Oh My General Recap, Plot, Synopsis, Total Episodes

Oh My General Synopsis

During the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, Ye Zhao, the daughter of General Ye Zhong, grew up dressing up as a man. She was skilled in martial arts and was very heroic.

At the age of 16, she was entrusted with an important task by the imperial court and went into battle, killing countless enemies and gaining fame.

As Ye Zhao led the Ye family army to gain a great victory at the border, the emperor appointed Ye Zhao as the Grand General.

However, Ye Zhao told the emperor that she was actually a girl and the court was shocked.

Empress Dowager Liu had been worried about Ye Zhao’s army threatening the emperor’s power, so she made an imperial decree to marry Ye Zhao to the emperor’s nephew, the useless Lord Nanping, Zhao Yujin.

One is a “Lord Yama King” ( Greatest of the Lords of Death), a powerful female general who kills the enemy without blinking an eye on the frontier, and the other is a beautiful county prince who has been spoiled since childhood and is eager to fight for the country. Then, the story unfolded…

Oh My General Recap

Episode 1 Recap

In the vast desert, the masked, blue-clad "Ye Zhao" leads the "Ye Family Army" to a decisive victory over the invading Liao forces, personally slaying the renowned Liao general Yelu Dadun. News of her triumph reaches the Song court, where the Emperor and Empress Dowager are delighted. However, during discussions about her reward, ministers like Minister Lu voice concerns about her burgeoning power, while others champion her contributions.

The Emperor defers a final decision, tasking "Ye Zhao" with reclaiming lost territories. " Ye Zhao" continues her campaign, successfully capturing Liao Prince Yelu Hong, thus securing a complete victory for the Song dynasty. Elated, the Emperor orders her return for commendation. Soon after, a shocking discovery is reported to the Emperor: "Ye Zhao" is a woman. He dispatches his trusted eunuch Jiang to the Zhenguo Duke's manor for verification, who confirms her gender despite the Duke's attempts to obfuscate.

Disturbed, the Emperor consults the Empress Dowager. She cleverly suggests that instead of seeing "Ye Zhao's" gender as a threat, they should arrange a marriage for her, believing a woman's inherent desire for a good match will neutralize any rebellious ambitions. The Emperor agrees, subsequently enfeoffing "Ye Zhao" as Xuanwu Hou and Grand Marshal, but with the underlying intention to marry her off upon her return to the capital.

During her journey back, "Ye Zhao", accompanied by her attendants "Qiu Shui" and "Qiu Hua", encounters a clueless new recruit named Xu Duohua. She also sees a captivating mural of a handsome man on a cliff face, stirring fond memories of a youth who once saved her. Later, by a lake, "Hu Qing" attempts to express his long-held affection for "Ye Zhao", but she, oblivious, only laments that her rough military life would deter any man.

She then receives the imperial decree detailing the peace treaty and her new titles. That night, "Ye Zhao" joyfully announces the peace to her soldiers, allowing them to finally return home to their families after years of defending the border. Meanwhile, in the bustling capital, at the famous Xinghua Tower, the exceptionally beautiful "Zhao Yujin" captivates everyone with a mesmerizing fan dance. He performs this dance to earn enough money to redeem a courtesan, astonishing patrons with his talent and charm.

Episode 2 Recap

News spreads in the capital of "Ye Zhao"'s great victory and triumphant return, celebrated by the populace. Meanwhile, "Zhao Taifei" and the Wangfei are shopping when they overhear rumors describing "Ye Zhao" as a murderous "living Yama," terrifying "Zhao Taifei". Soon after, an imperial edict arrives, declaring "Zhao Yujin" to be granted the title of Nanping Junwang and married to "Ye Zhao". Upon hearing this, "Zhao Taifei" faints. "

Zhao Yujin", initially drinking with friends and mistakenly believing "Ye Zhao" is a man, is horrified by the news, causing him to faint and later attempt to flee by jumping into a river. His own concubines beg him to divorce them, fearing "Ye Zhao"'s arrival. Distraught, "Zhao Yujin" writes to his friends, desperately seeking a way out of the marriage. " Ye Zhao" is granted a grand welcome by the Emperor and officials upon her return.

The Emperor bestows upon her high honors and announces her marriage to "Zhao Yujin". Though initially surprised, "Ye Zhao" soon smiles, seemingly pleased with the match. She returns to her estate, where she, along with "Hu Qing", "Qiu Lao Hu", "Qiu Shui", and "Qiu Hua", pays respects at the ancestral hall. Upon learning of "Zhao Yujin"'s reputation as a dandy, "Qiu Shui" and "Qiu Hua" are dismayed, but "Ye Zhao"'s primary concern is his appearance. "

Ye Zhao"'s sister-in-law, determined to prepare her for marriage, insists on teaching her feminine etiquette. " Ye Zhao" is reluctant, stating "a big man" like herself doesn't need such things. Nevertheless, she is dressed in female attire and undergoes training in graceful walking (with books on her head and tied legs), flower arrangement (which she attempts to apply military strategies to, giving flowers names like "No Escape for the Winged"), and needlework. She also resists learning traditional "female virtues" and reciting the "Nüjie," citing the unconventional nature of the Ye family women, but eventually agrees to comply when her sister-in-law becomes disheartened.

Episode 3 Recap

Ye Zhao is tasked by her sister-in-law to embroider a phoenix on her wedding gown, a task she finds impossible due to her poor needlework. Hu Qing, secretly in love with Ye Zhao, sees her distress and tries to surprise her with a beautiful wedding dress he prepared. Ye Zhao, mistaking him for an attacker, almost strikes him before recognizing him. Ye Zhao is delighted by the gown and tries it on, asking Hu Qing if she looks good.

Hu Qing, deeply enamored, affirms her beauty. Ye Zhao invites Hu Qing to drink. They share a joyful time. Afterwards, Hu Qing returns to his dwelling, deeply saddened by his beloved's impending marriage, drowning his sorrows in wine and poetry. On the wedding day, Chang'an is bustling. The dowry for Ye Zhao is immense, comprising contributions from the Ye family, the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and various nobles.

At the Prince's Mansion, Zhao Yujin is solely focused on escaping his unwanted marriage. Overhearing people mockingly comment on his beauty complementing Ye Zhao's talent, he is infuriated. Using the excuse of needing to relieve himself, Zhao Yujin attempts his escape. He has pre-arranged assistance: Liu Long prepares tranquilizers for guards, Zhang Gui provides a ladder, and Guo Yuanjing uses a cuckoo call as a signal.

With the help of his concubines forming a human ladder, Zhao Yujin manages to climb over the wall, believing his escape successful. In her sedan chair, Ye Zhao senses something amiss. She dispatches Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua to investigate. The sisters find Zhao Yujin attempting to flee and, without hesitation, apprehend him, dragging him back to the mansion for the wedding ceremony. Ye Zhao's procession arrives. She disembarks, seemingly unfazed by the onlookers, and walks directly to the altar.

Zhao Yujin is unwillingly brought before her. Just as the ceremony is about to begin, the Emperor and Empress arrive. Zhao Yujin immediately protests the marriage to the Emperor, only to be sternly reprimanded and threatened with execution if he refuses. Zhao Yujin reluctantly agrees to proceed. Ye Zhao's grandfather, the Town Protector, causes a stir by playfully referring to Ye Zhao as his "grandson" and Zhao Yujin as his "granddaughter-in-law," even humorously touching Zhao Yujin's belly.

Despite Zhao Yujin's renewed protests and the Emperor's warnings, the ceremony proceeds under imperial witness, formalizing the union. Later that night, Zhao Yujin is unhappily forced into the bridal chamber by Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua. Upon entering, he finds the room filled with an array of weapons, which displeases him greatly. Zhao Yujin confronts Ye Zhao, who is sitting by the bed, declaring that he only considers her a "decoration" and intends to spend the night elsewhere.

Ye Zhao is visibly saddened as he leaves. Zhao Yujin attempts to find solace with his concubines, but they all refuse him, fearing Ye Zhao's wrath. With nowhere else to go, Zhao Yujin seeks refuge in his study. He even tries to send a servant for a pillow and blanket, but the servant flees in terror. While Zhao Yujin sits brooding in the study, Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua deliver bedding, taking the opportunity to mock him. Suddenly, Ye Zhao enters the study, signaling for Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua to leave.

Episode 4 Recap

Ye Zhao forces Zhao Yujin to lift her bridal veil by pulling his hand, declaring their marriage complete. Zhao Yujin is initially resistant and curses Ye Zhao but is stunned by her appearance once the veil is lifted. The next morning, Zhao Yujin attempts to leave his study but is blocked by Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua, who insist he can only leave after consummating the marriage with Ye Zhao.

Outside the mansion, Liu Long and Zhang Gui facilitate Zhao Yujin's escape. Zhang Gui distracts Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua by imitating a cuckoo bird, allowing Zhao Yujin to climb a ladder over the wall and escape the estate. Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua discover and reprimand Zhang Gui, but Zhao Yujin is long gone. Meanwhile, Ye Zhao practices bowing outside the Grand Dowager's chambers. The Princess Consort approaches and, seeing Ye Zhao's intent, accompanies her inside.

The Grand Dowager, displeased with Ye Zhao, refuses her tea and gifts her a pair of white jade bracelets, urging her to become a gentle and virtuous wife. Ye Zhao immediately puts them on and tries a few martial arts movements to test if they hinder her. This infuriates the Grand Dowager, who feels misunderstood and retreats.

The Princess Consort comforts Ye Zhao, discreetly informing her about Zhao Yujin's household: Yang Shi is a concubine, while Meiniang and Xuan'er are "tongfang yahuan" (concubine-like maids). Ye Zhao is grateful for the information. Elsewhere, Yang Shi, Meiniang, and Xuan'er are terrified of meeting Ye Zhao, fearing she is a "living Yama" who will harm them. They decide to dress plainly and without makeup for their visit. Upon entering Ye Zhao's room, they are visibly trembling.

Ye Zhao, finding them merely odd, shows no malice. Instead, she gifts them valuable jewelry and, seeing Yang Shi's intelligence, appoints her to manage the household affairs, stating her own preoccupation with military matters. The concubines are relieved and surprised by Ye Zhao's kind demeanor, finding her not as terrifying as they had imagined, and even beginning to like her. Ye Zhao continues her daily martial arts practice in the courtyard, using a long spear.

Qiu Shui, Qiu Hua, Meiniang, and Xuan'er watch her, with Meiniang and Xuan'er particularly impressed by her prowess, expressing a desire to learn from her. Ye Zhao encourages them, saying anyone willing can try. Their laughter is interrupted when the Grand Dowager arrives, ordering Ye Zhao to find Zhao Yujin and bring him back.

Ye Zhao is reluctant, but the Grand Dowager threatens to take her own life and demands Ye Zhao kneel and beg Zhao Yujin if he refuses to return. Though inwardly defiant, Ye Zhao agrees out of respect for her elder. Zhao Yujin has been away from the mansion for seven days, engaging in leisure activities. He watches a wrestling match with friends, winning a small bet. When his friends mysteriously abandon him, he seeks refuge at Old Gao's lamb restaurant.

While chatting with Old Gao, Little Sparrow, Old Gao's son, rushes in and hides, pursued by ruffians demanding money from a lost bet. Zhao Yujin learns the bet was on whether he and Ye Zhao had consummated their marriage. Infuriated, he confronts the ruffians. As a fight is about to break out, Hu Qing, who has been quietly observing, intervenes, easily subduing the ruffians. Grateful for Hu Qing's assistance, Zhao Yujin invites him for a drink.

He is thrilled to discover Hu Qing is a renowned military strategist from the Song army, expressing long-held admiration. He then asks Hu Qing about his marital status. Hu Qing sadly replies that the woman he loves married someone else. Unaware that Hu Qing is referring to Ye Zhao, Zhao Yujin vehemently curses Ye Zhao, calling her "fickle" and criticizing her parents' judgment. He then enthusiastically offers to help Hu Qing win back his beloved, leaving Hu Qing with a mixed expression of amusement and exasperation.

Episode 5 Recap

Zhao Yujin questions Hu Qing about Ye Zhao's true gender. Hu Qing recalls a past incident where he discovered Ye Zhao was female while treating her injuries after a fierce battle against assassins. This secret, however, remains unspoken to Zhao Yujin. Meanwhile, upon learning Ye Zhao is approaching, Zhao Yujin frantically attempts to escape by jumping over a wall and later riding Ye Zhao's horse, Taxue.

Ye Zhao, however, relentlessly pursues him using her martial arts skills and manages to catch him, bringing him back to his mansion. Back at the residence, Ye Zhao, using a show of force (punching a pillar), compels Zhao Yujin to accompany her to her family's home, the Zhenguo Gong Fu. The next day, at the Zhenguo Gong Fu, Zhao Yujin endures the eccentric Zhenguo Gong, who repeatedly mistakes him for his "granddaughter-in-law," much to Zhao Yujin's chagrin.

During discussions about finding a tutor for Ye Zhao's young nephews, Zhao Yujin suggests Hu Qing, a choice both Ye Zhao and her sister-in-law approve of. Before leaving, the Zhenguo Gong further embarrasses Zhao Yujin by patting his stomach and urging him to "work harder." On their return journey, Zhao Yujin extracts a promise from Ye Zhao: she must perform daily morning and evening greetings to the Grand Imperial Concubine (Taifei) and engage her in conversation.

Initially, Ye Zhao struggles with this task, making awkward small talk. The Taifei, already irritated by Ye Zhao's unconventional behavior and determined to teach her a lesson, begins rising earlier to inconvenience her. The Taifei also attempts to provoke Ye Zhao by suggesting Zhao Yujin take concubines. To her surprise, Ye Zhao not only agrees but enthusiastically offers to find beautiful, gentle women from Yangzhou. The situation escalates further when Ye Zhao, attempting to swat a mosquito near the sleeping Taifei, accidentally startles her, causing the Taifei to fall and injure her forehead.

Episode 6 Recap

Ye Zhao, attempting to be filial, accidentally causes Zhao Yujin's mother, Zhao Taifei, to fall and injure her head while swatting a mosquito. After a military doctor provides a prescription, Ye Zhao personally begins to brew the medicine. Her grandfather, the Town Duke, arrives, and when Ye Zhao leaves to address issues with new recruits reported by Qiu Shui, he takes over the brewing.

Finding the medicine bitter, the Town Duke secretly adds various condiments like salt, scallions, chili, soy sauce, and vinegar. Realizing his mistake, he quickly flees. Upon Ye Zhao's return, she finds the medicine peculiar but gives it to Zhao Taifei. Zhao Taifei drinks it, experiences a burning sensation, and her mouth swells. Zhao Yujin rushes in, sees his mother's state, and angrily declares that Ye Zhao no longer needs to perform morning or evening greetings.

Dismayed by the strained mother-in-law relationship, Ye Zhao convenes the Ye Family Army generals for advice, posing three questions for their mothers and wives. Hu Qing is absent, claiming no family experience, but Qiu Shui finds him practicing swordplay and reciting poetry. Hu Qing, who secretly harbors deep feelings for Ye Zhao, advises her that such relationships require time and space. Meanwhile, Zhao Yujin and Zhao Taifei visit the ailing Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager, reassured about Zhao Taifei's well-being and amused by a message from the Town Duke, encourages Zhao Yujin and Zhao Taifei to foster a closer relationship with Ye Zhao. She emphasizes that the Town Duke's family is the backbone of the Song Dynasty and urges Zhao Taifei not to dwell on Ye Zhao's unconventional demeanor. Later, Ye Zhao hosts a banquet for the Ye Family Army.

Qiu Lao Hu unsuccessfully attempts to arrange marriages for his daughters, Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua, with Hu Qing or other suitable bachelors. Zhao Yujin, dining nearby, grows jealous watching Ye Zhao interact with the generals and calls in several courtesans to entertain the soldiers. To outdo her, Zhao Yujin and his friends dress as courtesans and perform an elaborate dance.

Impressed but also provoked, Ye Zhao, spurred on by her generals, flies onto the stage, embraces Zhao Yujin, and playfully pinches his chin, asking about his "courtesan" companions. Annoyed, Zhao Yujin retaliates by embracing the actual courtesans. In response, Ye Zhao transforms into a seductive woman, stunning Zhao Yujin, then forcibly kisses him, leaving Zhao Yujin feeling humiliated. They part angrily. Back at the palace, Zhao Yujin seeks solitude in his study, only to find Ye Zhao waiting. Ye Zhao hands him a divorce letter, leaving Zhao Yujin utterly bewildered, while Ye Zhao remains determined to "win this battle."

Episode 7 Recap

The story begins with "Ye Zhao" presenting a divorce letter to "Zhao Yujin", who is ecstatic, believing he will finally be free. Although the divorce is set for three years later, "Zhao Yujin" sees it as a short wait. Unknown to him, this is "Ye Zhao's" strategic "attack the heart" maneuver. " Zhao Yujin" eagerly shares the good news with "Zhao Taifei", who is also delighted at the prospect of her "wild daughter-in-law" leaving.

Their conversation is overheard by "Cui Zhi", "Zhao Taifei's" attendant, who quickly informs "Yang Shi", a concubine and "Cui Zhi's" hometown friend. " Yang Shi", along with fellow concubines "Mei Niang" and "Xuan Er", are terrified by the news. " Ye Zhao" has been a generous principal wife, showering them with gifts and treating them well, unlike the "fierce" main wife they feared. "

Xuan Er" is especially against the divorce as "Ye Zhao" helped her brother get promoted in the army. The three concubines scheme to prevent the divorce, surrounding "Ye Zhao", praising "Zhao Yujin", and even teaching her how to "seduce" him and become a "true woman." Feeling overwhelmed, "Ye Zhao" seizes the opportunity to escape when "Qiu Hua" arrives with urgent business. Meanwhile, "Zhao Yujin" visits Lao Gao's lamb restaurant, only to find it in ruins.

Lao Gao and his family are distraught, explaining that his son, "Xiao Ma Que", was tricked into gambling and lost 150 taels to "Lu Zhenting", the owner of Yongsheng Casino. " Lu Zhenting", who has long coveted Lao Gao's secret lamb recipe, trashed the shop when Lao Gao couldn't pay, demanding the recipe as compensation. Feigning indifference, "Zhao Yujin" merely orders some lamb before heading to Yongsheng Casino. He cleverly outwits "Lu Zhenting", winning 1,000 taels in the first round.

Enraged and egged on by bystanders, "Lu Zhenting" continues playing, losing thousands more, eventually owing 9,000 taels. As "Lu Zhenting" tries to make an excuse and leave, "Zhao Yujin" subtly warns him about imperial relatives being forbidden from engaging in business. Just then, "Ye Zhao" bursts in with the Ye Family Army, kicking "Lu Zhenting" back into the casino.

She declares that if her husband wants to gamble, he should do so thoroughly, ordering "Qiu Shui" and "Qiu Hua" to escort "Lu Zhenting" back to the table. Forced to continue, "Lu Zhenting" watches in disbelief as "Zhao Yujin", seemingly possessing a special ability, wins round after round. By the end, "Lu Zhenting" owes a staggering 129,000 taels, having practically lost the entire casino. He hands over 9,000 taels in banknotes and writes an IOU for the remaining 120,000. "

Ye Zhao", not easily fooled, instructs "Qiu Shui" and "Qiu Hua" to search the casino, though they only find some low-value antiques and paintings. Feeling vindicated, "Zhao Yujin" departs contentedly, leaving a furious "Lu Zhenting" to worry about his powerful boss. Outside, "Zhao Yujin" dispatches "Xiao Xia Zi" to Lao Gao with 2,000 taels.

He secretly instructs "Xiao Xia Zi" to discreetly give the money and to intentionally trash Lao Gao's shop again, claiming "Zhao Yujin" had diarrhea from the lamb, and to tell Lao Gao to leave the capital for his own safety. This reveals "Zhao Yujin's" hidden concern and his true intention to help Lao Gao despite his initial facade. Finally, "Ye Zhao" demands her "hard work fee" from "Zhao Yujin". He refuses and enters his sedan. Undeterred, "Ye Zhao" climbs into the sedan after him, and the two bicker noisily inside.

Episode 8 Recap

Back at the Zhao manor, Ye Zhao asked Zhao Yujin who exactly owned this Changsheng gambling house. Zhao Yujin said the gambling house was secretly opened by Prince Qi, who was greedy for money and had no principles or bottom line. After learning that Prince Qi was such a person, Ye Zhao was very worried about Zhao Yujin. She was afraid that Prince Qi would seek revenge on Zhao Yujin.

