was the one being stubborn, questioning how he could start another war between two countries for personal gain. Bai Yi ordered her to be silenced. Just as he made his move, Uncle Lei arrived with reinforcements to aid Fu Xiao.
Uncle Lei was severely wounded protecting Fu Xiao, while Qing Li was killed by Uncle Lei. Uncle Lei managed to lead Fu Xiao away. Knowing that the jade ring containing critical evidence was being taken back towards the capital, Xiao Quan realized he could not return to the capital and decided to remain outside for now, aiming to preserve strength and find a way to save the Queen.
Severely injured, Uncle Lei spoke to A Cheng, asking him to relay a message to Yan Changyun: asking him not to hold his past mistakes regarding Chu Yue against him. Uncle Lei also apologized to Fu Xiao, urging her to ensure the contents of the jade ring returned to clear the Qin family's name, stating that if the evidence could bring justice, he would die without regret.
In his final moments, he expressed his only lingering worry was Chu Yue and his failure as a father, and he asked Fu Xiao to help fulfill Chu Yue's greatest wish to marry Yan Changyun. Fu Xiao promised she would. In the imperial court, ministers were divided regarding Qin Yan (Yan Changyun), some supporting him, others calling for his immediate execution. Fu Xiao was brought into the palace by Wei Tianjiao.
She presented the jade ring and revealed the secret contained within: a silk cloth. She announced this was the tripartite agreement from the Guan You incident fifteen years ago, proving that Xiao Quan had colluded with General Guo Zhen and the Ning royal family, secretly spreading a powder/substance among the troops to frame Duke Dingguo Qin Wenzhong and orchestrate the incident, leading to the Emperor's decree to annihilate the Qin family. She declared Xiao Quan was the true mastermind.
The Emperor, seeing the evidence, ordered Xiao Quan's immediate arrest. He then ordered Qin Yan released from prison. However, the Grand Empress Dowager arrived and intervened, forbidding Qin Yan's release. She questioned the authenticity of the document, arguing the Guan You incident had been settled by the Emperor himself, and could not be overturned based on an unverified paper.
Fu Xiao vehemently defended Yan Changyun, asserting that the person who committed the crime of deceiving the Emperor was Xiao Quan, who fabricated the injustice. Seeing the heated dispute, the Emperor postponed the decision and adjourned the court. Later that night, the Emperor went to the prison. Outside the cell, he heard the sound of a Jade bone whistle, indicating Fu Xiao's return. The Emperor showed Qin Yan the silk cloth containing the truth.
He proposed a plan to cooperate, stating that "Qin Yan must die." Qin Yan, though he knew the Emperor now knew the truth, remained detained because the Emperor felt bound by circumstance; releasing him would make it difficult to explain to the people of Nancheng State, and royal prestige was paramount. In the face of upholding the empire, sometimes right and wrong were not the most important. Meanwhile, in the palace, people avoided those from the Queen's Fengyi Palace.
The Queen learned through gossip that her brother, Lord Xiao, was the conspirator behind the Guan You incident and had fled. Devastated, she confronted the Emperor, offering her own life to spare her brother's. The Emperor acknowledged her sincerity and did not implicate her in her brother's crime, stating that Xiao Quan's crimes had nothing to do with her. However, the Grand Empress Dowager arrived, demanding the childless Queen be banished to the cold palace after four years of marriage.
The Emperor, no longer willing to be controlled, asserted his authority, saying he should have been making his own decisions long ago, and ordered his attendants to escort the Grand Empress Dowager back to her residence. He told the Queen he had his own plans and she should focus on recovering in the palace. Chu Yue mourned by her father Lei's memorial. Fu Xiao arrived to pay her respects.
Chu Yue directed her resentment at Fu Xiao, blaming her for her father's death and for Yan Changyun being imprisoned, feeling that since Fu Xiao appeared, everything had changed, ruining her hopes of being with Yan Changyun forever as her man. Fu Xiao told Chu Yue she would leave Yan Changyun but would never forgive or bless Chu Yue, viewing her as selfish and unworthy of true love because she only thought of herself.
Fu Xiao coerced Feng, a eunuch, to accompany her to the prison with a forged imperial edict. She read the decree, supposedly from the Emperor, banishing Yan Changyun from the capital permanently as punishment for his alleged crimes, with his past service used to mitigate the sentence, due to the Emperor's benevolence. Yan Changyun immediately recognized the edict was fake and knew the Emperor would not release him, as it would be politically impossible to explain to the world.
He told Fu Xiao he couldn't leave and couldn't implicate her in such a dangerous act of forging an edict. Despite his refusal, Fu Xiao insisted he come with her, saying she wouldn't want to live if he died, believing risking her life for him was worth it. When he still refused, Fu Xiao knocked him unconscious and set fire to the prison. The next day, Fu Xiao confessed her actions to the Emperor.