Zhao Yujin didn't care, saying that Prince Qi couldn't do anything to him. Ye Zhao was still worried, afraid that Prince Qi would resort to underhanded tricks. Zhao Yujin thought about it and decided to return the IOU to Prince Qi to appease his anger. Ye Zhao felt that they shouldn't let Prince Qi off so easily, so Zhao Yujin said they could give it to the Empress Dowager as a birthday gift.

Ye Zhao wanted to know how Zhao Yujin managed to win every gamble, and Zhao Yujin replied that he could understand the sound of the dice. It turned out that Zhao Yujin fell into the water when he was 4 years old, and later he was locked in the courtyard by Concubine Zhao for 14 years, during which he spent his time playing dice.

In fact, the person who saved Zhao Yujin back then was Ye Zhao, but Zhao Yujin only remembered that the one who saved him was a young boy. In the study, Zhao Yujin invited Ye Zhao to drink mutton soup from the Lao Gao family. After drinking the soup, Ye Zhao said that the Empress Dowager had summoned her and instructed her to learn more about being a woman.

Zhao Yujin shook his head as he imagined Ye Zhao wearing women's clothing and wielding a wolf's tooth club, he wanted Ye Zhao to stay as she was, which was very good. Ye Zhao took out the "Female Precepts" given to her by the Empress Dowager, she planned to take it to Hu Qing to take a look.

Zhao Yujin was unhappy when he heard that, and when he learned that the divorce agreement was also written by Hu Qing, he became jealous. Zhao Yujin said that he could also read, and he would thoroughly study the "Female Precepts" for Ye Zhao and then explain them to her. Ye Zhao was happy when she heard that her goal was achieved, and she left happily.

When Zhao Yujin came back to his senses, he realized how ridiculous it was for a grown man like him to be reading the "Female Precepts". Zhao Yujin entered the palace to give the IOU to the Emperor as a gift to the Empress Dowager, unexpectedly, the Emperor suddenly appointed him as the patrolling censor. The Emperor told Zhao Yujin to do it boldly, saying that Ye Zhao was behind Zhao Yujin to support him.

After returning to the manor, Zhao Yujin got angry when he saw Ye Zhao showing off in front of the three concubines. The concubines deliberately created alone time for Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin, they didn't want a mistress like Ye Zhao to leave the Zhao manor. On the other side, Concubine Zhao was having tea with the wives of several ministers, and they were talking about Zhao Yujin becoming a censor.

Concubine Zhao understood the unspoken meaning of the ladies, they all felt that Zhao Yujin was a useless man relying on a woman. In the evening, Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao were eating mutton soup in the courtyard, he smiled and said why Ye Zhao, the pillar of the Great Song, would agree to marry him, the dandy of the Great Song.

Ye Zhao laughed heartily, saying that the absurd things she had done when she was at the border were no less than Zhao Yujin's. Zhao Yujin walked over and patted Ye Zhao's shoulder heroically, and said that he would take care of teaching their children in the future. Ye Zhao said that they would divorce in three years, and her children would not be surnamed Zhao.

Zhao Yujin firmly said that if Ye Zhao had no one to turn to in the future, she could still come back. Ye Zhao was very proud in her heart after hearing this, she intended to slowly win him over. In Xinghua Tower, Zhao Yujin and his friends were gathered together, and he said many good things about Ye Zhao in a row.

The friends felt that Zhao Yujin's thoughts were a little dangerous, but Zhao Yujin was completely unaware, and he hurriedly ran home saying that he would transform Ye Zhao well. Sure enough, Zhao Yujin began to lecture Ye Zhao on the "Female Precepts" as soon as he returned, and Ye Zhao had no choice but to sit down and listen to his lecture. Concubine Zhao was crying in the room, she was worried that Zhao Yujin would be bullied by Ye Zhao after he moved out, and she was very worried.

Episode 9 Recap

Worried about Zhao Yujin moving out and fearing Ye Zhao might bully him, Zhao Taifei weeps. Zhao Wangfei comforts her, noting Ye Zhao's recent obedience to Zhao Yujin and suggesting that the move will help Zhao Yujin grow, eventually easing Zhao Taifei's concerns. Zhao Yujin, Ye Zhao, and their entourage soon relocate to the new mansion. Zhao Yujin designates Changfeng Courtyard for himself and Lingshuang Pavilion for Ye Zhao.

Mei Niang and Xuan'er, vying to live closer to Ye Zhao, get into a dispute. Annoyed, Zhao Yujin threatens to send them to Wuyuexuan, but they refuse, revealing their true desire to be near Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao intervenes, assigning Mei Niang to Wuyuexuan and Xuan'er to Tinghuaxiaoyuan, which they readily accept. Inside Lingshuang Pavilion, Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua are busy with arrangements.

Zhao Yujin enters, excitedly showing off his new official uniform, made by court embroiderers, and asks Ye Zhao if he looks good. Ye Zhao naturally praises him, but Zhao Yujin, distrusting her judgment, asks Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua. Prompted by Ye Zhao's stern gaze, they reluctantly offer compliments, only to follow them with mocking remarks that infuriate Zhao Yujin, who storms off.

After his departure, Ye Zhao scolds Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua, declaring her man handsome and forbidding them from bullying him. On his first day as an Imperial Censor, Zhao Yujin is initially annoyed by Old Yang Head's lengthy report until he learns Old Yang Head spent nights removing his past misdeeds from official records. His attitude softens.

Later, during a street patrol, Zhao Yujin, attempting to assert authority, tries to arrest some familiar ruffians, but they ridicule him, forcing him to back down temporarily. Suddenly, firecrackers are thrown, startling Zhao Yujin's horse, causing him to fall. Hu Qing swiftly appears, catching Zhao Yujin before he hits the ground. However, Zhao Yujin, thinking he's being taken advantage of, reflexively slaps Hu Qing. To apologize, Zhao Yujin treats Hu Qing to drinks at Xinghualou.

Zhao Yujin asks why Hu Qing, despite his abilities, serves as a mere strategist under Ye Zhao instead of pursuing an official career. Hu Qing recounts the tragic night Ye Zhao lost both parents: her mother died from injuries while being evacuated by Hu Qing, and her father, on his deathbed, entrusted Ye Zhao with the family's Jiaolong sword and military flag.

Overwhelmed by this immense loss, Ye Zhao suffered greatly, leading Hu Qing to vow to stay by her side. Misinterpreting Hu Qing's deep loyalty as romantic affection for Ye Zhao, Zhao Yujin mistakenly concludes that Hu Qing is in love with Ye Zhao. He then decides he must not treat Ye Zhao "too well," fearing he would disrupt their "relationship."

Reluctant to continue his patrol, Zhao Yujin asks Old Yang Head for a way to be dismissed, but his subordinates forcibly put him back on his horse. Meanwhile, Ye Zhao, under the pretext of preparing for Yi Nuo's arrival, secretly brings Qiu Lao Hu to observe Zhao Yujin. Passing Baohetang, Zhao Yujin dismounts upon hearing a couple, Zhang Dabao and his wife, loudly accusing the clinic of malpractice, claiming their son Sanlang's condition worsened after treatment.

Suspecting foul play, Zhao Yujin holds an impromptu hearing. Old Yang Head suggests calling another doctor for a second opinion. Zhao Yujin summons Imperial Physician Meng Xingde. Meng Xingde arrives and examines Sanlang, concluding that the worsening condition is indeed related to the prescription, though not fatal, and advises sustaining the child with ginseng before administering further medicine. Zhao Yujin orders Baohetang to cover all medical expenses. The clinic's quick agreement raises Zhao Yujin's suspicion, leading him to investigate further.

A subsequent search uncovers fake medicine at Baohetang. Zhao Yujin orders the clinic staff arrested and sent to Kaifeng Fu, effectively closing the case. Outside, Zhao Yujin spots a shifty Qiu Lao Hu. Though Qiu Lao Hu stutters an excuse, Zhao Yujin, understanding that Qiu Lao Hu was with Ye Zhao who had slipped away, playfully invents a plausible reason for Qiu Lao Hu's presence, allowing him to save face.

Episode 10 Recap

Zhao Yujin arrested several people from Baohetang to Kaifeng Prefecture for trial, but did not see the Jingzhaoyin. So Zhao Yujin led his men directly into the Jingzhaoyin's residence and dragged out the still-sleeping Jingzhaoyin. After lecturing him, Zhao Yujin dragged the Jingzhaoyin to the trial. In the evening, Zhao Yujin returned to his residence and saw Ye Zhao leaning against the headboard. He sat down and chatted briefly with Ye Zhao.

Zhao Yujin asked Ye Zhao if she had passed by the entrance of Baohetang that afternoon. Ye Zhao naturally denied it. But Zhao Yujin pressed on, asking what Ye Zhao was doing at the time. Ye Zhao had no choice but to lie, saying she was at the Ministry of Rites discussing the procedures for welcoming the Xixia envoy delegation with officials from the Ministry of Rites, and then had some disputes with them.

Zhao Yujin smelled a strong scent of alcohol on Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao merely explained that she had gone to Minister Shangshu's house and had a few drinks. She thought Zhao Yujin would care, but to her surprise, Zhao Yujin appeared indifferent, even mentioning that if Ye Zhao and Hu Qing were in love, they could divorce after three years and ask the Emperor to bestow a marriage between Ye Zhao and Hu Qing.

Ye Zhao seemed not to understand Zhao Yujin's words. Zhao Yujin had to patiently explain that he had heard Hu Qing say earlier today that he admired Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao naturally did not believe it, so she pulled Zhao Yujin and explained, finally dispelling his suspicion. Ye Zhao secretly thought she must settle this score with Hu Qing.

In the evening, Zhao Yujin lay on the small couch, recalling what Hu Qing had said to him earlier in the day. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door. It was Yang Shi, who had come to bring a quilt to Zhao Yujin on behalf of Zhao Taifei.

Yang Shi stood by the bed to make the bed for Zhao Yujin, but Zhao Yujin suddenly started finding fault with Yang Shi, complaining about the color of her clothes not being pretty, the material being poor, and Yang Shi having gained weight, etc. He finally decided to make a set of pajamas for Ye Zhao, Yang Shi, Mei Niang, and Xuan'er each tomorrow, even considering what Ye Zhao's pajamas should look like, thinking very thoroughly.

However, Yang Shi declined Zhao Yujin's kind offer to make clothes for her, saying that her current pajamas were still wearable and there was no need to make new ones. The next day, Ye Zhao furiously rode her horse to confront Hu Qing, rushing to his residence.

She briefly mused that Hu Qing's residence was not bad, then prepared to step through the main gate, but was stopped by Hu Qing's apprentice, Caisang, who said that Hu Qing had gone to the mountains to gather herbs and, knowing Ye Zhao was coming, had already prepared some medicine for bruises and sprains. Ye Zhao secretly resented Hu Qing for running away so fast, like a rabbit, but since she couldn't find him, she left first.

After Ye Zhao left, Hu Qing crawled out from under the floor, just about to breathe a sigh of relief, but was caught red-handed by Ye Zhao, who had only pretended to leave. Now Hu Qing couldn't escape and could only obediently listen to Ye Zhao's lecture. Although Hu Qing no longer hid from Ye Zhao, he still refused to admit he liked her, only saying that Zhao Yujin had misunderstood and that he liked a childhood sweetheart.

Seeing Hu Qing speak so earnestly, and considering their long-standing friendship, Ye Zhao believed Hu Qing. Ye Zhao finally proved her innocence, got on her horse, and left. Hu Qing watched Ye Zhao's departing figure, feeling a little melancholy. After Ye Zhao returned to her residence, she first went to find Zhao Yujin, and the two discussed the arrangements for the Xixia envoy delegation's visit.

Seeing that the atmosphere was good, Ye Zhao thought of clarifying the matter between herself and Hu Qing, saying that Hu Qing's excessive love for jokes had caused Zhao Yujin to misunderstand. Zhao Yujin's heart stirred. Recalling their many years together at the border, he asked if the two of them had any past. Ye Zhao, however, muddle-headedly recounted eating, living, and even bathing together with Hu Qing at the border.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yujin's already dispelled suspicions flared up again. He became a little jealous, his tone wasn't very good, and he even said he wanted a divorce. Seeing that Zhao Yujin still didn't believe her, Ye Zhao got angry for a moment and said, "If you want a divorce, then let's divorce. I can definitely find a husband who is submissive."

Zhao Yujin became even angrier after hearing this, feeling that Ye Zhao just wanted to find an obedient person to stay by her side. Seeing that Zhao Yujin simply didn't understand her meaning, Ye Zhao pushed him against the table, steadied his head with her hand, and forcefully kissed Zhao Yujin once more. However, this time, Zhao Yujin was not submissive. He used both hands to scratch Ye Zhao's neck.

Ye Zhao covered her injured neck, greatly surprised that Zhao Yujin dared to actually hurt her. Ye Zhao called Hu Qing, Qiu Lao Hu, Qiu Shui, and Qiu Hua over to discuss how to handle this matter. The situation developing like this was definitely inseparable from Hu Qing, but Hu Qing still maintained a frivolous attitude and was severely scolded by Ye Zhao.

At this time, within the Xixia Imperial Palace, discussions were also underway regarding the Xixia envoy delegation's mission. In the imperial court, ministers debated intensely over whether Great General Yeli Yuqi or Prince Yi Nuo should lead the mission. Ultimately, because Yi Nuo had previously engaged in combat with Ye Zhao and understood Song's military affairs, it was decided to dispatch Yi Nuo as the envoy. The Xixia Princess Consort slowly walked through the corridor with a beauty.

Palace maids along the way were all discussing this beauty; she was Meizang Heiyun, Great General Yeli Yuqi's wife, reputed to be Xixia's foremost beauty. As the two reached the front of the palace, they happened to meet the Xixia King and Yeli Yuqi coming out. The Xixia King was stunned upon seeing Meizang Heiyun, falling captive to her beauty, and only recovered his senses when Yeli Yuqi spoke up, indicating he was about to take his leave.

On the boundless plains, there was a winding procession; it was the Xixia envoy delegation led by Xixia Prince Yi Nuo. Suddenly, hoofbeats came from the rear of the procession. Yi Nuo immediately ordered the entire army to be on alert. Upon closer inspection, he realized the person approaching was his younger sister, Princess Yinchuan. Yinchuan had admired Ye Zhao for a long time and wanted to ask Yi Nuo to take her with him to Song.

Naturally, Yi Nuo refused. Yinchuan also knew she couldn't act unreasonably, so she took out a sachet from her bosom and tossed it to Yi Nuo, asking him to give it to Ye Zhao. It turned out that when Yi Nuo and Ye Zhao had previously engaged in combat, Yinchuan was also present. Yinchuan had witnessed Ye Zhao's valiant and heroic bearing, and her heart was filled with admiration.

But then she heard that Ye Zhao was a woman, so she embroidered a sachet to express her blessings. Seeing that Yinchuan had no other requests, Yi Nuo agreed and continued their march forward. In the morning, Xiao Xiazi came to wake Zhao Yujin. Zhao Yujin procrastinated and did not want to get up, but eventually, due to the urgency of the Censorate officials, he did. Upon arriving at the Censorate, Zhao Yujin saw that Prince Qi was also there.

It turned out that Prince Qi had come to discuss the security arrangements for the Xixia envoy delegation's visit with Zhao Yujin. Ultimately, Zhao Yujin was assigned a task he didn't like. Zhao Yujin didn't mind it, though, and was preparing to return to his residence. To his surprise, halfway there, he heard Ye Zhao and Hu Qing's conversation coming from a nearby room.

The two were discussing the security arrangements for the streets on the day the delegation would enter the city. Having cooperated for many years, they had great chemistry and quickly finished their discussion. Seeing the two talking so happily, Zhao Yujin felt a bit jealous.

Episode 11 Recap

Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao had many twists and turns, but they went to the banquet together hand in hand. Ye Zhao and Hu Qing were discussing the security arrangements for the upcoming visit of the Western Xia delegation. They had cooperated for many years and had great chemistry. Zhao Yujin happened to pass by the door and only saw the two talking happily. Zhao Yujin thought to himself, "What innocence are they talking about?

They are clearly a perfect match in cahoots." Inside the room, Ye Zhao saw Zhao Yujin looking at her, but mistakenly interpreted Zhao Yujin's gaze as a secret flirtation, feeling secretly delighted. Unexpectedly, Zhao Yujin couldn't stand it and was about to turn and leave. The two inside the room saw Zhao Yujin about to leave and quickly called out to him, wanting to keep him and Ye Zhao to return together.

Zhao Yujin, however, was a little angry, turned around and left first, leaving the two puzzled. After Zhao Yujin returned to his residence, he lay on the bed thinking about Ye Zhao forcefully kissing him. He felt that being teased by street hooligans before only made him feel disgusted, but being teased by Ye Zhao brought no aversion at all, even a sense of warmth and excitement.

Although he didn't know why he felt this way, he didn't have much aversion. When Ye Zhao pushed the door open and entered, she saw Zhao Yujin lying sideways on the bed, looking as if he didn't want to talk to her. Seeing Zhao Yujin silent, Ye Zhao thought he was uncomfortable and asked a few caring questions, but was choked back by Zhao Yujin.

Ye Zhao tolerated it, forcibly suppressed the anger in her chest, and tried to speak calmly to Zhao Yujin, but Zhao Yujin started to feign sleep. Ye Zhao persisted, insisting on waking Zhao Yujin. Zhao Yujin, unable to bear it any longer, sat up and asked Ye Zhao what she wanted to do. Seeing Zhao Yujin so annoyed, Ye Zhao's own anger flared up, and the two started arguing.

Ye Zhao questioned Zhao Yujin why he had flirted with her earlier if he didn't like her. Zhao Yujin was even angrier; he hadn't been flirting in the first place, and was already upset about it, yet Ye Zhao brought it up again. After a heated argument, Ye Zhao felt she really couldn't communicate with Zhao Yujin, so she slammed the door and left.

Qiu Lao Hu and others saw that Ye Zhao was angry with Zhao Yujin again, so they huddled together to discuss how to help Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin resolve their conflict. They finally decided to let Qiu Lao Hu talk to Zhao Yujin. When Qiu Lao Hu found Zhao Yujin, Zhao Yujin was at the Censorate, preparing to go on a street patrol.

Zhao Yujin was also unhappy because of the argument with Ye Zhao, and he found many faults with his subordinate officials. The officials had complaints but couldn't voice them, after all, he was the Prince of Nanping and an Imperial Censor appointed by the Emperor. Seeing Zhao Yujin was also angry, Qiu Lao Hu wanted to persuade him not to quarrel with Ye Zhao.

However, Zhao Yujin felt that he was not a petty person, but that Ye Zhao simply couldn't get along with him, so he rejected Qiu Lao Hu's suggestion to compromise. Qiu Lao Hu, unable to do anything, had no choice but to return to the residence. After returning, the group saw that Qiu Lao Hu had failed, so they huddled together again, pondering what to do. The loud voices of the men were heard by Ye Zhao from afar.

She slowly ambled in with Hu Qing. Learning that Qiu Lao Hu had failed, she was also very annoyed, not knowing how to handle the situation. Hu Qing saw Ye Zhao's dejected look and asked if she wanted to give up. Ye Zhao naturally refused, but she had no solution. Hu Qing then suggested appealing to his preferences. Ye Zhao thought for a moment and had an idea.

That evening, Zhao Yujin was in his room drawing patterns, preparing to make clothes for Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao, holding "Lessons for Women", knocked on the door and entered, asking Zhao Yujin the meaning of a passage in "Lessons for Women". Although Zhao Yujin was surprised that Ye Zhao would be interested in "Lessons for Women", he patiently explained it in detail.

Seeing that the two were about to reconcile, Zhao Yujin suggested that Ye Zhao study in the evenings from then on. Ye Zhao, however, thought to herself that this was just a means to please Zhao Yujin, and since she didn't like studying, she naturally couldn't agree to Zhao Yujin's suggestion. So she excused herself, saying military matters were unfinished and she needed to deal with them first, then slipped away.

The bustling streets of Tokyo were particularly lively now, with everyone scrambling to buy the day's "Tokyo Daily", which reported that the Western Xia delegation was about to enter the city. Zhao Yujin also bought a copy and sat in a street-side restaurant, reading it carefully. Just as he was reading about Yi Nuo, the Prince of Western Xia, being savage and cruel, Ye Zhao arrived. The two discussed Yi Nuo.

Ye Zhao, having fought with Yi Nuo before, knew that Yi Nuo was an extremely ruthless person and was much favored by the Western Xia King. Just as the two were discussing, there was a commotion downstairs. It turned out that the Western Xia delegation had already entered Tokyo. Zhao Yujin stood upstairs, watching the Western Xia delegation on the street, and fell into a fantasy. . .

In Zhao Yujin's imagination, both Ye Zhao and he were exquisitely dressed and nestled close to each other. He put his arm around Ye Zhao's waist, admonishing her to abide by wifely virtues and consider her husband as her heaven. And Ye Zhao, like a little bird, leaned on Zhao Yujin's neck, saying her husband was her heaven and her earth. Zhao Yujin became engrossed in his thoughts and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Ye Zhao saw Zhao Yujin laughing foolishly and spoke up, interrupting his fantasy. Zhao Yujin came back to his senses and talked to Ye Zhao about Yi Nuo again. Learning that Yi Nuo and Ye Zhao had known each other for a long time and understood each other well, he felt a little jealous, and after Ye Zhao left, he tore up the "Tokyo Daily" in his hand.

That evening, Xia Xiazhi brought an invitation and asked Zhao Yujin if he wanted to attend the banquet welcoming Yi Nuo. Zhao Yujin was angry and naturally unwilling. Xia Xiazhi pleaded for a long time to no avail, and as he was getting desperate, Qiu Shui arrived, bringing Ye Zhao's message.

Ye Zhao knew Zhao Yujin's little thoughts, so she said that if Zhao Yujin didn't go, she, being an old acquaintance of Yi Nuo, would inevitably drink and chat happily with him. Zhao Yujin's heart wavered slightly, but he still remained stubborn and didn't give in.

Madam Yang, along with Meiniang and Xuan'er, came to bring tonics to Zhao Yujin, but in reality, they wanted to persuade Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao to wear the Prince's and Princess Consort's attire to attend the banquet. The three subtly and overtly provoked Zhao Yujin again. Zhao Yujin finally decided to attend the banquet to keep an eye on Ye Zhao, this "unwifely" woman.

Seeing that their efforts with Zhao Yujin had been effective, the three then collectively ran to Ye Zhao's room, saying that Zhao Yujin was unwilling to wear the Imperial Censor's official robes because the rank was too low, and wanted to wear the Prince's official robes, and also wanted Ye Zhao to wear the Princess Consort's attire.

Ye Zhao pondered carefully, thinking that her flamboyant husband indeed might think this way, so she agreed to wear the Princess Consort's attire for the attendance. Meanwhile, Meiniang ran to tell Zhao Yujin that Ye Zhao had requested to wear the Princess Consort's attire. Zhao Yujin thought about it and felt that the Princess Consort's attire was not very suitable for Ye Zhao, so he found a garment, modified it, and had Ye Zhao wear it to the banquet.

After Ye Zhao put it on, it indeed fit her very well and avoided the vulgar feeling of wearing the Princess Consort's attire. At the imperial banquet, a song and dance performance opened the event. After the music and dance concluded, the Emperor quoted a passage from "The Classic of Poetry" to express his welcome to the Western Xia delegation. Yi Nuo stepped forward to the center of the hall, bowed in gratitude, and presented the gift he had brought – a Helan Stone Inkstone.

Episode 12 Recap

At the banquet, the Helan inkstone presented by Yi Nuo was not a treasure. Zhao Yujin saw through it and told Ye Zhao. The two sat at the table to see how the Emperor would deal with it. Although the Emperor saw through it, he pretended not to and instructed people to take it to the national treasury, thus glossing over the matter.

Yi Nuo, intent on embarrassing the Emperor, then proposed to perform a dance to add to the merriment. During the dance, Yi Nuo repeatedly flicked the whip in front of the Emperor's table, provoking him several times. The officials sitting below were very angry, but they didn't dare speak up because the Emperor hadn't said anything.

After Yi Nuo finished dancing, the Emperor excused himself, saying he had matters to attend to, and left, telling Liu Taifu to take good care of Yi Nuo. Liu Taifu, in order to ease the awkward atmosphere, started the singing and dancing again, and everyone toasted each other. Ye Zhao had already drunk a lot and was still drinking non-stop. Zhao Yujin saw this and tried to stop her.

Yi Nuo came to Ye Zhao's table, using the guise of an old friend to propose a toast to Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao felt she couldn't refuse and prepared to down the drink, but Zhao Yujin was unwilling and stepped in to block the drink for Ye Zhao. Yi Nuo, seeing that he couldn't persuade Ye Zhao to drink, found it boring and prepared to leave, but Zhao Yujin stopped him and mocked Yi Nuo.

Yi Nuo, feeling humiliated, naturally became angry and was about to lash out when Liu Taifu, who had been watching for a long time, saw that things were not right, quickly stepped in to smooth things over, and dragged Yi Nuo away. Ye Zhao pulled Zhao Yujin to sit down, praising Zhao Yujin for doing a good job. Zhao Yujin, feeling proud, drank a few more cups. After the banquet, Zhao Yujin got drunk.

Ye Zhao dragged the heavily drunk Zhao Yujin home, helped him change clothes, cleaned him up, and helped him into bed. It was the first time the two shared a bed. Ye Zhao was very happy, but then she heard Zhao Yujin dreaming about girls with slender waists and long legs, feeling a little angry. However, seeing Zhao Yujin's silly and dazed appearance, she couldn't bring herself to be angry and instead fell asleep contentedly.

The next morning, Zhao Yujin woke up and found himself naked, feeling very frightened and thinking that Ye Zhao had done something to him. Ye Zhao disdained to pay attention to Zhao Yujin. Just then, Prince Qi sent someone to find Ye Zhao, and Ye Zhao got up and left. Zhao Yujin, not getting an answer, naturally became sulky again and stubbornly refused to go to the Inspection Bureau, staying at home instead. Zhao Yujin leaned against a chair.

Xuan'er came to ask for leave, wanting to return to her parents' home. From Xuan'er, Zhao Yujin learned that nothing had happened between him and Ye Zhao last night, and that Ye Zhao had taken care of him all night. He felt that he shouldn't be angry with Ye Zhao, and that it was all because of his weak body that Ye Zhao had to take care of him all night.

So, Zhao Yujin made up his mind to work hard to strengthen his body, exercising in the garden. After only a few exercises, Zhao Yujin's friends ran over, pulling and tugging, wanting to take Zhao Yujin to Xinghua Tower. Zhao Yujin initially refused, but couldn't resist their temptation, put down what was in his hands, and followed them. In Xinghua Tower, several people sat together drinking.

Suddenly, someone came to tell Zhao Yujin that Ye Zhao and Yi Nuo were drinking in a private room downstairs. Zhao Yujin heard this and thought this was unacceptable, he had to catch them in the act, and rushed downstairs angrily. At the door of the private room, Zhao Yujin wanted to rush in directly, but stopped and covered his face with a fan, wanting to hear what the two were saying.

Unfortunately, he heard Yi Nuo slandering him, saying he was just a little lamb. Zhao Yujin was initially very angry, but then he heard Ye Zhao's words and all his anger disappeared. Ye Zhao said that Zhao Yujin was not a lamb, but an eagle, but at this time the eagle had not yet grown up, plus Zhao Yujin was kind, positive, and an excellent man. Her words left Yi Nuo speechless and calmed the anger in Zhao Yujin's heart.

Zhao Yujin walked back to his private room, walking and crying, feeling that everyone said he was a useless county prince, a playboy, but only his wife believed in him. After finishing his drink, he ran to the home of the weapons craftsman Master Liu that night, asking Master Liu for the Howling Tiger Dagger. It turned out that the Howling Tiger Dagger originally belonged to Ye Zhao.

When Ye Zhao sent it for repair, it was swapped, but Ye Zhao herself didn't know. Zhao Yujin knew that the real Howling Tiger Dagger was with Master Liu, so he came to ask Master Liu for it. Master Liu was reluctant to give it, and Zhao Yujin, in a fit of anger, had a big fight with Master Liu and finally got back the Howling Tiger Dagger.

After returning home, Zhao Yujin returned the real Howling Tiger Dagger to Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao was very surprised because she had not noticed that the dagger in her hand was fake, and she marveled at Master Liu's craftsmanship. Zhao Yujin, seeing that Ye Zhao liked it, said that he would take Ye Zhao to find Master Liu after court tomorrow, and Ye Zhao naturally agreed. After finishing this matter, Zhao Yujin thought of another thing.

He made a nightgown for Ye Zhao and asked Ye Zhao to try it on. Ye Zhao changed out of her own nightgown and put on the new nightgown, finding it to be a perfect fit. The two were happy again. The next day, after court, Zhao Yujin took Ye Zhao through the streets and alleys to find Master Liu's residence, but found many people in the yard, including the Mayor of the Capital.

Upon asking, he learned that Master Liu was dead, a dagger stabbed into his chest, a fatal blow. Some onlookers testified that Zhao Yujin killed Master Liu, because they all saw Zhao Yujin arguing with Master Liu the night before. For a time, Zhao Yujin was unable to defend himself.

Episode 13 Recap

Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao came before the Emperor. Seeing that the death of Master Li involved his nephew, the Emperor personally investigated the matter. After questioning a few people, they all felt that Zhao Yujin hadn't done it. The Emperor naturally wanted to believe his nephew, but because Zhao Yujin had indeed had a dispute with Master Li and was the most suspicious person, the Emperor prepared to let Zhao Yujin take the blame.

The Chief of the Capital Prefecture was also by his side, suggesting that as long as he paid some compensation and then Zhao Yujin stayed at home for a while and didn't go out often, the matter would blow over. However, Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao were unwilling. They believed that this matter should not be dropped and must be thoroughly investigated; they couldn't take the blame for nothing.

The Emperor also felt that the matter was very suspicious, so he agreed to let Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin investigate the matter thoroughly. The group returned to Master Li's residence to examine the specific situation. Ye Zhao saw that the coroner was still there, so she asked him about the autopsy results.

The coroner in charge of this case was very famous in the capital and was very accurate in identifying wounds from various weapons, so Ye Zhao prepared to examine the body with the coroner. In the end, it was discovered that Master Li's fatal wound was caused by a Howling Tiger dagger found at the scene.

This Howling Tiger dagger was originally given to Master Li by Zhao Yujin, making it clear that using the Howling Tiger dagger as the murder weapon was aimed at framing Zhao Yujin. Ye Zhao pondered for a moment and felt that something was still wrong, so she suggested an autopsy.

After the coroner opened the chest, he indeed found that Master Li's real wound was not caused by the dagger but by a short sword, only covered up with the dagger. At the same time, Ye Zhao also noticed that the rotation direction of the blade was to the left, proving that the murderer was left-handed, while Zhao Yujin was right-handed, which cleared him of some suspicion.

The case reached an impasse, and the group was very tired, so they went home to rest. At night, Zhao Yujin dreamed that Prince Yi Nuo was sneaking into his room with a dagger, preparing to assassinate him, and he was startled awake. After waking up, he tossed and turned and couldn't fall asleep again. Xiao Xiazi came in and suggested finding a concubine to serve him, but Zhao Yujin was picky and unwilling.

Finally, Zhao Yujin ran to Ye Zhao's Ling Shuang Pavilion in the middle of the night. At this time, Ye Zhao was not asleep. Seeing Zhao Yujin coming over in the middle of the night, she smiled inwardly but didn't say anything harsh and let Zhao Yujin stay. Nothing happened overnight. When he woke up in the morning, Zhao Yujin found Ye Zhao in his arms, lying on his chest.

Zhao Yujin thought for a moment and felt something was wrong, so he turned over and pinned Ye Zhao down. Seeing that Ye Zhao hadn't woken up even in this situation, he cursed Ye Zhao inwardly as a pig. Ye Zhao mumbled in her sleep, refuting, "You're the pig."

Zhao Yujin was startled, but Ye Zhao also woke up because of this and remembered that she had things to do early in the morning, so she quickly got out of bed. Zhao Yujin looked at Ye Zhao's figure in front of the dressing table, entranced. Ye Zhao noticed Zhao Yujin was peeking at her, so she simply jumped on the bed and pulled Zhao Yujin up, and the two sat face to face.

Ye Zhao called the servants to move Zhao Yujin's things over so they could live together from now on. Although Zhao Yujin didn't say he agreed, he set a lot of rules for Ye Zhao, tacitly agreeing. The two remembered that they still had to investigate the case, so they got up and went to Master Liu's courtyard. They thought they could ask the surrounding people again whether they had heard strange noises.

The people spoke all at once, saying a lot of things. In the end, Zhao Yujin really caught a clue: someone said that the cake thrown out by their family was picked up and eaten by a little sparrow. Zhao Yujin remembered that Little Sparrow should have left Tokyo with the Lao Gao family, so how could he be here? He asked about Little Sparrow's situation, preparing to look for Little Sparrow.

When the group found Little Sparrow's residence, the sundry goods room was already empty. Little Sparrow must have known that something had happened and ran away for fear of being implicated. Zhao Yujin sent people to look for Little Sparrow, and he was finally found. Zhao Yujin first asked Little Sparrow why he was still in the capital.

Little Sparrow only said that he missed the time and got separated from his parents, so he didn't catch up and stayed in Tokyo. Zhao Yujin saw that he couldn't find the Lao Gao family for a while, so he began to investigate the case, asking Little Sparrow about the events of that night. Unexpectedly, Little Sparrow really saw that person.

It turned out that Little Sparrow had just gone out to find food when he encountered the murderer killing someone. Little Sparrow was so frightened that he hid and secretly saw the murderer's appearance clearly: his clothes and hair were messy, his nose was hooked, and there was a scar on the corner of his eyebrow. At this point, the murderer was very easy to identify.

Ye Zhao suspected that the murderer was from the Western Xia delegation, but they couldn't detain the delegation and have Little Sparrow identify him, so she and Zhao Yujin came up with a plan to hold a banquet in the mansion, claiming that Ye Zhao was hosting her old frontier troops, and invite everyone from the Western Xia delegation to attend.

After a few rounds of drinks, they let Little Sparrow follow Zhao Yujin toasting to the guests, so he could identify the murderer. The Chief of the Capital Prefecture said from the side that this method was excellent, and then the topic turned to who would accompany Prince Yi Nuo for drinks. Zhao Yujin insisted on going himself, but Ye Zhao said that Yi Nuo's behavior was very bad when he was drunk. After hearing this, Zhao Yujin was a little shaken, but he couldn't lose face in front of Ye Zhao, so he reluctantly agreed to go accompany Yi Nuo for drinks.

Episode 14 Recap

The banquet was set in the garden of the Prince of Nanping's mansion, where the scenery was beautiful and could lower the Xia Xia delegation's guard. Zhao Yujin sat with Yi Nuo with Qiu Lao Hu and other generals. Zhao Yujin kept talking to Yi Nuo to distract him. Yi Nuo wondered why Ye Zhao was not present.

Zhao Yujin said that in the Song Dynasty, women should abide by feminine virtues and be virtuous and gentle, so Ye Zhao was preparing food for everyone. Yi Nuo naturally did not believe that Ye Zhao, who was so heroic on the battlefield, would willingly stay in the backyard. Zhao Yujin retorted that as a dignified man, he naturally had the right to speak at home.

Yi Nuo, somewhat drunk, mistook Zhao Yujin for a beautiful concubine and grabbed Zhao Yujin's hand tightly. Zhao Yujin was a little flustered and didn't know what to do. A fellow envoy looked down on Zhao Yujin and satirized that Zhao Yujin was not a man. Qiu Lao Hu and others would naturally not allow others to insult Zhao Yujin, and the two sides were at loggerheads.

Yi Nuo sobered up a little and, not wanting to embarrass both sides, stopped the opposing envoys and generals with Zhao Yujin. After a few rounds of drinks, Little Sparrow came out with wine to identify the murderer, but after turning around several times, she didn't find the murderer. Little Sparrow then went to the backyard to report to Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao was puzzled. The Xia Xia delegation was all present, but the murderer could not be found.

Could it be that her investigation direction was wrong? The next morning, Zhao Yujin was not up yet when Xiao Xiazi reported that Yi Nuo had come to visit. Zhao Yujin, thinking of what happened last night, was angry and left Yi Nuo waiting in the flower hall for more than an hour before appearing, until Yi Nuo became impatient.

When Zhao Yujin met Yi Nuo, he learned that Yi Nuo had come specifically to apologize for what happened last night. Zhao Yujin didn't want to dwell on it and let the matter pass. Yi Nuo was relieved to see that Zhao Yujin was no longer pursuing the matter and turned to leave.

The Xia Xia delegation was about to leave the Song Dynasty, and Liu Taifu and Prince Qi held a banquet at Xinghua Restaurant to entertain the Xia Xia delegation. Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin were still suspicious of Yi Nuo, so they secretly followed them to Xinghua Restaurant. After listening for a while, they felt that there was nothing suspicious, so they decided to go downstairs for a walk, maybe there would be some clues.

The two came to the street and happened to encounter a sneaky person, who looked like what Little Sparrow had described before. Ye Zhao stepped forward and captured the person. She wanted to beat him up, but Zhao Yujin stopped her, saying that he still had to be sent back for trial, so Ye Zhao stopped. The next morning, Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin rushed to Kaifeng Prefecture.

The magistrate of Kaifeng Prefecture interrogated the person Ye Zhao had caught overnight and finally found out the truth. It turned out that the person was indeed the murderer, but not a Xia Xia person, but a Semu person, who specialized in taking people's money and eliminating disasters for others. A few days ago, he received a business deal to kill Master Li, but the defense of Tokyo was tight, and he had no way to start.

It happened that he knew that Zhao Yujin was going to find Master Li that day, so he followed Zhao Yujin to Master Li's place, and after taking Zhao Yujin away, he killed Master Li and blamed Zhao Yujin. After hearing this, Ye Zhao felt that he should be interrogated again to see if he could find the person who instructed the murderer to kill Master Li.

When the group came to the prison, they found that the murderer was foaming at the mouth and was already dead. Seeing that the clue was broken again, Ye Zhao had to give up temporarily. Ye Zhao felt that there must be a conspiracy in this matter, so she ordered the border to strengthen its vigilance and report immediately if there was any disturbance. The two walked out of Kaifeng Prefecture.

Ye Zhao felt that she seemed to have seen Hu Qing, but upon closer inspection, she didn't. Zhao Yujin satirized Ye Zhao for starting to miss her old lover before Yi Nuo had left. Ye Zhao knew that Zhao Yujin was jealous and ignored him. But after the two walked away, Hu Qing did come out from behind the pillar. In the blink of an eye, it was the day when the Xia Xia delegation left Beijing.

Yi Nuo led everyone out of the city gate. He looked back at the prosperous and bustling city, his heart full of ambition, jealous that the Song Dynasty was weak but could still allow the people to live and work in peace and occupy a good piece of land. Thinking of his own country, it was clear that everyone was brave and good at fighting, but they could only nest in a barren land, which was really unconvinced.

Yi Nuo was determined that the next time he came, it would be when he was the master. Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin stood on the city tower, watching Yi Nuo leave, thinking that with the departure of the Xia Xia delegation, these many things were finally coming to an end. Zhao Yujin sat comfortably in the mansion, chatting with Xiao Xiazi, and praised Ye Zhao again.

Xiao Xiazi listened for a long time and asked cautiously if Zhao Yujin was not planning to divorce Ye Zhao. At this time, Zhao Yujin naturally did not want to divorce Ye Zhao. Where could he find such a good wife? Xiao Xiazi then suggested that since the two were not planning to divorce, they could prepare for their wedding night.

Zhao Yujin thought it made sense, so he sent Xiao Xiazi to Yang's place to withdraw some money, buy some things, and prepare for his wedding night with Ye Zhao. The news that the Prince of Nanping and his wife were finally going to consummate their marriage soon spread throughout Tokyo. Ye Zhao sat at the table, thinking about what preparations she had to make.

A general in the army suggested that his sister-in-law was very gentle and virtuous, and also very charming. After hearing this, Ye Zhao found the general's sister-in-law to prepare and "study hard". After the general brought his sister-in-law, Ye Zhao realized that it was a woman she knew, named Bai Lang, who had entertained her many years ago. Old friends met, and they talked happily. Bai Lang also told her everything she knew.

Zhao Yujin felt that his body was too weak, so he strengthened his exercise. While he was panting and exercising, a group of his bad friends came to find Zhao Yujin, talking about the two preparing for their wedding night. Zhao Yujin then realized that his affairs with Ye Zhao had spread to the streets and alleys, and everyone knew about it.