The Emperor was furious, listing her crimes: coercing the eunuch, forging the edict, freeing Yan Changyun, and burning the prison, stating each was unforgivable. He ordered Yan Changyun pursued. Fu Xiao threatened to kill herself if the Emperor did not spare Yan Changyun. She offered to marry him and serve him for life in exchange for Yan Changyun's safety, asking if he would let Yan Changyun live.
Seeing her selflessness, the Emperor accepted her offer, stating that since she had decided, he would grant her wish, but from now on, she must stay by his side forever. He ordered the Ministry of Rites to prepare for her ennoblement as a consort. While unconscious, Yan Changyun was taken out of the capital by A Cheng. When he awoke, he asked about Fu Xiao.
A Cheng informed him they had left the capital, but Fu Xiao had stayed behind in the palace. Shocked, Yan Changyun learned Fu Xiao had forged the edict to save him and was now marrying the Emperor, with the ennoblement ceremony set for the second day of the second month, stating she was going to become a Royal Noble Consort. Hearing this, Yan Changyun reacted with pain and coughed up blood.
A Cheng told him returning now would be futile and would negate Fu Xiao's sacrifice. A Cheng then gave him something Fu Xiao had asked him to deliver before they left. Fu Xiao found herself by a river, recalling memories of being with Yan Changyun, realizing her beloved was gone. She then visited the military camp, finding it unchanged but Yan Changyun absent. The Emperor came looking for her, knowing she would be there.
Fu Xiao told him her final request was that on her wedding day, she wanted to be married from Yan Changyun's former residence. The Emperor agreed. Fu Xiao visited the Queen, who was restricted to her palace and looked pale, suffering from a "heart sickness." Fu Xiao informed her she was marrying the Emperor. The Queen asked about Yan Changyun, and Fu Xiao lied, saying he was burned to death in the prison fire.
The Queen expressed sympathy, seeing Fu Xiao as unfortunate like herself, unable to marry the man she loved and feeling like a pawn in larger schemes despite her love. She asked Fu Xiao to forget Yan Changyun and take good care of the Emperor on her behalf. Fu Xiao stated she had made up her mind that even marrying the Emperor, she would maintain her distance and never cross the line, asserting the Emperor still belonged to the Queen. The Queen responded sadly, suggesting she might not be able to stay by the Emperor's side much longer in the future.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Upon hearing that the prison had caught fire and that Yan Changyun had supposedly perished with no remains found, Xiao Quan initially dismissed it as a trick. However, when he learned that Fu Xiao was to be married to the Emperor and made an Imperial Noble Consort, he began to reconsider.
He reasoned that Fu Xiao and Yan Changyun shared a deep bond, and she would never agree to marry the Emperor if Yan Changyun were still alive, leading him to believe Yan Changyun was truly dead. He then received news that Queen Heng had been confined and was gravely ill with no one to care for her, concluding that she had been implicated because of him.
Declaring he could wait no longer, he instructed his subordinate, Xueying, to carry out her designated task. Xiao Quan also met with Bai Yi, urging him that the time was right for them to act now that Yan Changyun was dead and Fu Xiao was being ennobled.
Bai Yi, having recently lost two beloved apprentices and having personally ordered the death of his own sister, expressed doubt, questioning if everything they had done was worth it and if their actions were right or wrong, acknowledging that those he cared for and who cared for him had left him.
Xiao Quan, however, was solely focused on seizing the throne, insisting that he had waited years for this moment and demanded Bai Yi write a letter to arrange for the Ning State cavalry to pressure the borders so they could attack from within and without. He promised that once he took the throne, he would support Bai Yi in becoming the King of the Ning State, seeing it as a mutually beneficial plan.
Meanwhile, Chu Yue watched the courtyard being prepared for the wedding with lingering resentment towards Fu Xiao, angry that she was marrying the Emperor so soon after Yan Changyun's apparent death. Wei Tianjiao found Chu Yue and urged her to let go of her hate, revealing that Fu Xiao's marriage to the Emperor was a sacrifice to secure Yan Changyun's life.
Shocked to learn that Yan Changyun was still alive, Chu Yue finally understood the depth of Fu Xiao's actions and her own shortcomings in comparison. As Fu Xiao's ennoblement ceremony to Imperial Noble Consort was underway, with the Queen personally presenting her with the golden scroll and golden seal, Xiao Quan led his forces in a covert assault on the palace.
Just as the ceremony concluded and the Emperor and Fu Xiao were being invited forward, guards rushed in to report that the palace was under attack and rebel forces had breached the defenses. Fu Xiao immediately drew a sword to protect the Emperor. Xiao Quan then appeared, revealing himself as the leader of the mutiny. Queen Heng was visibly shocked to see her brother leading the rebels.
The Emperor confronted Xiao Quan, warning him that traitors like him would face a dire end. Xiao Quan retorted, claiming it was not for the Emperor to decide whether he was a traitor or chosen by fate. At that moment, Yan Changyun arrived with the Qianyu Guards to aid the Emperor. When Xiao Quan moved to attack the Emperor, Yan Changyun stepped forward. Xiao Quan turned, stunned to see Yan Changyun alive.