Moreover, everyone in Tokyo had even placed bets on whether Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin could consummate their marriage. When he learned that his friends had also participated in the gambling, Zhao Yujin was even more angry. Zhao Yujin was curious as to why these things spread so quickly. He was told that it was Liu Long, a bad friend, who caused the trouble.

Liu Long was the editor of "Tokyo Small Newspaper", who was responsible for finding out about the big and small things happening in Beijing all day long, including officials taking bribes, concubines fighting for favor in the harem, and trivial matters of the people, etc. Not only did several bad friends not see that Zhao Yujin was angry, but they also pulled Zhao Yujin to cheer for the "wedding night event". Zhao Yujin looked at this group of friends and was truly speechless.

Episode 15 Recap

Ye Zhao met Bai Lang and warmly invited Bai Lang to sit down and reminisce with her. The two talked about the past and were filled with emotion. Bai Lang never imagined that the general he had hosted many years ago was a woman, and now she was married. Speaking of this, Ye Zhao was a little shy and told Bai Lang that she had not yet consummated her marriage with her husband, Zhao Yujin.

Bai Lang was very surprised to hear this, so he leaned into Ye Zhao's ear and said something, teaching Ye Zhao some things about being a wife. The Yangs and Xuan'er learned that Zhao Yujin was finally going to consummate his marriage with Ye Zhao, and the two prepared a lot of dishes very diligently to nourish Zhao Yujin. The two almost quarreled over this, and Zhao Yujin was annoyed that this matter was known to everyone.

But thinking that he was about to consummate his marriage with Ye Zhao, he was very shy, so he arranged for Xiao Xiazi to take the fine wine and food he had prepared to the east courtyard of the Junwang Mansion. The east courtyard was a small forest, and it was perfect for the two of them to talk about love there.

In the evening, when Zhao Yujin came to the east courtyard, Ye Zhao was already lying on a big tree waiting for Zhao Yujin. When Zhao Yujin saw Ye Zhao climbing so high, he refused to be outdone and said that he also wanted to climb up, but he fell down as soon as he stepped on it.

Ye Zhao mocked Zhao Yujin's weakness while flying down and grabbing Zhao Yujin, hugging Zhao Yujin's waist and flying Zhao Yujin to the tree trunk. A gentle breeze blew through the forest, and the moonlight was faint. The atmosphere between the two gradually became subtle. Ye Zhao hugged Zhao Yujin's neck and slowly approached, their breaths intertwined. When the two returned to the room, their hair was disheveled and their faces were flushed.

Ye Zhao finally showed the shyness of a young girl at this time, her eyes at a loss as to where to put them, but Zhao Yujin leaned forward and hugged Ye Zhao, placing her on the bed. For a time, the red curtains fluttered, and the clothes of the two flew out of the tent one by one. . .

The next morning, Zhao Yujin turned over in a daze, wanting to hug the person next to him, but found that no one was there. Zhao Yujin was so frightened that he turned over and got up, calling Ye Zhao's name. It was Yangs who came in, saying that Ye Zhao had already gotten up early to practice martial arts.

Zhao Yujin muttered about what kind of martial arts to practice so early in the morning and asked Yangs to call Ye Zhao back. Ye Zhao knew that Zhao Yujin was starting to act spoiled again, so she took her weapon and returned to the room. When Zhao Yujin saw Ye Zhao entering the room with a weapon, he asked Ye Zhao to put the weapon down.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Ye Zhao put down the weapon, Zhao Yujin straightened up, hugged Ye Zhao, and knocked her down on the bed. Just as the atmosphere was ambiguous, the emperor's decree summoning Ye Zhao to the palace interrupted the two. Zhao Yujin was resentful in his heart, feeling that the emperor would spoil his good deeds. Ye Zhao found Zhao Yujin's childish face funny, coaxed Zhao Yujin, and got up and went out.

During the court session, the officials had matters to report, and Ye Zhao also mentioned that although the Song Dynasty and the Liao Dynasty had already made peace, the Western Xia Dynasty was eyeing them covetously and had to be guarded against.

After hearing what Ye Zhao said, the emperor and the empress dowager thought that what Ye Zhao said was very true, so they sent General Liu Tian Tuo to guard the Juping Pass of the Song Dynasty to resist the Western Xia Dynasty. Liu Tian Tuo accepted the order and asked for a decree to return to Yongguan City to visit his family along the way. After the court session, Ye Zhao and Liu Tian Tuo drank some wine together.

It turned out that this General Liu was Ye Zhao's uncle. Between raising their glasses, they talked about Ye Zhao's cousin, Liu Xiyin. Liu Tian Tuo blamed Ye Zhao for not contacting Liu Xiyin since returning to the capital. Liu Xiyin grew up with Ye Zhao since childhood and had been in love with Ye Zhao for a long time, and she did not know that Ye Zhao was a woman.

If she suddenly knew that Ye Zhao was a woman and had married, she would be very sad. Ye Zhao touched her head embarrassedly and knew that she had neglected this matter. After Liu Tian Tuo returned to Yongguan City, Liu Xiyin grabbed Liu Tian Tuo and asked about Ye Zhao. Seeing that he could not hide it, Liu Tian Tuo told the truth about Ye Zhao's situation. Liu Xiyin thought of her past with Ye Zhao.

When they were young, they agreed to meet in the peach blossom forest. The petals were flying all over the sky, talented scholars and beautiful women, envied by others; when the enemy attacked the city, Liu Xiyin was unable to escape and was surrounded and humiliated by the enemy. It was also Ye Zhao who took the spear and fought all the way, taking her away.

Liu Xiyin was unwilling to believe that the man she had been in love with for a long time had become a woman, standing in the courtyard and shedding tears alone, deciding to go to the capital to find Ye Zhao in person. Ye Zhao practiced martial arts in the courtyard early in the morning. Zhao Yujin came over and saw that Ye Zhao was only practicing high leg raises, so he mocked Ye Zhao.

Ye Zhao did not argue, but tied two sandbags to Zhao Yujin's legs and asked Zhao Yujin to jump and see. Zhao Yujin tried it, but could not jump up at all, and then he knew that he should not have mocked Ye Zhao. Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua rushed into the yard with a letter from Liu Tian Tuo and handed it to Ye Zhao.

Ye Zhao was very happy to receive the letter from her uncle, so she tore it open and read it on the spot. Seeing that the letter mentioned that her cousin was coming, she was naturally very happy and ordered Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua to prepare a room for Liu Xiyin. She personally supervised the arrangement of the room.

Ye Zhao looked at the room of Liu Xiyin for a long time, pointing here and there, but always felt that something was wrong. Zhao Yujin walked in with a few servants, and with a few commands, they changed the layout of the room. The changed layout looked much more pleasing to the eye. Ye Zhao praised Zhao Yujin as a design master, and Zhao Yujin was smug after hearing this.

In a blink of an eye, Liu Xiyin arrived in the capital. Early that morning, Yangs took Mei Niang and Xuan'er to wait at the door to welcome her. They saw a pair of slender hands extending out of the carriage first, lifting the curtain. The person in the carriage was dressed in white, with an otherworldly temperament, and instantly stunned several people, who quickly took Liu Xiyin in.

Waiting at the entrance of the courtyard were Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin. Zhao Yujin saw Liu Xiyin coming from afar and had already been stunned. After a few words of greeting, thinking that Liu Xiyin had been traveling a long distance, they arranged for her to rest first. After Liu Xiyin left, Zhao Yujin was sour to Ye Zhao, saying that they were both the daughters of generals, why was there such a big difference?

Ye Zhao glanced at Zhao Yujin lightly, retorted a few words, and chased after Liu Xiyin. The two came to the room, and Liu Xiyin was very happy to see the room decorated so beautifully. Sitting at the table with Ye Zhao, they talked about the old days. When they were young, Ye Zhao said that she would give Liu Xiyin a gift.

Liu Xiyin thought it was rouge or something that girls loved, but she never thought that Ye Zhao would bring a fish. In the end, the fish was not eaten and was burnt by Ye Zhao. The two talked to the point that Ye Zhao asked someone to reply that she would not go back to eat and wanted to reminisce with Liu Xiyin.

When Ye Zhao returned to the room at night, she happened to see Zhao Yujin looking at a book and snickering, so she quietly approached Zhao Yujin and gave him a big shock. Zhao Yujin quickly put away the book and smiled at Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao felt strange. After taking a closer look, she realized that Zhao Yujin was looking at erotic pictures. With a sudden realization, she glanced at Zhao Yujin and got up to make the bed.

Zhao Yujin hugged Ye Zhao from behind, the two looked at each other, Zhao Yujin pulled Ye Zhao to dance a dance, after the dance, he raised his hand and gently stroked Ye Zhao's face. . .

Episode 16 Recap

Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin’s relationship gradually improves. One night, the atmosphere in their room is ambiguous. Zhao Yujin is pinning Ye Zhao against the wall, kissing her. In the heat of passion, someone knocks on the door. It's Hong Ying, a maid from Liu Xiyin’s side. Apparently, Liu Xiyin said she’s new here and a bit scared, wanting Ye Zhao to accompany her.

Zhao Yujin is naturally unwilling, but Ye Zhao has to appease Zhao Yujin, saying she'll be right back. Ye Zhao goes to Liu Xiyin’s room, sitting on the bed chatting with Liu Xiyin. Seeing that Liu Xiyin really can’t be without her, she sends Hong Ying back to inform Zhao Yujin that she is sleeping in Liu Xiyin’s room. Zhao Yujin waits and waits, only to receive the news that Ye Zhao won’t be returning.

He angrily pulls up the covers and goes to sleep. The next day, Zhao Yujin is in a restaurant on the street with some of his cronies, discussing Liu Xiyin, praising her beauty as if she were a celestial being. As he's speaking, he sees Liu Xiyin walking around the corner with Hong Ying. So Zhao Yujin takes his friends to watch Liu Xiyin from the window. Upon seeing Liu Xiyin, the cronies realize Zhao Yujin wasn't exaggerating.

This cousin is indeed of captivating beauty. Hearing Zhao Yujin say that Ye Zhao is finding a husband for Liu Xiyin, they become extremely attentive to Zhao Yujin. Zhao Yujin only says that his cousin is destined to marry a dragon among men, how could she associate with cronies like them?

His friends are naturally unhappy hearing this, and they mock Zhao Yujin, saying he must also be thinking of Liu Xiyin, wanting to take Liu Xiyin as a concubine, but with Ye Zhao holding down the fort at home, he doesn't dare to agree. Zhao Yujin is very angry after hearing this, saying that if he wanted to take a concubine, Ye Zhao would definitely listen to him and help him arrange it, how could she possibly stop him?

As the men argue, Liu Xiyin is harassed by some hooligans on the street. The maid Hong Ying is naturally unable to stop them. When Zhao Yujin and his friends see someone bullying Ye Zhao’s cousin, they naturally can't stand by and watch, so they step in to help, saving Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin seems to develop feelings for Zhao Yujin, exchanging glances, but unfortunately Zhao Yujin only has Ye Zhao in his heart at this time and doesn’t notice.

The men return to the restaurant to continue drinking. The cronies read Liu Xiyin’s eyes from earlier, subtly mocking Zhao Yujin again. Zhao Yujin sees that no one believes him, so he lets them be. After returning home, Zhao Yujin sees Ye Zhao looking at a booklet. It turns out Ye Zhao has selected some noble sons in the capital, wanting to choose a good marriage for Liu Xiyin.

Seeing that Ye Zhao has been busy with her cousin’s affairs all day since Liu Xiyin arrived, Zhao Yujin feels resentful and complains a few times, also saying why not let Yang Shi do it. Ye Zhao casually says that she prefers Xuan Er, who is lively and cute. Unexpectedly, these words are overheard by Yang Shi, who came to deliver the account book outside the door. Yang Shi becomes angry and leaves with the account book.

Walking to the pavilion in the courtyard, she slams the account book on the ground, angry that no matter how hard she works in managing the household, she can’t compare to others. What Yang Shi doesn’t know is that after she leaves, Ye Zhao also says that Yang Shi is careful and meticulous in her work, and that she likes both of them very much.

Yang Shi is sitting in the pavilion taking her anger out on the account book when she sees Hong Ying passing by, saying that Liu Xiyin has chosen two potted flower arrangements to give to Ye Zhao. Yang Shi doesn’t bother to ask and waves her away. Zhao Yujin lies in bed, seeing Ye Zhao constantly busy with Liu Xiyin’s affairs, and gets angry.

He pulls Ye Zhao onto the small couch, preparing to "bring her to justice" on the spot. Just as the two are blushing, someone knocks on the door again. This time it’s still Hong Ying, delivering the flower arrangements chosen by Liu Xiyin, and saying that Ye Zhao doesn't have to accompany her to sleep anymore.

Although Zhao Yujin is a bit frustrated by the interruption again, he is happy to hear that Ye Zhao will be his again in the future. Waking up in the morning, Zhao Yujin takes a walk in the garden and sees Liu Xiyin standing in the courtyard, still dressed in white, draped in a white cloak. The wind blows, making her appear delicate and charming.

The two greet each other, and after a few words, Zhao Yujin senses Liu Xiyin’s unusual feelings for him. Knowing Liu Xiyin’s affection for him, he doesn’t dare to stay any longer and quickly bids farewell. Ye Zhao arrives at the military camp and happens to see Qiu Lao Hu and Hu Qing discussing something. Walking closer, she hears that they are discussing whether she would agree if Zhao Yujin took a concubine.

Ye Zhao, being carefree, says that she would definitely agree. It would be great to be surrounded by a house full of beauties. Qiu Lao Hu and Hu Qing exchange glances, realizing that their general’s way of thinking is truly unique. Ye Zhao finds an excuse to send Qiu Lao Hu away, and talks to Hu Qing about some things.

At first, she just says that she wants to introduce Hu Qing to a wife who is gentle, virtuous, beautiful, and proficient in all kinds of female crafts. Hu Qing doesn't understand, but still refuses. Ye Zhao then changes the subject to Liu Xiyin. It turns out that Liu Xiyin was also implicated by Ye Zhao when she was young.

When Ye Zhao was naughty and took Liu Xiyin out to play, they happened to see dancers, and Liu Xiyin was deeply attracted. She also learned to dance, but unfortunately there was no one to watch. Ye Zhao came up with a bad idea, bringing Liu Xiyin out and calling her friends to hold a dance banquet for Liu Xiyin. However, after Liu TianTuo discovered this, he severely punished Liu Xiyin and Ye Zhao.

That's why she has always felt guilty towards Liu Xiyin. Hearing this, Hu Qing finally understands that the woman Ye Zhao wants to introduce to him is Liu Xiyin, and he declines even more, saying that he is not worthy of Miss Xiyin. Seeing Hu Qing's refusal, Ye Zhao gives up for now. Yang Shi comes to wake Zhao Yujin up in the morning, calling many times but Zhao Yujin doesn't respond.

So she uncovers the quilt, only to find Zhao Yujin passed out. She quickly calls for people to come and take a look. Ye Zhao rushes into the room and quickly calls for the imperial physician to come. After receiving the news, the imperial physician hurries from the palace and, after examining him, says that Zhao Yujin is indulging in women and overindulging in sexual pleasures. These words make Ye Zhao blush. Ye Zhao personally takes care of Zhao Yujin.

Finally, Zhao Yujin wakes up the next night. Zhao Yujin, being improper, thinks of having sex with Ye Zhao as the first thing after waking up. Coincidentally, Yang Shi, Mei Niang Xuan Er and others arrive and see this, so he stops. Hearing that her son has fainted, Zhao Taifei hurriedly comes to visit, scolding Ye Zhao severely. Ye Zhao just listens silently, without arguing.

Finally, Zhao Taifei gives the order for Ye Zhao to personally take care of Zhao Yujin and must recover within three months, or Ye Zhao will be held accountable. Ye Zhao doesn't know whether to laugh or cry, and has no choice but to accept her fate.

Episode 17 Recap

Ye Zhao heard the imperial physician say that Zhao Yujin fainted because of being addicted to wine and women and excessive indulgence, so she sent Qiu Shui to secretly follow Zhao Yujin. All matters concerning Zhao Yujin were to be reported as top military secrets. Although Qiu Shui felt it unnecessary, she accepted the order. Zhao Yujin stayed in the mansion feeling indignant.

He hadn't even been to a brothel, so how could he be addicted to wine and women and excessively indulgent? While he was distressed, Xiao Xiazi reported that Liu Yong was seeking an audience. This Liu Yong was a friend who drank and played with Zhao Yujin, and they had a good relationship. Zhao Yujin, hearing that Liu Yong had come, quickly invited him in. After Liu Yong met Zhao Yujin, he mentioned Liu Xiyin after only a few words.

Zhao Yujin immediately understood that this was another person who had been captivated by his cousin's beauty. He didn't make things difficult for Liu Yong and took him to the backyard. When the two arrived in the backyard, they happened to see Liu Xiyin sitting by the lake enjoying the scenery. A gentle breeze fluttered Liu Xiyin's long hair. Liu Xiyin, dressed in white, held a round fan and looked very beautiful.

Seeing someone coming, Liu Xiyin got up to greet them. Learning that the person in front of her was Liu Yong, a poet she admired very much, she was overjoyed. They had a pleasant conversation and both felt they had finally found a kindred spirit. Qiu Shui, on Ye Zhao's orders, came to find Hu Qing to discuss matters. She talked about Zhao Yujin's fainting spell a few days ago.

Hu Qing had some doubts in his heart, so he told Qiu Shui about them. Hu Qing felt that Zhao Yujin's fainting spell should be related to Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin knew she was beautiful, but she still wandered alone in the streets, showing off and trying to please the public, which had to have another purpose. In addition, Zhao Yujin's "indulgence" fainting just sounded strange, so he felt that this matter was related to Liu Xiyin.

Qiu Shui also thought it made sense after hearing this, and prepared to report to Ye Zhao, but was stopped by Hu Qing. Hu Qing felt that he had to find more solid evidence, so as not to accidentally wrong Liu Xiyin. Ye Zhao, in order to coax the spoiled Zhao Yujin, bought a lot of nuts and candied fruit from the street for Zhao Yujin to eat.

Although Zhao Yujin was picky on the surface, he was very happy in his heart because his wife cared about him. He even acted spoiled and asked Ye Zhao to feed him. Ye Zhao naturally spoiled Zhao Yujin the most and granted his every request. The two were talking and laughing when someone outside the door reported that Hu Qing had come to visit.

Zhao Yujin didn't want to see Hu Qing, so he didn't say anything, but Ye Zhao wouldn't do that. She quickly summoned Hu Qing in and sat down to talk together. Hu Qing sat across from Zhao Yujin and saw the flower arrangement on the table, so he asked where the flower arrangement came from. Zhao Yujin only said that it was sent by Liu Xiyin, who had personally selected it.

Hu Qing looked at the potted flower, which was a Drunken Heart flower from the Western Regions, very rare. Placing a small amount in the room had a sleeping effect, but the Drunken Heart flower in this flower arrangement was a bit excessive. Hu Qing then thought of how Liu Xiyin was known for her knowledge of herbs when she was at the border, as if he had glimpsed something.

But Hu Qing thought that he couldn't directly expose it and needed to gather more evidence, so he only said that although this flower smelled good, it was not suitable to be placed in the room, and then he took his leave. Ye Zhao naturally listened to Hu Qing and removed the flower arrangement from the room. Hu Qing walked on the road and felt that Liu Xiyin's purpose in coming here was not simple.

Although Yongguan City was not as rich as the capital, it was not without wealthy and powerful people. There was no need to come to the capital to marry. Hu Qing felt that this matter must be related to Liu TianTuo, so he decided to send his page boy, Cai Sang, to Yongguan City as quickly as possible to find out. At night, Ye Zhao saw Liu Xiyin by the lake and went to greet her.

Seeing Ye Zhao coming, Liu Xiyin danced a dance she had practiced in advance for Ye Zhao to watch. For a time, white shirts fluttered by the lake, and petals fell, making it beautiful. Ye Zhao was stunned, as if she had returned to the time when she and Liu Xiyin were in Yongguan City. Seeing Ye Zhao happy, Liu Xiyin took out needles and thread to compete with Ye Zhao to see who could thread the needle first.

The loser had to grant the winner a request. Ye Zhao naturally couldn't beat Liu Xiyin and lost without a doubt. Before Liu Xiyin could say what she wanted, Ye Zhao mentioned finding a good husband for Liu Xiyin. After hearing this, Liu Xiyin lost all interest. Early the next morning, Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin went out with Liu Xiyin.

On the way, they were stopped by several little fans of Ye Zhao, who praised Ye Zhao for her slender figure and beautiful appearance. Ye Zhao was very happy to hear this. But someone who didn't know what they were talking about said that Ye Zhao killed people like flies and should treat the barbarians with etiquette and education.

Seeing that Ye Zhao didn't know how to respond, Zhao Yujin naturally wouldn't let his wife be bullied, so he scolded them back and left with a flick of his sleeves. Liu Xiyin followed behind Zhao Yujin. When they came to the lake, they happened to be met by Zhao Yujin's friends. This friend wanted to ask Zhao Yujin if there was anything between him and Liu Xiyin.

Zhao Yujin disdained to answer, so he went to ask Liu Xiyin himself. Seeing this, Zhao Yujin had no choice but to turn around and follow. Just as he walked up to Liu Xiyin, Liu Xiyin turned her hand and shot a hidden weapon, injuring Zhao Yujin's knee. Zhao Yujin's legs weakened for a moment, and he was about to fall into the lake. Liu Xiyin pretended to pull Zhao Yujin, and was dragged into the water together.

Under the water, Liu Xiyin injured Zhao Yujin's neck. For a time, many people gathered on the shore, but no one dared to go down to save them. Ye Zhao heard the commotion and knew that something had happened, so she rushed over, flew up, hooked her feet on the lakeside railing, and pulled the two of them up with one hand each, sent them back to the mansion, and called a doctor to treat them.

When Ye Zhao brought the decocted medicine into the room, she only saw Zhao Yujin covered in bandages, wrapped tightly, looking very seriously injured. She sat beside Zhao Yujin and prepared to serve Zhao Yujin the medicine, but Zhao Yujin acted spoiled. Ye Zhao went along with Zhao Yujin's wishes and kissed Zhao Yujin twice, and fed Zhao Yujin the medicine.

When Zhao Yujin twisted his neck, Ye Zhao saw the scar on Zhao Yujin's neck and felt that something was wrong, so she asked Zhao Yujin where he was injured. Zhao Yujin stretched out the leg that had been pierced by the hidden weapon. After Ye Zhao checked, she felt that this wound was like being hit by a hidden weapon, and felt even more strange. She went to Liu Xiyin's courtyard to ask what was going on.

At the door, she heard Liu Xiyin crying in the room, saying that she and Zhao Yujin had fallen into the water at the same time and her innocence was ruined. She had no face to see anyone. Ye Zhao hesitated for a long time, but still went in to comfort Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin was full of despair and felt that she had no hope and might as well become a nun. Listening, Ye Zhao didn't know how to comfort Liu Xiyin, and was speechless for a moment.

Episode 18 Recap

Liu Xiyin was crying in her room. Ye Zhao entered the room to comfort her, but only heard Liu Xiyin say that her innocence was ruined and she could no longer marry. Hong Ying was also fueling the flames. In the end, Ye Zhao decided to go back and discuss it with Zhao Yujin. After Yang Shi, Mei Niang, and Xuan Er learned about this, they immediately realized that this Liu Xiyin had come to marry into the Prince's mansion.

The three felt that Liu Xiyin must not be allowed to marry into the Prince's mansion, so they went to Liu Xiyin aggressively, hoping that Liu Xiyin could repent in time. However, the three of them tried to persuade her, and even insult her, saying all the good and bad things, but Liu Xiyin was unmoved.

Seeing Liu Xiyin's determination, Yang Shi stopped persuading her, and only said that she had chosen this path herself, so she should take care of herself. She left with Mei Niang and Xuan Er. This day, Zhao Taifei came to visit Zhao Yujin with her eldest daughter-in-law. She arrived a little early, and Zhao Yujin had not yet returned, so she went to visit Liu Xiyin first.

Liu Xiyin was very good at pleasing Zhao Taifei, and her words revealed that she had come to the capital alone and had no one to rely on. Zhao Taifei liked her more and more, and left thoughtfully. Zhao Taifei came to Ye Zhao's room and saw Ye Zhao talking to Qiu Shui.

She didn't hide anything and expressed her dissatisfaction with Ye Zhao again, and said that she wanted to have a grandson as soon as possible, and asked why Ye Zhao's stomach had not moved. Ye Zhao had nothing to say for a moment, and only said that she would work harder with Zhao Yujin. Zhao Taifei said that she thought Liu Xiyin was good and could be brought into the family to have children for the Zhao family.

At this point, even the slow-witted Ye Zhao realized that something was wrong, so she rode her horse to Hu Qing's residence to ask for Hu Qing's idea. Hu Qing had expected Ye Zhao to come back to him, so he told Ye Zhao the results of his previous investigation in Yongguan City.

It turned out that Liu Xiyin was talented and beautiful, and many people came to propose marriage in Yongguan City, but since she knew that Ye Zhao was female, her temperament changed drastically, and she often did some incredible things, which ruined her reputation in Yongguan City.

Liu Tiantuo had no choice but to send Liu Xiyin to the capital, hoping to use the power of Ye Zhao and the Prince of Nanping to find a good marriage for Liu Xiyin. After hearing this, Ye Zhao was thoughtful and felt that she should do something. Hu Qing originally wanted to give Ye Zhao an idea, but Ye Zhao refused.

Ye Zhao felt that this matter concerned her cousin, and it was better for her to handle it herself. Moreover, she already had a plan in her mind. After telling Hu Qing, Hu Qing thought it was feasible, so he didn't say anything more. Liu Yong came to the Prince's mansion again to meet Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin explained to Liu Yong that she was going to marry.

Liu Yong was puzzled and didn't know who Liu Xiyin was going to marry. Liu Xiyin said bluntly that the person she was going to marry was Zhao Yujin. In addition, Liu Xiyin rejected Liu Yong's overtures, shook off Liu Yong's hand, and turned to leave, leaving only Liu Yong standing by the lake, secretly sad. After Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin discussed it, they came up with a plan to test Liu Xiyin.

So the two pretended to have a big fight in the room. Zhao Yujin scolded Ye Zhao, saying that Ye Zhao was fierce and not like a woman, and that she couldn't manage a household and didn't know how to do things, not like a woman at all. Ye Zhao was only busy handing Zhao Yujin things next to her so that Zhao Yujin could use them to throw.

The two quarreled for a while and felt that the time was right, so they calmed down. Liu Xiyin came to see them at this time. Seeing that the two were fighting so much, she wanted to pretend to persuade them. Before she could speak, she heard Ye Zhao say that she had found a husband for herself, and that she would be the head of the family when she married.

However, Liu Xiyin only cried and said that she was no longer innocent and could not marry someone else. Seeing this, Ye Zhao used the second plan and said that she had decided to divorce Zhao Yujin, and took out the divorce agreement she had written before as proof. After the two divorced, Liu Xiyin could marry into the Prince's mansion.

Zhao Yujin also fanned the flames, saying that he liked Liu Xiyin's gentleness and virtuousness, which was much better than Ye Zhao's tomboy. They thought that they could test Liu Xiyin, but they didn't expect Liu Xiyin to only say that she wanted to be Zhao Yujin's concubine. Now the two were a little confused and didn't know what to do next. Liu Xiyin saw that the two were testing her, so she explained the truth to Ye Zhao.

It turned out that Liu Xiyin looked down on Zhao Yujin and felt that her Ah Zhao cousin should not marry such a playboy, but because it was an imperial decree, they could not divorce.

Seeing that Ye Zhao was taking care of her marriage all day long, Liu Xiyin felt that she didn't want to leave Ye Zhao, so she came up with such a plan to make herself "lose her innocence" and not be able to marry another family, but marry the Prince as a concubine. This would not let Ye Zhao bear the crime of deceiving the emperor, and she could stay by Ye Zhao's side.

The two finally asked about Liu Xiyin's true purpose, and Zhao Yujin was suddenly anxious and dragged his injured leg out of the room with a limp. Before he could walk down the steps, he fell. Ye Zhao in the room heard it and hurried out to check, hugging Zhao Yujin and saying that she would not leave him. Liu Xiyin walked out of the room and saw the two being affectionate, so she knew that her plan had failed.

So she ran back to her room crying, stopped the servants who wanted to follow in, and thought about how to make Ye Zhao give up on Zhao Yujin. Ye Zhao helped Zhao Yujin back to the room. Before the two could say a few words, Hong Ying came to report that something had happened to Liu Xiyin, but she couldn't say what it was in a hurry.

Ye Zhao was worried about Liu Xiyin and followed Hong Ying to Liu Xiyin's room, kicked open Liu Xiyin's door, but only saw that Liu Xiyin had already torn the white silk, hung it on the roof, and was hanging herself.

Episode 19 Recap

Ye Zhao kicked open Liu Xiyin's door and saw that Liu Xiyin had already hanged herself. A group of people frantically rescued Liu Xiyin and placed her on the bed. Ye Zhao wanted to give Liu Xiyin artificial respiration, but seeing so many people around, she sent them all out. Xiao Xiazi secretly peeked at what Ye Zhao was doing at the door, but unexpectedly saw Ye Zhao "kissing" Liu Xiyin. He panicked and hurried back to tell Zhao Yujin.

Zhao Yujin was furious after hearing this, feeling that Liu Xiyin was scheming and would snatch his wife sooner or later, so he imitated Liu Xiyin and attempted suicide. When Xiao Xiazi went to report to Ye Zhao, Ye Zhao was feeding Liu Xiyin bird's nest porridge. As soon as Ye Zhao heard that Zhao Yujin was also attempting suicide, she rushed back to the room with Xiao Xiazi.

When Ye Zhao returned to the room, she only saw Zhao Yujin jumping onto a chair, holding a dagger and gesturing at his wrist. The concubines below were panicked and did not dare to act rashly. Ye Zhao forcibly calmed her anxious emotions, fearing to stimulate Zhao Yujin, and slowly walked over while comforting Zhao Yujin, snatched the dagger and pulled Zhao Yujin down.

Zhao Yujin said that he was frightened and coquettishly asked Ye Zhao to take care of him. Ye Zhao then brought white fungus and lotus seed soup to feed Zhao Yujin. While eating, Zhao Yujin revealed that Xiao Xiazi had told him about Ye Zhao giving Liu Xiyin artificial respiration. Ye Zhao realized that Xiao Xiazi was playing tricks and chased after Xiao Xiazi and ran out.

After chasing for a while without catching up, she didn't want to bother with Xiao Xiazi anymore and turned around to visit Liu Xiyin's room. Madam Yang, Mei Niang and Xuan Er were pacing back and forth in the yard, feeling overwhelmed by the matter between Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin. In their opinion, Zhao Yujin wanted to take a concubine but Ye Zhao did not agree.

In order to ensure that Zhao Yujin would not divorce Ye Zhao, they decided to persuade the two to calm down. The three prepared pastries and came to Zhao Yujin's room. Zhao Yujin was lying on the couch, too lazy to get up. Ye Zhao was comforting and serving Zhao Yujin by the side.

Seeing the three bringing in pastries, Ye Zhao thought that Zhao Yujin had no appetite and didn't want to eat, so she was about to wave them away. Unexpectedly, Zhao Yujin turned over and said that he wanted to eat, and he ate with gritted teeth, as if he was not biting pastries, but Liu Xiyin.

Seeing this, Mei Niang and Xuan Er pulled Ye Zhao aside to persuade her, saying that it would be better to let Liu Xiyin enter the door first. A concubine is nothing and cannot become a threat. Madam Yang persuaded Zhao Yujin to wait before taking a concubine, after all, the two had just gotten married, and taking a concubine too quickly would not be good.

Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin were misunderstood and couldn't explain clearly for a while, so they let them misunderstand. Ye Zhao heard Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua reporting that rumors were rife in Tokyo, all saying that Ye Zhao was a shrew who brutally separated Zhao Yujin and Liu Xiyin, a pair of unfortunate lovers. Ye Zhao was angry when she heard this, so she called Hu Qing in to discuss countermeasures.

Hu Qing offered Ye Zhao advice, suggesting to keep Liu Xiyin by her side. The status of a concubine would not affect Zhao Yujin in any way, which would be the best of both worlds. Ye Zhao fell into deep thought after hearing this. At this time, Liu Xiyin was leaning on the bed, depressed and unhappy, with no appetite. Hong Ying was anxious but helpless.

Liu Xiyin thought for a long time, and finally reluctantly figured it out, and went to see Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao, and revealed all her thoughts, and also admitted that the pot of flower arrangement was intentional, but the flower arrangement can only make people feel sleepy, and the pulse is weak, and has no actual harm to the body. Ye Zhao was very happy after hearing this, her cousin was indeed still the gentle and docile one.

Zhao Yujin still did not approve of Liu Xiyin, feeling that this woman was too scheming, and asked Ye Zhao to send Liu Xiyin back to her hometown as soon as possible. Ye Zhao was speechless for a while and couldn't think of a solution. Zhao Taifei came to the Junwang residence to visit Zhao Yujin. Zhao Yujin was afraid that his mother would nag again, so he quickly climbed into bed and pretended to be resting.

After Zhao Taifei came in, she first cried by Zhao Yujin's bed for a while, and then scolded Ye Zhao in different ways. Finally, she mentioned the matter of taking a concubine, saying that other principal wives would give their dowry maids to their husbands as bed-warmers. Ye Zhao muttered to herself about her dowry maids, which happened to be heard by Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua.

The two, fearing that the world would not be in chaos, came out to disrupt the situation, saying that they were at least the daughters of a guerrilla general, and they were also noble concubines. If the Junwang was unwilling, they could force themselves on him. Zhao Taifei was horrified and scolded them, saying that Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua were uneducated.

The two sisters didn't care, as long as they could get Zhao Taifei off their backs and help Ye Zhao. Zhao Yujin came to the restaurant and happened to meet Qiu Lao Hu drinking with Hu Qing. Qiu Lao Hu tirelessly persuaded Hu Qing to marry his two daughters, but Hu Qing repeatedly refused. Seeing this, Zhao Yujin walked in and sat down to drink with them.

During the meal, Zhao Yujin mentioned that Ye Zhao just didn't want to send Liu Xiyin away. Hu Qing didn't want Ye Zhao to be embarrassed, so he persuaded Zhao Yujin, saying that Ye Zhao had only one playmate since she was a child, and she was very important to Ye Zhao, so she would definitely not want to send her away unless it was absolutely necessary.

Zhao Yujin listened and felt a little dissatisfied, but he also felt that Hu Qing made sense, and he slowly pondered it. Ye Zhao was sitting in the gazebo in the courtyard, wiping the Jiaolong sword that her father had given her on the battlefield. Grandpa happened to come to play with her, and she told her grandpa her troubles.

After grandpa listened, he only said that Ye Zhao was the descendant of loyal ministers and brave generals, and that she must be upright and aboveboard in her actions and worthy of the heavens and the earth. After Ye Zhao heard this, she thought of her parents and felt grief in her heart.

Suddenly, grandpa's gaze fell on the sword Ye Zhao had just wiped, and recognized that this sword was the Jiaolong sword used by Ye Zhao's father, and thought that Ye Zhao's father had returned. In fact, Ye Zhao's father had died in battle at the border long ago. In order not to stimulate the old man, she had been keeping it a secret.

Seeing that grandpa saw the Jiaolong sword, Ye Zhao only said that she missed her father so she asked someone to imitate it, it's not the real thing. After grandpa heard this, he solved his doubts. Seeing that Ye Zhao was depressed and had no intention of playing with him, he left first.

Episode 20 Recap

Ye Zhao, female, was practicing her sword in the courtyard, petals falling all around. In a daze, Ye Zhao, female, seemed to see her father. Her father stood in the rain of petals, his expression calm, reminding her to be upright and honest in everything she did, to have a clear conscience. Ye Zhao, female, secretly made up her mind after hearing this.

In the evening, Ye Zhao, female, went to find Liu Xiyin, female, and asked Liu Xiyin, female, to pack her bags. Ye Zhao, female, would take Liu Xiyin, female, to travel around and enjoy the scenery, and finally send her back to Yongguan City. After the rumors in the capital subsided, she would find a good family to marry her into.

Liu Xiyin, female, was originally very happy to hear that Ye Zhao, female, wanted to take her out to play, but later felt incredulous that her cousin Ye Zhao, female, no longer wanted her. Liu Xiyin, female, didn't want to believe it, but that was the truth. Seeing Ye Zhao, female's, determination, Liu Xiyin, female, agreed to leave Tokyo City and return to Yongguan City.

The next day, Ye Zhao, female, sent Liu Xiyin, female, outside the city, watching her leave. In the imperial court, Prince Qi presented a memorial discussing the imperial examination. After hearing this, the Empress Dowager appointed two officials, Fan Zhongyan, male, to be the preliminary examiner, and Hai Weining to be the second examiner. The two stepped forward to receive their orders.

During the preliminary examination, Fan Zhongyan, male, saw an excellent article and greatly praised it, even comparing himself to the candidate as different as clouds and mud. Upon opening the sealed paper, he discovered that the candidate was Liu Yong. Fan Zhongyan, male, was overjoyed and took the article to Hai Weining, but Hai Weining did not examine the article carefully. After looking at the author's name, he rejected it. Fan Zhongyan, male, was very puzzled.

Hai Weining explained that this Liu Yong frequented brothels all year round and was too maverick. Such a person, even if he was a genius, could not be used by the court. Fan Zhongyan, male, was very angry after hearing this, feeling that such a talent should not be buried. However, given that Hai Weining was the second examiner, it was impossible to pass this hurdle, so he had to leave angrily.

In the Xinghua Tower, Zhao Yujin, male, invited Liu Yong to drink, and they talked about Fan Zhongyan, male. Liu Yong was very moved to learn that Fan Zhongyan, male, had argued with Hai Weining over his article and that he had been demoted as a result, feeling that he had finally met someone who appreciated him.

Coincidentally, Zhao Yujin, male, had also invited Fan Zhongyan, male, to drink, and the two felt a sense of mutual appreciation when they met. The madam of the Xinghua Tower brought a newly trained woman to sing a ditty for them. This woman was called Hong Qiang and was very beautiful, but no matter what the madam said, Hong Qiang was unwilling to open her mouth to sing.

Seeing that Hong Qiang was so uncooperative, the madam grabbed Hong Qiang and dragged her out, scolding her severely. Hong Qiang remained silent and turned to run. The madam called another girl to sing for Zhao Yujin, male, and the others. Before she could start, they heard a commotion outside, someone was going to jump off the building.

The three quickly put down their wine glasses and ran out to see that the person who wanted to jump off the building was Hong Qiang. The onlookers were trying to stop Hong Qiang, but the madam was cursing loudly downstairs, saying that Hong Qiang wanted to be a virgin while being a prostitute, cursing very harshly. Stimulated by this, Hong Qiang really jumped.

Seeing that Hong Qiang really jumped, Zhao Yujin, male, and the others rushed forward to catch her, and fortunately, they caught her in the end. Fan Zhongyan, male, paid to redeem Hong Qiang and after dealing with Hong Qiang's affairs, the three got into a carriage and left. Fan Zhongyan, male, was about to take up a post in another place, and Zhao Yujin, male, and Liu Yong went to see him off.

As soon as the three left the city, they saw Hong Qiang running up behind them with a bag on her back. The three got out of the car to ask, and it turned out that Hong Qiang was alone and helpless in Tokyo and wanted to follow Fan Zhongyan, male, to another place and follow Fan Zhongyan, male, from then on.

Fan Zhongyan, male, did not want to accept at first, but on the advice of Zhao Yujin, male, and Liu Yong, he took in Hong Qiang. The two boarded the carriage together and went to another place. Ye Zhao, female, was stationed in the military camp, listening to Hu Qing, male, and Qiu Shui, female, Qiu Hua, female, and others reporting on recent military affairs. The border was stable recently, and there would be no wars in the short term.

Many dignitaries wanted to send their children into the army for two years of experience, to get a military position before going out. Therefore, these纨绔 children were doing evil in the army, and some even beat new recruits with no background to death. Ye Zhao, female, was very angry after hearing this. Coincidentally, there was a commotion outside the door, and a soldier covered in wounds crawled in, followed by a group of arrogant people.

Ye Zhao, female, took a closer look and found that the injured person was Xu Duohua, and the person following him was the new recruit captain Guo Youde. When Guo Youde saw Ye Zhao, female, not only did he not salute, but he also said righteously that this little soldier was bossing him around, and he was just teaching him a lesson.