It was revealed that the Emperor had anticipated this and set a trap, deploying secret guards who emerged from hiding and swiftly eliminated Xiao Quan's remaining forces. Left alone, Xiao Quan put down his weapon, declaring he would accept whatever fate the Emperor decreed. However, he secretly drew a hidden dagger and lunged towards the Emperor. Seeing the danger, Queen Heng sacrificed herself, rushing towards Xiao Quan and being stabbed by him.
As she lay dying, Queen Heng told the Emperor that perhaps marrying him was a mistake from the start, but she was content to have met him in this lifetime. Xiao Quan was overcome with grief, crying out in anguish over his sister's death. Xiao Quan was apprehended, and the news of his failed coup spread rapidly among the populace.
Hearing of the events, Bai Yi and his remaining apprentice decided to leave the Nancheng State, knowing there was no longer a place for them there and choosing not to see Fu Xiao again. The Emperor went to Queen Heng's palace, where Fu Xiao presented him with orchid powder that the Queen had personally prepared, grinding her own orchids and sandalwood together to make a calming scent, having worried about his sleep.
The Emperor finally realized the depth of her unspoken care for him and was filled with regret for his past indifference. He found clothes by the bed that the Queen had sewn for him overnight, deepening his sorrow. Xiao Quan was exiled to the frontier, attempting to commit suicide multiple times along the way, but his escorts prevented him from dying so easily. Meanwhile, Chu Yue, seeking atonement, had her head shaved and became a nun.
The Emperor held a list of officials who had secretly aided Xiao Quan, causing fear among his ministers. However, the Emperor declared he would not pursue the matter further, dramatically burning the list before them. He announced decrees to reduce taxes and focus on the nation's recovery and development, assuring his officials that with united hearts, Nancheng would achieve peace and prosperity.
The Emperor issued a decree to the entire nation, clarifying that the Qin Family had been falsely accused and victimized by Xiao Quan during the Guanyou Incident. The decree exonerated all those previously implicated, posthumously elevated Qin Wenzhong, the former Duke, to First Rank Duke status, and allowed the Qin family to be enshrined in the Royal Ancestral Temple, clearing their name after fifteen years of injustice.
Yan Changyun finally visited his parents' graves, presenting the imperial decree and tearfully informing them that the Qin family's injustice had been cleared, and they were no longer branded as traitors. The Emperor summoned Yan Changyun and Fu Xiao to reward them for their crucial contributions. He asked Fu Xiao what she desired as a reward. Fu Xiao playfully listed mansions, jewels, and gold, counting on her fingers before Yan Changyun interrupted her lightly.
She then changed her answer, stating that she wanted nothing else in this life except him. Yan Changyun then made his own request, asking the Emperor for permission to go to the frontier with Wei Tianjiao to help defend the nation against the lingering threat from the Ning State cavalry, fighting alongside his friend. The Emperor, impressed by his sincerity, granted his request.
Fu Xiao readily declared that she would go with him, unwilling to be separated from him ever again. Later, the Emperor explained the elaborate plan to Fu Xiao, revealing that Yan Changyun's death was faked in the prison fire.
He explained that this design, conceived with Yan Changyun (Qin Yan), was necessary because only by making Xiao Quan believe Yan Changyun was gone would Xiao Quan feel confident enough to launch his rebellion without concern for Yan Changyun's loyal Qianyu Guards, thus walking into the Emperor's trap.
He admitted that their marriage was part of this scheme; since Fu Xiao had suggested he marry her during their earlier interactions, the Emperor had simply gone along with it, realizing it would effectively convince the suspicious Xiao Quan that Yan Changyun was dead. Afterward, Yan Changyun wryly asked the Emperor if he had perhaps planned to keep Fu Xiao for himself after faking Yan Changyun's death.
The Emperor insisted that his heart held no romantic affections and was solely focused on the well-being of the empire and its people. Yan Changyun then bid the Emperor farewell, acknowledging the uncertainty of when they might meet again. Fu Xiao linked arms with Yan Changyun as they left the vast imperial palace, acknowledging the many events they had lived through there but choosing to leave the past behind and focus on their future together.
Before departing for the frontier, Yan Changyun took Fu Xiao to visit her parents' graves. She recalled being terrified the day they were killed and being unable to find their bodies when she returned at dawn, expressing gratitude that Yan Changyun had given them a proper burial. She showed him a yam flower purse she found at the site of their demise, a reminder of the tragic event.
At the grave, Yan Changyun promised her parents that he would take good care of Fu Xiao from now on. They then revisited their dilapidated old childhood home, reminiscing about playing together as children. Yan Changyun marveled that after believing he would never see her again, they had reunited in the vast world. Fu Xiao remembered their childhood game of practicing wedding rites, speculating that perhaps they were destined to be together forever from that moment on.