Seeing that Guo Youde and others were so lawless, Ye Zhao, female, sent people to tie up several people and押 them to the school grounds. On the school grounds, the drums were thundering, and the soldiers押 Guo Youde and others who bullied the little soldiers上来. Ye Zhao, female, asked her subordinates to announce the military orders left by the Emperor Taizu. At this point, Guo Youde still looked nonchalant.

In his opinion, Ye Zhao, female, would not dare to move him at all. Who knew that Ye Zhao, female, would not be merciful and directly ordered the execution. This news reached the palace. This Guo Youde was the Empress's nephew. The Empress was anxious and discussed with her nephew Guo Yuanjing how to save Guo Youde.

Episode 21 Recap

Guo Yuanjing discussed with the Empress how to save Guo Youde and finally decided that Guo Yuanjing would go to Zhao Yujin and the Empress would beg the Emperor for mercy. Guo Yuanjing came to the Junwang residence and only told Zhao Yujin that he was going to save Guo Youde. Zhao Yujin felt suspicious, so he asked if Guo Youde had done anything bad. Guo Yuanjing, seeing that he couldn't hide it, told the truth.

Zhao Yujin, upon hearing that Guo Youde had done such outrageous things, refused to help Guo Yuanjing. On the drill ground, Guo Youde was still unconvinced by Ye Zhao, saying that Ye Zhao was a sissy and had no ability. Ye Zhao was furious and immediately took off her armor, dressing in women's attire. Only then did Guo Youde realize that Ye Zhao was serious, but it was too late.

Ye Zhao raised her black iron whip, tightened it around Guo Youde's neck, and killed him directly. The soldiers tied up behind him were terrified and fainted when they saw that Ye Zhao had really punished Guo Youde. The Empress came to the Emperor and only cried that her nephew had made a small mistake and was about to be killed by Ye Zhao.

In fact, the Emperor had already received the news that Guo Youde had disregarded the law and taken lives lightly, angering Ye Zhao, so seeing the Empress pleading for mercy, he did not intend to help.

Seeing that the Emperor had no intention of helping her, the Empress had to leave and think of another way, but just as she walked out of the room, she received the news that Guo Youde had been killed by Ye Zhao with a black iron whip. From then on, the Empress harbored a grudge against Ye Zhao in her heart. Recently, the Empress Dowager's health was not good.

When attending court, she read out an imperial edict, deciding to return the power to the Emperor. The Emperor finally took personal control of the government and recalled Fan Zhongyan, who had been demoted, and decided to entrust Fan Zhongyan with important tasks. Fan Zhongyan suggested that the Xixia Imperial Uncle and the Liao Prince, who had been captured by Ye Zhao before, should be released and returned to their dynasties to show the Song Dynasty's intention to seek peace.

The Emperor agreed and released the two. The Emperor and Fan Zhongyan were walking in the Imperial Garden when they were seen by Consort Zhang. Consort Zhang's heart stirred, and she sent the palace maids beside her to serve the Emperor, and went to the Imperial Kitchen alone. Consort Zhang came to the Imperial Kitchen and exchanged pleasantries with Chief He of the Imperial Kitchen. It turned out that Consort Zhang wanted to cook some home-style dishes for the Emperor.

When Consort Zhang was discussing with Chief He, she was overheard by the spy that the Empress Guo had placed in the Imperial Kitchen. The Empress Guo rushed over after receiving the news, making things difficult for Consort Zhang, and was preparing to punish Consort Zhang in public.

Chief He stepped forward and said that Consort Zhang was specially permitted by the Emperor to enter and leave the Imperial Kitchen at will, so it was not wrong and should not be punished. After hearing this, the Empress Guo had no choice but to leave in anger. Consort Zhang continued to cook, and after finishing it, she took it to the Imperial Garden for the Emperor and Fan Zhongyan to taste.

The Emperor tasted it and thought it was very delicious, so he praised Consort Zhang. After the meal, the group walked together in the Imperial Garden. Fan Zhongyan couldn't help but chant Liu Yong's poem when he saw the spring scenery in the garden. The Emperor didn't like Liu Yong's poem, so he didn't listen too carefully. Turning around and seeing Consort Zhang admiring the flowers, he stepped forward and spoke to Consort Zhang.

Fan Zhongyan saw that the Emperor didn't want to pay attention to him for a while, so he retreated to the distance first. The Empress Guo failed to punish Consort Zhang and was angry. She took her maid and walked behind a rockery in the Imperial Garden. Seeing that the flowers on the branches were blooming well, she asked the maid to break off two branches and hold them in her hand to play with.

Unfortunately, she saw the Emperor holding Consort Zhang's hand and talking to Consort Zhang, and was very jealous. Consort Zhang said that she was going to pick some flowers behind the rockery. When she came to the back mountain, she saw that the Empress was also there. They quarreled with each other and started fighting. The maid tried to stop them many times, but it was useless. The Emperor heard the noise and rushed over.

In a moment of desperation, Consort Zhang hid behind the Emperor. The Empress Guo didn't stop in time and slapped the Emperor, scratching his neck and drawing blood. Fan Zhongyan saw that the situation was not good from a distance, and quickly came closer to check the Emperor's injury. Seeing that his Empress had become so fierce, the Emperor was very disappointed and left with his hands in his sleeves. The Empress Guo and Consort Guo hurried to follow behind.

After the imperial physician applied medicine to the Emperor, the Emperor began to question the Empress and Consort about what had happened. In the end, he found that the Empress Guo had started the trouble first, coupled with the previous incident of Guo Youde, the Emperor was very disappointed with the Empress Guo for a time, and ordered to strip the Empress Guo of the power to manage the harem.

The news that the Empress Guo's power was taken away spread outside the palace. Liu Taifu and the Prime Minister were discussing matters. After knowing this news, they felt that since the power had been taken away, it was not far from stripping the title. The two began to plan what to do next, and finally decided to bring down the Empress Guo first, and take the opportunity to bring down the Empress Guo's brother, Guo Fushan.

This Guo Fushan had repeatedly contradicted the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister had long been dissatisfied with him, so it would not be a bad idea to bring him down by this opportunity. The next day in court, Liu Taifu played on the Emperor with the crime of the Empress Guo having no children for many years and requested to abolish the Empress.

Guo Fushan naturally could not let his sister be at the mercy of others, so he bowed his head and pleaded for his sister. For a time, the Emperor was also very difficult to make a decision.

Episode 22 Recap

Prime Minister Lü and Grand Tutor Liu intended to have the Emperor depose the Empress. They presented their request during the court session, which conflicted with the opinions of Guo Fushan, Fan Zhongyan, and others. The Emperor was unable to make a decision immediately. After the court session, Prime Minister Lü and Grand Tutor Liu gathered again to discuss how to bring down the Empress and dampen the spirits of Guo Fushan and his group.

Prime Minister Lü suggested spreading rumors that the Empress was a ferocious dog in her previous life, which would endanger the Great Song Dynasty. Grand Tutor Liu thought this was an excellent plan and praised it enthusiastically. Prime Minister Lü said that he had already drafted the edict to depose the Empress and was just waiting for the Emperor to issue the order in a fit of anger, so he could immediately issue the edict and avoid any complications.

Guo Fushan and Fan Zhongyan met with the Emperor to plead for the Empress, but were rejected by the Emperor, who said that this was his family matter and none of their business. In the end, they could not disobey the imperial will and had to leave. Fan Zhongyan was depressed and invited Zhao Yujin and Liu Yong for a drink, pouring out his sorrows.

Unexpectedly, these two did not take it seriously and instead advised Fan Zhongyan not to be stubborn. Fan Zhongyan was even angrier to see that his friends did not support him either. In the Fan residence, Hongqiang woke up from a dream and hurried to make breakfast for Fan Zhongyan, but could not find him.

It turned out that Fan Zhongyan and others, seeing that the Emperor was determined to depose the Empress, had joined together to kneel outside the palace, begging the Emperor to withdraw the decree. They waited in the rain for a long time, only to be greeted by Jiang Luhai with an imperial edict, which stated that if they returned now, they would not be held accountable, but if they remained stubborn, they would be punished.

In the end, everyone except Guo Fushan and Fan Zhongyan left, and the remaining two still persisted. Their actions finally angered the Emperor, who announced in court that the two would be demoted. Guo Fushan was sent to the command headquarters of the Nansha Islands, while Fan Zhongyan was demoted to Muzhou. Fan Zhongyan had already anticipated this day and had long ordered Hongqiang to pack his luggage, preparing to leave the capital.

At night, the Emperor stood by the lake, deep in thought. Prince Qi came to see him. The Emperor, feeling depressed, summoned him, hoping that Prince Qi could ease his worries. After Prince Qi arrived, he heard of the Emperor's troubles and simply said that Fan Zhongyan was a capable official, although a bit stubborn, but it was a pity that he was being demoted.

After hearing this, the Emperor thought it made sense, but the transfer order had already been issued, and it was inappropriate to change it, so he ultimately decided to recall Fan Zhongyan to the capital at a suitable time. In the Empress Dowager's palace, a palace maid came to report that Consort Li in the palace was seriously ill and might not make it.

After hearing this, the Empress Dowager immediately issued an edict, conferring Li the title of Imperial Concubine Chen, and instructed that the edict must be issued in court before Li passed away. When the edict arrived at Li's residence, Li had been bedridden for many years, her face pale, truly a person on the verge of death. Li was grateful to the Empress Dowager for being conferred the title of Imperial Concubine Chen.

In the court, the edict to confer Li was issued, and the Emperor's expression was indifferent, as if it had nothing to do with him.

After the court session, General Yang stopped Ye Zhao, saying that this Imperial Concubine Chen was actually the Emperor's biological mother, but her rank was not high, so she had been in the palace for twenty years and was still only a Consort, and there was a rift between her and the Emperor, so even after the Emperor ascended the throne, he had never visited his mother.

General Yang wanted to ask Ye Zhao to help, so that the Emperor could see Li one last time before she passed away. When Ye Zhao returned to the mansion, she began to inquire with Zhao Yujin about Imperial Concubine Chen.

Zhao Yujin almost jumped up as if he had been pricked by a needle, and refused to say what exactly happened between the Emperor and Imperial Concubine Chen, only saying that Ye Zhao was not allowed to interfere in this matter, lest it lead to the death of so many people in the Junwang Mansion and the General Mansion.

Ye Zhao felt that the situation was serious and even more suspicious, but she had promised General Yang, so Ye Zhao decided to try anyway. Whenever she encountered such a thing, the first person Ye Zhao thought of was Hu Qing, and this time was no exception. Ye Zhao went to Hu Qing to ask him for advice.

Hu Qing suggested that they could lure the Emperor to Imperial Concubine Chen's Qingyuan Palace, but for a moment, he could not think of anything to attract the Emperor. At this moment, the two happened to pass by a pavilion, where Xiao Xiazi and Ye Zhao's grandfather were playing chess, and they mentioned "horse eats cannon" in their conversation.

Ye Zhao and Hu Qing were both reminded and felt that they could use a horse race to lure the Emperor to Qingyuan Palace. Ye Zhao found a day to enter the palace and invited the Emperor to watch the horse race. The Emperor gladly agreed, and the two rode out together.

At this time, in Qingyuan Palace, Yang Taifei, the late Emperor's concubine, had just finished visiting Imperial Concubine Chen and instructed Imperial Concubine Chen's maid to take good care of her. She then met the Empress Dowager, who had also come to visit Imperial Concubine Chen. After exchanging pleasantries, the Empress Dowager entered Qingyuan Palace. Imperial Concubine Chen sat by the bed, wearing palace attire, but her face was still pale and she looked very haggard. The Empress Dowager told everyone around her to leave, wanting to talk to Imperial Concubine Chen alone.

Episode 23 Recap

The Empress Dowager went to Qingyuan Palace to visit Concubine Chen and agreed with her to bury a secret forever. Concubine Chen agreed to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager stood up and gave Concubine Chen a very solemn kowtow before preparing to leave. Outside Qingyuan Palace, the Emperor and Ye Zhao happened to be riding their horses there. Ye Zhao suggested going to Qingyuan Palace to ask for a drink of water.

The Emperor thought for a moment and, feeling a little tired, agreed. The group entered Qingyuan Palace, but encountered the Empress Dowager, who had just come out, at the entrance. The Empress Dowager felt a little uneasy seeing the Emperor come to Qingyuan Palace, but thinking of the guarantee that Concubine Chen had just given her, she felt that nothing would happen and did not stop the Emperor and the others.

After the Emperor and the others entered the hall and sat down, Jiang Luhai asked Ziyan, the maid beside Concubine Chen, to quickly help Concubine Chen out. Ziyan saluted and went into the inner room to inform Concubine Chen. When Concubine Chen heard that the Emperor had come, she immediately braced herself and stood up to meet the Emperor.

The Emperor didn't feel anything special when he saw Concubine Chen, but greeted her with a few polite words as if she were an ordinary concubine, and then prepared to leave. However, Concubine Chen kept staring at the Emperor, with tears in her eyes. As the Emperor was about to leave, she cried out the Emperor's name with all her might.

Even then, the Emperor didn't think much of it, only feeling that Concubine Chen was a bit too excited, so he turned his head to comfort her with a few words and left without any attachment. After the horse race, Ye Zhao returned to the Junwang Manor and called Zhao Yujin over.

Zhao Yujin knew that Ye Zhao had still taken the Emperor to see Concubine Chen and was very angry, feeling that Ye Zhao did not care about the lives of so many people in the Zhao and Ye families at all. Ye Zhao only said that she would take responsibility for her own actions and handed Zhao Yujin an envelope, telling Zhao Yujin to open it when he got back.

After Zhao Yujin returned to his study, he opened the envelope and found a divorce agreement inside. Moreover, the divorce agreement was written without any literary skill. Zhao Yujin just smiled when he saw it, thinking that Ye Zhao was uncultured. At night, the Emperor was fast asleep, with Consort Zhang attending to him.

The Emperor dreamed of Concubine Chen, who had a sorrowful expression and said that she was leaving and could no longer do anything for the Emperor, also saying that she was the Emperor's birth mother. The Emperor woke up from his dream in shock, and Consort Zhang also woke up. Seeing that the Emperor had a nightmare, she comforted and persuaded him for a while, helping the Emperor to lie down again.

The next morning, the Emperor got up to attend the early court, and Consort Zhang was helping the Emperor to change clothes. Jiang Luhai came in and said that Concubine Chen had passed away last night. The Emperor's heart skipped a beat. Thinking of last night's dream, he asked when she had passed away. Jiang Luhai said it was at midnight last night.

The Emperor thought that he had dreamed of Concubine Chen at the same time, and was speechless for a moment. Seeing the Emperor's momentary loss of focus, Consort Zhang instructed Jiang Luhai to ask the Empress Dowager for her opinion on how Concubine Chen's funeral should be held. Jiang Luhai retreated after hearing this. In the Empress Dowager's palace, the Empress Dowager was getting dressed when she received the news of Concubine Chen's death.

She was originally dissatisfied with why Concubine Chen had passed away at midnight last night but the palace staff only reported it today, but then she thought that Concubine Chen was just an ordinary concubine, so she did not punish the palace staff. At this time, Prince Qi entered the palace to request an audience, and the Empress Dowager went to see Prince Qi.

Prince Qi's request for an audience this time was to ask how Concubine Chen's funeral should be held. The Empress Dowager only said that Concubine Chen was just an ordinary concubine, so she should be buried according to the etiquette for ordinary concubines. However, Prince Qi disagreed, saying that precisely because she was Concubine Chen, she definitely could not be buried with the etiquette for ordinary concubines.

Seeing Prince Qi's stubbornness, the Empress Dowager agreed to bury Concubine Chen with the etiquette for a first-rank concubine and also entrusted Prince Qi with the task of arranging it. Prince Qi received the Empress Dowager's permission and retreated contentedly. After Prince Qi left, the Empress Dowager fainted. The palace staff discovered this and quickly summoned the imperial physician to see her. The imperial physician only said that the Empress Dowager needed to recuperate well.

However, the Empress Dowager did not listen to the advice. As the weather turned cold, she was still walking in the garden, looking at the autumn scenery in the garden, and said that she was afraid that she would not be able to wait until winter. The palace staff were all around the Empress Dowager, comforting her, but the Empress Dowager's own heart was already dead. Not long after, the Empress Dowager passed away.

The Empress Dowager's death was definitely a grand funeral. The entire palace was in mourning for the Empress Dowager. The Emperor did not eat anything for several days, and Consort Zhang's persuasion was useless. At this time, Yang Taifei, who had served the late Emperor, came, as if she had something to say to the Emperor. The Emperor asked the palace staff and Consort Zhang to leave first, and he listened to what Yang Taifei wanted to say.

Yang Taifei told the Emperor about an event that happened thirty-five years ago. Thirty-five years ago, Concubine Chen was just a maid beside the Empress Dowager. On a stormy night, the late Emperor came to the Empress Dowager's palace to spend the night and inadvertently took a fancy to the maid beside the Empress Dowager, so he slept with her. Afterwards, Concubine Chen became pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy.

However, one night, the Empress Dowager had someone use a "civet cat for a prince" trick and replaced the child. Concubine Chen was never the same again and also lost favor. At this point, the Emperor realized that his birth mother was not the Empress Dowager, but Concubine Chen. Thinking of the only time he had met Concubine Chen in his life and that night's dream, the Emperor felt a deep sense of sorrow.

He immediately ordered people to prepare to go to Concubine Chen's mausoleum. When Concubine Chen was being buried, Prince Qi insisted that she be buried in the clothing of an Empress. When the Emperor saw Concubine Chen's remains, he knelt deeply before Concubine Chen, acknowledging this mother whom he had not seen for many years. He also adopted Ziyan, the maid beside Concubine Chen, as his adopted daughter, to guard the tomb for Concubine Chen on his behalf, enjoying a lifetime of emoluments.

Episode 24 Recap

The Empress Dowager Yang came to see the Emperor, comforting him not to grieve excessively over the passing of the Empress Dowager. She also gave him a memorial that the Empress Dowager had given her before her death, saying it could help the Emperor overcome the difficulties. The next day at court, the Emperor looked at the presented memorials and felt that the expenses of redundant officials and soldiers were too great, and the national treasury was already unsustainable.

At this time, a group of officials led by Prince Qi proposed that the salaries of the royal family should be reduced, since the children of the royal family enjoyed salaries without taking the imperial examination, which was somewhat inappropriate. Therefore, these officials proposed that the royal children should participate in the imperial examination together with the children from poor families, and those who passed would be given salaries.

The Emperor thought for a long time and felt that this method was very good, so he agreed. Ye Zhao, however, understood that Prince Qi harbored resentment in his heart for Zhao Yujin smashing the casino, so he took the opportunity to bring in the entire royal family for revenge. At night, the Emperor was still diligently handling government affairs.

Looking at the mountain of memorials, he worried about which official could take on this important task if reforms were to be carried out. Consort Zhang, seeing the Emperor's worried face, suggested that Fan Zhongyan could be transferred back to serve as a pioneer of reform. The Emperor thought for a moment and felt that Consort Zhang's idea was very reasonable, so he immediately ordered Fan Zhongyan to be transferred back from Muzhou.

In the Zhao Prince's Mansion, the Zhao Princess Dowager heard that all royal children of eligible age would have to participate in the imperial examination. Thinking of her son's level, she secretly worried. The Zhao Princess Consort, seeing her mother-in-law so worried, comforted her, saying that Zhao Yujin was very clever and passing the imperial examination would definitely be easy.

The Zhao Princess Dowager was still worried and insisted on going to the Prince's Mansion late at night to give him some instructions. At this time, in the Prince's Mansion, Ye Zhao had not yet told Zhao Yujin about participating in the imperial examination, but was thinking of persuading Zhao Yujin first, hoping to persuade Zhao Yujin to take the initiative to participate.

So when the Zhao Princess Dowager arrived, she heard Ye Zhao praising Zhao Yujin, saying that Zhao Yujin knew music, danced beautifully, was righteous, and so on, encouraging Zhao Yujin to participate in the imperial examination. Seeing Ye Zhao like this, the Zhao Princess Dowager felt slightly relieved and did not go in to disturb the two of them.

Ye Zhao tried to persuade Zhao Yujin with both kind and harsh words, but Zhao Yujin was unwilling to take the initiative to participate in the imperial examination. Ye Zhao had no choice but to say that it was mandatory and that all eligible royal children had to participate. Zhao Yujin was angry when he heard that his imperial uncle's reform was targeting the royal children, but he had to comply. Before long, Fan Zhongyan returned to Dongjing City.

The Emperor met Fan Zhongyan and directly explained that he needed Fan Zhongyan to be a pioneer of reform. Fan Zhongyan, concerned about the country, readily agreed. Just after coming out of the palace, Ye Zhao invited Fan Zhongyan to drink together.

At the table, Ye Zhao inquired about the exam questions, trying to get information from Fan Zhongyan to help Zhao Yujin pass the imperial examination, but Fan Zhongyan played Tai Chi with Ye Zhao and refused to say anything. In the end, he only recommended a "Commoner Prime Minister", saying that he could be Zhao Yujin's pre-exam tutor.

Ye Zhao did not know who this "Commoner Prime Minister" was, but first returned to the mansion and prepared many books for Zhao Yujin, wanting Zhao Yujin to study hard and preparing to supervise Zhao Yujin at all times. When the "Commoner Prime Minister" arrived, Ye Zhao realized that this "Commoner Prime Minister" was Liu Yong. Although Liu Yong did not pass the imperial examination, he was indeed a talented scholar.

Ye Zhao was very relieved to see Liu Yong tutoring Zhao Yujin. After a day of tutoring, Liu Yong prepared to leave and saw that Ye Zhao, who had been claiming to "practice calligraphy" in the back but was actually supervising Zhao Yujin, had fallen asleep, her face covered in ink. The two laughed heartily. Zhao Yujin, seeing Ye Zhao's confidence in him, decided to work hard and prepare for the imperial examination.

At this time, two mischievous friends came to him, telling Zhao Yujin that he could buy the exam questions, and saying that if Zhao Yujin agreed, he should bring 350 taels of silver to meet under the bridge next to Xinghua Tower tonight. Zhao Yujin did not want to go at first and was hesitating. Yang, Meiniang, Xuan'er, and the others walked in with jewelry boxes, crying and sobbing.

They all felt that if Zhao Yujin did not pass the imperial examination, he would not be able to support them and would definitely divorce them. So they all held their jewelry boxes, wanting to give them to Zhao Yujin so that Zhao Yujin would not divorce them. Zhao Yujin, seeing the concubines so sad, gritted his teeth and decided to buy the exam questions. But the 350 taels of silver was a problem.

He originally wanted to withdraw it from the Prince's Mansion's accounts, but any expenditure exceeding 100 taels had to be reported to the Zhao Princess Dowager, so he couldn't get it out for a while. At this time, Zhao Yujin saw the concubines' jewelry boxes and pieced them together, finally gathering enough 350 taels of silver notes. With the silver notes in his pocket, Zhao Yujin came to the place agreed upon with his two friends.

Zhao Yujin had already decided to buy the exam questions, but he was afraid that Ye Zhao would be disappointed in him, so at the last moment, he decided not to buy the exam questions and turned to leave. Just as he came out, he was discovered by the patrolling soldiers, and then none of them escaped. And Ye Zhao even came to arrest people.

Episode 25 Recap

Ye Zhao, female, personally brought people to arrest Zhao Yujin, male, and his two friends who bought exam questions. Zhao Yujin, male, felt he had lost face in front of his friends, so he fiercely scolded Ye Zhao, female. Unexpectedly, the Magistrate of the Capital then said that Ye Zhao, female, was not there to arrest Zhao Yujin, male, but to arrest the exam question peddler.

It turned out that Ye Zhao, female, knew this peddler had recently cheated many people, so she pretended that Zhao Yujin, male, and the others were sacrificing themselves as bait to lure out the peddler. Zhao Yujin, male, then realized he had wrongly blamed Ye Zhao, female, but was too embarrassed to apologize, so he had no choice but to return to the Prince's mansion in a huff.

Meanwhile, the two friends opened the questions given by the peddler and found that they were indeed fake. They were very angry and chased after the patrol soldiers to find the peddler and get their silver back. Liu Yong continued to tutor Zhao Yujin, male. Liu Yong's lectures were very lively and persuasive, and under Liu Yong's guidance, Zhao Yujin, male, quickly learned to write poetry. In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the exam.

The proctor was Hai Weining. Because Zhao Yujin, male, had put in the effort, he was not flustered. He sat in the examination hall and answered the questions calmly. After the exam, it was time to grade the papers. The chief examiner this time was Fan Zhongyan, male. During the initial review by several officials, they saw a very good article and showed it to Fan Zhongyan, male.

After reading it, Fan Zhongyan, male, felt that the article was indeed exquisitely written. He opened the seal and saw that it was Liu Yong's again. Last time, because Hai Weining had obstructed him, Liu Yong had not been hired. This time, Fan Zhongyan, male, decided to personally go to the Emperor. However, the Emperor still did not favor Liu Yong and personally crossed out Liu Yong's name with his pen. Fan Zhongyan, male, felt deeply sorry for Liu Yong.

In Xinghua Restaurant, Liu Yong invited Zhao Yujin, male, to drink. Liu Yong knew through Fan Zhongyan, male, that he had no hope of being accepted this time and drowned his sorrows in wine, getting very drunk. Finally, he fell drunk on the table. Zhao Yujin, male, wanted to help Liu Yong up, but found that he couldn't.

Fortunately, Ye Zhao, female, arrived in time and arranged for someone to help Liu Yong onto a carriage and send him back to the inn. She also prepared a carriage to send Zhao Yujin, male, back to the inn. Zhao Yujin, male, felt a bit awkward with Ye Zhao, female, after what had happened that night, but seeing that Ye Zhao, female, had already taken the initiative to find him, he went along with it.

Not long after, it was time for the release of the results. Zhao Yujin, male, immediately went to the palace to report the good news to his mother after learning that he had passed the imperial examination. The Princess Consort was naturally very happy that her son had successfully passed the imperial examination, but she couldn't help but nag that Ye Zhao, female, was nowhere to be seen during the release of the results.

Zhao Yujin, male, defended Ye Zhao, female, saying that she was really busy with military affairs and couldn't spare the time. The Princess Consort smiled and said to the Princess, "Yujin knows how to protect his wife now." Zhao Yujin, male, smiled embarrassedly. Ye Zhao, female, discovered that Hu Qing, male's recent whereabouts were very suspicious, and he could always provide some information, so she came to Hu Qing, male, to ask what he was doing.

Hu Qing, male, admitted that he was indeed doing something with Caisang, but he couldn't tell Ye Zhao, female, for the time being. Seeing that Hu Qing, male, was determined not to say, Ye Zhao, female, did not force him too much. The two of them went to visit Fan Zhongyan, male, together and discussed some reform matters.

When they learned that Fan Zhongyan, male, was planning to start with the interests of the aristocracy, they felt that this method was very feasible and expressed their support. Zhao Yujin, male, was feeding fish by the lake when Xiao Xiazi hurriedly ran over to present an invitation. Liu Yong was hosting a banquet at Drunken Flower House to congratulate Zhao Yujin, male. After Zhao Yujin, male, accepted the invitation, Xiao Xiazi told another good news.

It turned out that although Zhang Gui and Guo Yuanjing, who bought exam questions together at that time, did not pass the imperial examination, Ye Zhao, female, jointly submitted a memorial with the Magistrate of the Capital, saying that the two had made meritorious contributions as bait and requested rewards for them. The Emperor felt that this was indeed the case, so he rewarded the two with lifelong salaries.

Zhao Yujin, male, thought to himself that these two were quite lucky. Xiao Xiazi, acting on Zhao Yujin, male's orders, went to the Fan residence to invite Fan Zhongyan, male, to attend the congratulatory banquet in the evening, but Fan Zhongyan, male, was not at home. Only Hong Qiang was there. When Xiao Xiazi arrived, Hong Qiang was practicing calligraphy. Because Hong Qiang's calligraphy was taught by Fan Zhongyan, male, it was almost identical to Fan Zhongyan, male's calligraphy.

Xiao Xiazi was very envious of Hong Qiang for having a good master. At night, Fan Zhongyan, male, was drafting a reform plan when suddenly a dagger flew in from outside the window, stabbing straight in front of Fan Zhongyan, male's desk. Fan Zhongyan, male, was so frightened that he immediately stood up, but failed to chase down the person. Returning to the desk, he saw a note rolled on the dagger.

He unfolded it and found that someone was threatening him about the reform, saying that he would be torn apart by five horses like Shang Yang. Fan Zhongyan, male, took this note to find Ye Zhao, female, and Hu Qing, male. The two felt that this matter was too dangerous and decided to secretly protect Fan Zhongyan, male. Fan Zhongyan, male, was grateful for their help.

In the nights that followed, Ye Zhao, female, and Hu Qing, male, sat on the roof of the Fan residence to prevent anyone from sneaking in and harming Fan Zhongyan, male. The two chatted and talked on the roof, and time passed quickly. Ye Zhao, female, sincerely thanked Hu Qing, male, for helping her come up with ideas so that her marriage with Zhao Yujin, male, could last so long.

Hu Qing, male, pretended to be improper and said that he was about to vomit. Ye Zhao, female, knew that Hu Qing, male, didn't want the atmosphere to be too awkward, so she gave Hu Qing, male, a punch, knocking Hu Qing, male, off the roof, and sat on the roof secretly laughing. Before long, Fan Zhongyan, male, drafted the reform method. When he entered the palace to see the Emperor, he presented it to the Emperor. The Emperor was very satisfied after reading it and immediately appointed Fan Zhongyan, male, to preside over various reform matters.

Episode 26 Recap

During the early court session, the Emperor arranged for Fan Zhongyan to explain the reform system. Fan Zhongyan listed ten reform items, all focused on streamlining finances and strengthening the country, and proposed that high-ranking officials should no longer recommend their own children for official positions, which was strongly supported by most court officials.

Zhang Gui entered the palace to visit his sister, Concubine Zhang, but his real purpose was to have his sister help him secure an official position in the court. Concubine Zhang knew that this was the time of reform and did not want to agree to her brother's request, but she couldn't resist Zhang Gui's pleas and finally agreed to try for Zhang Gui. Concubine Zhang came to Fan Zhongyan and mentioned this matter.

Although Fan Zhongyan did not explicitly refuse Concubine Zhang, he said that he would consult the Emperor's opinion. Concubine Zhang was a little uneasy, but the words had already been spoken and could not be taken back. Fan Zhongyan went to see the Emperor and asked whether the Emperor's reform should be strictly implemented without any favoritism or bending of the law. The Emperor made it clear that there should be no doubt.

Fan Zhongyan proposed that Concubine Zhang wanted to seek the position of Envoy of Xuanhui for her brother, Zhang Gui. The Emperor felt that the Envoy of Xuanhui was just a minor official of the ninth rank, so it was okay to give it to him. However, Fan Zhongyan was not convinced and pressed on, forcing the Emperor to be speechless. The Emperor could only glare at Fan Zhongyan and put down the book in his hand to leave.

The Emperor returned to the palace in a rage, only saying that he needed to quickly prepare water for a bath. Concubine Zhang saw that the Emperor was angry and hurriedly asked what had happened. The Emperor then told her about Fan Zhongyan's matter and also questioned why Concubine Zhang was hitting the bullet when the reform was going on.

Concubine Zhang saw that even the Emperor could not persuade Fan Zhongyan and knew that she had done something wrong, so she quickly knelt down and asked for forgiveness. The Emperor loved Concubine Zhang in his heart and did not care about anything. In Prince Qi's mansion, Prince Qi called Lu Zhenting to discuss matters.

Prince Qi felt that Fan Zhongyan's promotion of reform would surely offend many people, but he was not afraid, after all, the only unclean thing under his name was a gambling house, which was specially allowed by the late Emperor. He also mentioned that the Emperor had previously taken the money Zhao Yujin won from the gambling house to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday, so he was not afraid for the time being.

However, Prince Qi also realized that Fan Zhongyan must be dealt with as soon as possible, otherwise there would be endless troubles, so he asked Lu Zhenting to call his subordinate Xiao Gui Zi and made some arrangements. Xiao Gui Zi first went to the Junwang residence to find Xiao Xia Zi, saying that he had heard that there was a Hong Qiang girl in Lord Fan's residence, who was talented and beautiful, and he wanted to see her.

Xiao Xia Zi happened to be looking for Hong Qiang, so he agreed to take Xiao Gui Zi with him. When the two arrived at Fan's residence together, Hong Qiang was inscribing lanterns. Xiao Gui Zi praised the Hong Qiang girl a lot and also asked for a lantern written by Hong Qiang. Seeing that Xiao Gui Zi had a lantern, Xiao Xia Zi immediately asked for one for himself as well.

Not long after, Xiao Gui Zi and Xiao Xia Zi came to Hong Qiang again, talking about the lantern from Hong Qiang earlier. He said that he took the lantern to go to the street to do errands, and someone took a fancy to the lantern and sold it for thirty copper coins, which can be considered a high price.

At the same time, Xiao Gui Zi proposed that since Hong Qiang's calligraphy was so valuable, the three of them should do a little business together and sell lanterns. Hong Qiang initially did not agree, but she couldn't resist the persuasion of Xiao Xia Zi and Xiao Gui Zi, and she also wanted to earn some money to buy a better tea set for Fan Zhongyan, so she agreed.

No sooner said than done, the three's stall was quickly set up, and the business was doing quite well. At this time, a lady came with her servants, saying that she would buy all the lanterns and ask Hong Qiang to write a calligraphy for her at her residence for fifty taels. Hong Qiang was tempted and agreed.

At this time, Xiao Gui Zi and Xiao Xia Zi both had things to do and left, so only Hong Qiang went to that house alone. After Hong Qiang arrived at that house, she soon discovered that the article she was going to transcribe was Fan Zhongyan's ten strategies.

The owner of the house said that she felt that this article was very well written and wanted to copy it to read it carefully, so Hong Qiang copied it with peace of mind. After finishing writing, the lady sent Hong Qiang away. Lu Zhenting came out from behind the screen.

He picked up the article written by Hong Qiang and looked at the words "In this way, we can control the Song and strengthen our Great Xia" on it, and smiled sinisterly. It turned out that this was Lu Zhenting's trap. Hong Qiang's handwriting was exactly the same as Fan Zhongyan's. As long as this was the case, Fan Zhongyan would definitely be brought down.

Xiao Xia Zi was sitting in the pavilion admiring the lantern Hong Qiang gave him when Zhao Yujin saw him. Zhao Yujin saw that Xiao Xia Zi regarded Hong Qiang's calligraphy as a treasure, and said that his calligraphy could also be worth a thousand taels.

Xiao Xia Zi sarcastically said that Zhao Yujin could only write the words "dung beetle, bug, toad, I spit, spit, spit", which made Zhao Yujin angry and pretended to hit him, but Xiao Xia Zi quickly slipped away. Prince Qi's wife came to the study and saw that Prince Qi was still dealing with official business, so she asked Prince Qi if he remembered what day it was today.

Prince Qi was dizzy with countless official duties, so how could he remember what day it was today. Seeing that Prince Qi had no intention to think about it, the lady turned and left. Prince Qi felt that he should comfort his wife, so he followed her out, but he didn't see her. While he was hesitating, an arrow shot from a distance and landed on the pillar in the courtyard.

Prince Qi pulled out the arrow and found that it was tied with a small bamboo tube, which seemed to contain a note. Prince Qi's wife saw this scene behind the pillar, and her face was gloomy.

Episode 27 Recap

Prince Qi opened the small bamboo tube, took out the letter inside, read its contents, and burned it directly, leaving no trace. Princess Qi returned to her room, opened a small box, took out a handkerchief from it, held it tightly in her hand, her face sorrowful, as if she was very sad because Prince Qi didn't remember what day it was. Liu Xiyin traveled with Hong Ying all the way and entered the territory of Xiushui.

Seeing a nunnery in the distance, Liu Xiyin took Hong Ying to the nunnery, intending to become a nun, but the abbess said that Liu Xiyin still had worldly desires and could not practice, and Liu Xiyin's plea was unsuccessful. At this time, Lord Zhang, the prefect of Xiushui Prefecture, happened to be there with his concubine to offer incense.

Seeing that Liu Xiyin was as beautiful as a fairy, he was moved and went forward to ask what had happened. When he learned that Liu Xiyin wanted to become a nun, he asked the abbess to take in Liu Xiyin first, actually planning to take Liu Xiyin as his concubine later. Seeing that Lord Zhang was pleading for Liu Xiyin, the abbess agreed to take in Liu Xiyin.

Lord Zhang's concubine knew what Lord Zhang was planning, but she couldn't stop him, so she had to let him do as he pleased. After returning to the mansion, the concubine was massaging Lord Zhang, and Lord Zhang mentioned Liu Xiyin again. The concubine was angry when she heard this, but in order not to anger Lord Zhang, she still had to ask Lord Zhang for advice on how to marry Liu Xiyin.

Liu Xiyin knelt in front of the Buddha statue, only wanting to spend her life in the ancient temple with a blue lamp. Hong Ying persuaded Liu Xiyin to return to Yongguan City, but Liu Xiyin was unwilling. Since Liu Xiyin was not leaving, Hong Ying would naturally not leave either, and would stay in the nunnery to accompany Liu Xiyin.

After returning to the room, Liu Xiyin discovered that one of her brocade handkerchiefs was missing, and that handkerchief was very important to Liu Xiyin. Hong Ying prepared to go out to look for it, thinking that it had been lost in the Buddhist hall. To go to the Buddhist hall, she had to pass by the abbess's room.

At the door of the abbess's room, Hong Ying heard someone threatening the abbess to tell them where Liu Xiyin was staying. She heard that it was sent by Lord Zhang to take Liu Xiyin away. Hong Ying was very frightened when she heard this and quickly returned to the room to find Liu Xiyin, taking Liu Xiyin to prepare to escape.

When they ran to the door, Liu Xiyin remembered the handkerchief again, and insisted on going back to find it. She finally found it after much difficulty, but was also discovered by the men in black. They chased after them all the way, and Liu Xiyin and Hong Ying had to keep running, but they ran to a cliff.

Seeing that there was no way to go, she had to reveal her identity, saying that her cousin was the Grand General of the Armed Forces of the World, but those people didn't care and still wanted to capture Liu Xiyin back to claim the reward. Liu Xiyin lost her footing for a moment and fell off the cliff, also pulling Hong Ying down with her.

The two of them hung on a tree branch, but the branch was too fragile and couldn't support the weight of two people, so Hong Ying let go and fell down, leaving Liu Xiyin alive alone. The yamen runners of Xiushui went to various villages to collect taxes, but Xiushui had been raining heavily for a long time, and the crops were all flooded, so it could be said that there was no harvest at all.

But those yamen runners didn't care, and rummaged through the farmers' homes, taking everything they could take, carrying chickens, ducks, wine, and meat on the road, thinking about having a big meal when they got back and not returning until they were drunk. But before they had left the village, they saw that the Xiushui River had burst its banks in the distance, and the flood poured into the village, destroying the village.

Villagers and yamen runners were either dead or injured. Some survivors ran to report to Lord Zhang. Lord Zhang's first reaction was that the bursting of the Xiushui River had nothing to do with him, that the dam he had built was very strong and there must be no problem, that it was just that the rain was too heavy and couldn't hold on.

After saying this, Lord Zhang also thought that he could apply to the imperial court for disaster relief and make another fortune. He immediately called his men to write a memorial, preparing to ask the emperor for disaster relief money. At this time, the concubine came to tell Lord Zhang about Liu Xiyin.

When Lord Zhang heard that Liu Xiyin was Ye Zhao's cousin, he knew that he had caused trouble, but then he thought again that no one could prove that Liu Xiyin was killed by him, that he could only say that she ran away by herself, and then didn't know if she encountered mountain bandits or bandits, so she disappeared, and it had nothing to do with him. The concubine thought this idea was feasible and retreated.

At this time, in Tokyo City, the ministers were submitting memorials one after another for the disaster relief, and the emperor also wanted to allocate money for disaster relief, but he was suffering from an empty treasury and could not do so, so he had to reduce the expenses in the palace, and then the ministers would hand over some silver. This time, he violated the interests of some ministers, and the ministers all held resentment in their hearts.

In the harem, the emperor called Consort Zhang and Empress Guo to discuss the matter, and both of them put forward ideas for saving money. In the end, the most crucial thing was who to send for disaster relief. After several discussions and the emperor's consideration, it was finally decided to send Zhao Yujin to disaster relief with Ye Zhao.

The emperor summoned Zhao Yujin into the palace, first mentioning it in a roundabout way, and finally said that Ye Zhao could be given a few days off, and let Zhao Yujin take Ye Zhao out to play. Zhao Yujin was very happy at first, thinking that his uncle was considerate, but then he heard the emperor's real intention, which was to let him take Ye Zhao to disaster relief, Zhao Yujin was a little dazed.

Episode 28 Recap

The Emperor arranged for Zhao Yujin to go to Xiushui to provide disaster relief, and also appointed Hai Weining and Bi Jinshi to go with him. Although Zhao Yujin knew he was caught in his uncle's trap, the Emperor earnestly advised him, so Zhao Yujin accepted it and took the letter of appointment. Back at the Junwang Manor, Zhao Yujin directly called Xia Xiazi to pack his luggage, and then rushed into the room to tell Ye Zhao.

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhao quickly arranged the accompanying matters, and also brought Mei Niang along since her ancestral home was there. Ye Zhao heard that Zhao Yujin wanted her to bring twenty sets of clothes for changing, and had a slight argument with Zhao Yujin.

The final agreement was that Ye Zhao would bring five sets of clothes, but Zhao Yujin would not treat himself poorly, bringing twenty sets of clothes, as well as bedding and pillows, even bringing a chamber pot. It was truly like a luxury tour group. Afterward, Ye Zhao called Zhao Yujin, and the two of them went together to pick out some weapons for emergencies.

Ye Zhao thought of bringing the Xuan Tie Whip of Taizu and the Jiao Long Sword of her father to prevent accidents. The two of them also secretly thought about how they could travel and enjoy the scenery along the way, and perhaps even conceive a child. This time, in addition to Xiushui, there was also flooding in Jiangbei. Jiangbei was the fief of Prince Qi.

As soon as the flood was reported, Prince Qi returned to his fief with his Wangfei (official title of a prince's wife). Sitting in the carriage, the Wangfei saw the desolate scenes and starving people on the roadside, and couldn't bear it. She ordered her servants to give some silver to the victims. After returning to the Wangfu (prince's mansion), the Wangfei spoke coldly to Prince Qi, complaining that Prince Qi was unwilling to open the granaries for disaster relief.

Prince Qi had his own plans and did not explain anything to the Wangfei. Zhao Yujin's disaster relief team traveled all the way, and when they arrived at an inn, they prepared to stop and rest. Because there were many people in the disaster relief team, the group disguised themselves as merchants going to the disaster area to do business and booked the entire inn. Dozens of people were eating inside, lively and bustling.

While they were eating, a carriage stopped outside the inn, and a master and servant got out, wanting to eat here. The waiter was very embarrassed because the entire store had been booked by Zhao Yujin and his party, and there was really no space. Seeing this, the servant cursed, saying that even the Emperor would have to give way to his young master in Xiushui.

It turned out that this young master was the son of the Xiushui Zhizhou (governor) Zhang, studying outside, and had returned specifically to see the flood in his hometown after hearing about it. Zhao Yujin heard that someone was causing trouble, so he came out to see what was going on. Unexpectedly, he was tripped as soon as he reached the door and fell to the ground.

Young Master Zhang bent down to help Zhao Yujin up and asked if Zhao Yujin could share a table with him. Zhao Yujin was not a difficult person to talk to, so he agreed. After the meal, the group stayed at the inn together. Early the next morning, Young Master Zhang asked if he could travel with Zhao Yujin's group, so they could take care of each other on the road. Zhao Yujin agreed.

Young Master Zhang also suggested that Zhao Yujin's group should not go to Jiangbei first, but should go to Xiushui first, because the disaster in Xiushui was severe. Zhao Yujin thought about it and felt it made sense, so he went to discuss it with Hai Weining and others, but the others disagreed, so Zhao Yujin had to refuse Young Master Zhang.

Seeing that this method could not dissuade them, Young Master Zhang said that if they went to Jiangbei first, they would definitely pass through Che Di Guan, which meant complete collapse. Now there had been large-scale landslides there, and it would be dangerous to force their way through. After Ye Zhao learned about this, she personally took Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua to investigate and found that it was indeed as Young Master Zhang said.

So, they changed their plan and decided to go to Xiushui first. The group traveled day and night and finally got close to Xiushui. On this day, when they were about to enter Xiushui territory, Zhao Yujin ordered the entire team to stop and rest for a while, go to the toilet or something. There would be no more stops ahead until they entered Xiushui.

At this time, Young Master Zhang got out of the car and said that he was almost there and would take a step ahead to arrange the reception for the group in Xiushui. Zhao Yujin and Young Master Zhang bid farewell to each other, and Young Master Zhang left first.

In the Qi Wangfu in Jiangbei, the Wangfei was telling Prince Qi about the severity of the flood and asked Prince Qi why he refused to open the granaries to release grain. Prince Qi said that he was just thinking that since the Emperor had sent an imperial envoy, he would wait for the imperial envoy to come and provide disaster relief. Why should he bother to do more?

It turned out that Prince Qi believed that the Emperor had never cared about his fiefdom for so many years, and this time he suddenly sent an imperial envoy to Jiangbei to investigate his strength. He came with bad intentions, so he stood idly by. A woman knocked on the door and came in, as if she had something to say to Prince Qi. Prince Qi asked the Wangfei to go down first and spoke to this woman himself.

It turned out that this woman looked ordinary, but in fact, she was Prince Qi's confidante and had secretly done many things for Prince Qi. This time, she came to discuss some matters related to the transportation of supplies with Prince Qi. It seemed to be handled very well, and Prince Qi was very satisfied. The disaster relief team was about to enter Xiushui territory when they were stopped by a group of disaster victims demanding food.

Looking at the disaster victims everywhere, Zhao Yujin finally realized that disaster relief was not for him to eat, drink, and have fun, but to carry the lives of the disaster victims on his shoulders. It was a very important responsibility.

At this time, Zhang Daren (official title) was arranging for his subordinates to suppress those who were preparing to file a complaint with the Emperor, preventing them from speaking out about their suffering, and also covering up the breach in the dam, pretending to be at peace. When Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao arrived in Xiushui, they happened to see the granaries being opened to sell grain.

Seeing that many people sold their houses and land to exchange for grain, Zhao Yujin thought, if they sold their houses and land, how would these people live after the disaster? Ye Zhao knew that this was the situation in the disaster area, but she couldn't do anything about it for the time being.

Episode 29 Recap

Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin inspected outside Xiu Shui City for a long time and also instructed Hai Weining to set up a porridge shed in the city immediately. Xiao Xiazi hurriedly ran over to say that Zhang Nanhua, Young Master Zhang, had been waiting at the city gate for a long time, just waiting for them to arrive and enter the city together. Zhao Yujin and his party entered the city first.

After entering the city, Zhang Nanhua took them to a courtyard, saying it belonged to his father, who was none other than Zhang Qingtian, the Prefect of Xiu Shui. Zhang Nanhua settled them down and then left first. Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao sat at the stone table in the courtyard, talking about this Zhang Qingtian.

Ye Zhao hadn't realized it yet, but Zhao Yujin had already discovered that this Zhang Qingtian was definitely not an honest official, because some of the arrangements and expenses of this courtyard required a lot of money, which an ordinary honest official could never afford. After hearing this, Ye Zhao immediately wanted to arrest Zhang Qingtian, but Zhao Yujin stopped her, saying that they needed to find evidence and catch him all at once.

Afterward, Zhao Yujin called Hai Weining and Bi Jinshi over, arranging for them to visit the brothels of Xiu Shui. The main purpose was to find girls from poor families and sons from wealthy families to gather information. At first, Hai Weining was very unwilling, thinking that Zhao Yujin just wanted to have fun. After listening to Zhao Yujin's explanation, he thought the plan was excellent, so he went to the brothels with Bi Jinshi.

Qi Wang came to a courtyard under his name. The confidante woman had been waiting there for a long time. The two walked into a cave in a rockery and discovered that it was a different world inside. The place was very large, storing Qi Wang's accumulated five thousand dan of grain over the years and one hundred thousand taels of silver donated by court officials. The materials were complete, waiting only for the uprising.

Hai Weining came to a brothel. The madam of the brothel arranged for a girl named Jiao Xing to accompany Hai Weining. Hai Weining inquired indirectly and finally found out some information about Zhang Qingtian's actions, immediately returning to report to Zhao Yujin. At night, a man in black secretly sneaked into Zhao Yujin's room and placed some official silver inside, wanting to frame Zhao Yujin. Unexpectedly, he was discovered by Ye Zhao.

Ye Zhao quickly captured the man and removed his mask for interrogation. The man couldn't withstand the interrogation and confessed. His name was Chen Tiangou, and he was sent by Zhang Nanhua to place official silver in Zhao Yujin's room, so that he could be accused of stealing official silver. Stealing official silver was a capital crime, and Zhang Nanhua's idea was very vicious.

Ye Zhao wanted to use a trick, so she let Chen Tiangou go back and tell Zhang Nanhua that the matter had been completed. Just after letting Chen Tiangou go, Ye Zhao saw a figure flash outside the wall, which looked very familiar. Ye Zhao got up and chased after him. After chasing for a long time, she finally caught up. The person was Hu Qing.

Ye Zhao thought that Hu Qing was worried about her, so he secretly followed to protect her. Who knew that Hu Qing was ordered by the Emperor to investigate some matters. Hu Qing said that he had discovered traces of explosives in the previously collapsed tunnel, that it was man-made, and that this person was likely related to the fall of Yongguan City many years ago, which led to the death of Ye Zhao's father and brothers.

When Ye Zhao heard that it involved her father and brothers, she took it to heart. Hu Qing also said that after many days of investigation, he had finally found out a big figure behind the scenes, who was Qi Wang, but he needed to sort out the evidence before taking down Qi Wang in one fell swoop. After hearing this, Ye Zhao felt it made sense, so she and Hu Qing separated and acted separately.

The next day, Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin were discussing the gains from the previous visits to the brothels when several yamen runners came to the door, saying they were arresting thieves. Ye Zhao knew what was happening in her heart and was not afraid. She didn't argue with them and followed the yamen runners. In the court, Zhang Qingtian didn't know what had happened and wanted Ye Zhao to kneel down.

Unexpectedly, Ye Zhao had already made arrangements and had people drag Zhang Qingtian out from behind the table and kneel on the ground. She also brought Zhang Qingtian's family to the court, preparing to try Zhang Qingtian. Zhang Qingtian now knew that this person was the Great General of the Armed Forces Ye Zhao, and he was so frightened that he trembled. Ye Zhao also had Jiao Xing brought up to identify Zhang Qingtian. Facing the witnesses and evidence, Zhang Qingtian was speechless and unable to refute for a while.

Episode 30 Recap

Ye Zhao arrested Zhang Qingtian's family for interrogation. Just as she was getting to the key point, Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua came from the other courtyard, bringing Zhao Yujin's message. Zhao Yujin said that after all, he was a local official, so there was no need to overdo the interrogation. Ye Zhao thought for a moment, then picked up the Xuan Tie whip on the table, preparing to leave.

Zhang Qingtian and Zhang Nanhua thought they had escaped, but they didn't expect Ye Zhao to let them off. Two whips later, they were severely injured. Then, one was cut in half and the other was executed. The onlookers cheered. Zhao Yujin led people to Zhang Qingtian's home to search, but found nothing. He was at a loss and asked Hai Weining what to do in this situation.

Hai Weining, who had served as a local official, suggested that Zhao Yujin let go of Zhang Qingtian's subordinate, Master Pu. This Master Pu had worked under Zhang Qingtian for a long time and knew the situation in Xiushui Prefecture like the back of his hand, but he wasn't as evil as Zhang Qingtian. So he should be kept to be used by Zhao Yujin.

Zhao Yujin thought this made sense and decided to keep Master Pu to work for him. Ye Zhao arrived at Zhang Qingtian's house and searched with Zhao Yujin for Zhang Qingtian's embezzled silver, but they still couldn't find it. Ye Zhao had Zhang Qingtian's family members brought up and questioned them.

Originally, these family members were to be exiled, but Zhao Yujin suggested that if anyone could tell where the stolen money was hidden, they could be given five acres of land and a separate courtyard, allowing her to continue living in Xiushui Prefecture. Zhang Qingtian's concubine, Bai Shi, was tempted and revealed the whereabouts of Zhang Qingtian's stolen money.

Ten thousand taels were hidden in a wall in the house, and another part was used to bribe Lord Lu and build relationships with other officials. Zhao Yujin pondered carefully and also asked Hai Weining. Eventually, the matter involved Bi Jinshi, who confessed that he had taken one thousand taels of silver, which was sent by Liu Taifu's men. He had been temporarily blinded by greed and took it.

Zhao Yujin knew that the mastermind was not Bi Jinshi, but he did not investigate further for the time being. Bai Shi revealed the whereabouts of the stolen money. According to Zhao Yujin's statement, she could be spared exile and stay in Xiushui Prefecture. However, Bai Shi asked for a chance for her daughter to live.

Zhao Yujin felt that children were innocent, so he decided that all children under the age of ten would be spared exile and raised by Bai Shi. Bai Shi was overjoyed and wept. At this time, Ye Zhao noticed that the gold hairpin on Bai Shi's head belonged to her cousin, Liu Xiyin, and questioned Bai Shi about where the hairpin came from.

However, Bai Shi felt that Zhang Qingtian was dead and there was no way to prove it, so she insisted that Zhang Qingtian had given her the hairpin and that she didn't know where it came from. Ye Zhao believed it and only thought that Liu Xiyin had lost the hairpin, and she felt guilty towards her cousin.

After questioning about the whereabouts of the stolen money, Ye Zhao instructed Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua to find the Book of Songs to prepare an apology letter for Liu Xiyin. However, Ye Zhao could hardly read a few words and wrote ugly characters. In the end, she simply wrote a few lines of poetry and had Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua send it out.

At this time, Xiao Xiazi ran over and said that Zhao Yujin had been hit in the foot by gold falling down while looking at the wall made of stolen money. Ye Zhao rushed over to see him. Zhao Yujin was sitting in a chair, groaning in pain. Suddenly, after being reminded by Hai Weining, he came up with a good way to get merchants to donate grain.

He asked Xiao Xiazi to inform the major merchants in Xiushui Prefecture that the imperial envoy for disaster relief, Nanping Junwang Zhao Yujin, was so worried about the disaster that he lost his appetite and was mentally disturbed and was hit in the foot. He hinted that these merchants should bring generous gifts to visit him, thereby soliciting grain and silver from them for disaster relief. The merchants panicked, not knowing how to deal with Zhao Yujin.

They all gathered at the home of the local wealthy man, Old Master Hu, to discuss countermeasures. After some discussion, they all felt that Zhao Yujin was just being tough verbally, but in reality, if they just insisted that they had no grain, he couldn't do anything to them. With that thought in mind, everyone was no longer panicked and decided to face Zhao Yujin directly.

Zhao Yujin received these merchants in his residence, asking them if they could donate some grain for disaster relief. However, these merchants were very slippery, only saying that they just didn't have any grain, unless they imported it from other provinces at a high price. Zhao Yujin knew that they were just being stubborn, so he came up with another method. Seeing that it was time for dinner, everyone was hungry.

Xiao Xiazi came up to ask if he should serve the dishes, and even rattled off a list of dishes, but was scolded back by Zhao Yujin, who said that the disaster had not been alleviated and he couldn't eat anything.

He also said that he wanted to discuss with the merchants how to deal with the disaster, so he asked Xiao Xiazi to go to the merchants' homes and tell their masters that they would not be returning home tonight, but would stay with the Junwang to discuss disaster relief. Now these people were stuck with Zhao Yujin and it was difficult to escape.

Episode 31 Recap

Zhao Yujin invited several wealthy gentlemen from Xiushui Prefecture to his villa to discuss disaster relief methods, actually wanting to force these rich merchants to hand over money and food. However, these merchants were unwilling to open their wallets for disaster relief. Zhao Yujin then said that he would share the hardships with the disaster victims and would fast, even holding the gentlemen to fast with him. But Zhao Yujin would never really starve himself.

He excused himself to go to the outhouse and secretly went to eat. The gentlemen had been sitting for a day and had been filled with tea, making them very uncomfortable. Hearing that they were still not being released, they became even more anxious and cursed while Zhao Yujin was away. Hai Weining, who had been listening behind them for a long time, finally couldn't help but cough, indicating that he had recorded everything.

The gentlemen had no choice but to shut up. At night, the gentlemen finally couldn't bear it anymore. They excused themselves to go to the outhouse and went to find the kitchen. They finally found the kitchen but discovered that it was very clean and had nothing. Enraged, they decided to leave directly, but they were stopped by Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua as soon as they left the kitchen and brought back to Zhao Yujin.

Zhao Yujin looked at the gentlemen and, estimating that the time was right, continued to talk about disaster relief, even saying that he wanted the gentlemen to stay with him for a few more days to discuss disaster relief methods together. Old Master Hu couldn't stand it anymore and pretended to faint. He thought he would be sent home immediately, but Zhao Yujin summoned Meng Xingde, the imperial physician he had brought from the capital, to examine him.

Meng Xingde had also been instructed beforehand, so he took a look and said that Old Master Hu was experiencing liver fire rising. A few days of starvation, some Chinese medicine, and dozens of acupuncture needles would do the trick. Then, he had Old Master Hu carried down. The remaining gentlemen saw that pretending to be sick was not a way to leave and were at a loss.

Zhao Yujin had Xiao Xiazi bring up the dishes and asked the remaining gentlemen to bid for the food. Whoever offered more silver or grain would get to eat it. The bidding started from ten shi, then to one hundred shi, and finally Hong, the head of the family, successfully bid one thousand shi and got to eat the table of food. Zhao Yujin was quite satisfied with the bidding result of one thousand shi.

The next day, the gentlemen went to visit Old Master Hu and saw that he was awake. They discussed donating some silver and grain, only begging Zhao Yujin to let them leave. Zhao Yujin, seeing that his goal had been achieved, naturally released them and even awarded these gentlemen plaques, saying that they had made meritorious contributions to disaster relief. However, these gentlemen were not ones to swallow their anger, especially Old Master Hu. His son-in-law was Lu Zhenting.

The men discussed having Old Master Hu take the lead in creating a stone tablet with the inscription "A hen crows at dawn, the world is in chaos," preparing to use this stone tablet to build momentum and bring Ye Zhao down from the stage to vent their anger. Before long, news of this stone tablet reached the capital.

Among them, Liu Taifu and Lu Xiangye and others had long wanted to bring Ye Zhao down, so naturally, they spared no effort in whispering in the Emperor's ear. Only Fan Zhongyan spoke for Ye Zhao. For a time, the Emperor was also very embarrassed. He had no choice but to call Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin, who had already gone to Jiangbei Prefecture, back.

At this time in Jiangbei Prefecture, Prince Qi was discussing the transportation of supplies with his confidants. Prince Qi had built an underground granary to store supplies and had his confidants take good care of it. Unexpectedly, this scene was seen by Princess Qi. One day, Prince Qi was reading in his residence when a confidant rushed to report that Princess Qi was missing and that the key to the underground granary had also been moved.

Prince Qi secretly thought something was wrong and rushed directly into the study to check the key. Princess Qi then walked into the study and said that she had never gone out. Although Prince Qi was suspicious, he didn't want to directly confront Princess Qi, so he said that he had obtained a can of good tea and wanted to taste it with Princess Qi, thus concealing the matter.

The Emperor sat in the imperial study, looking at the memorials impeaching Ye Zhao, feeling truly helpless. Ye Zhao had made many enemies in the capital because of her strict military discipline. This time, disaster relief had also touched the interests of those dignitaries. For a time, everyone was pushing the crumbling wall. Consort Zhang saw this and comforted the Emperor, but after careful consideration, the Emperor still felt that he should curb Ye Zhao's arrogance.

Otherwise, Ye Zhao's momentum would be too strong, and new generals would not be able to stand out. Seeing that the Emperor had made up his mind, Consort Zhang didn't say anything. At this time, at Empress Guo's place, Empress Guo had previously been demoted from the palace, but because her brother Guo Fushan had performed meritorious service, she was brought back by the Emperor.

Guo Fushan came to find Empress Guo to discuss matters, saying that he had discovered that the dagger that stabbed Master Li to death was Ye Zhao's Howling Tiger Dagger, so Ye Zhao was suspected of murder. Empress Guo was resenting Ye Zhao in her heart because her nephew had been killed by Ye Zhao, so she encouraged her brother to hand the dagger over to the Emperor, preparing to participate in the team to bring Ye Zhao down.

Episode 32 Recap

Empress Guo held a grudge against Ye Zhao, and persuaded her elder brother Guo Fushan to hand over the Tiger's Roar Dagger to the Emperor. Guo Fushan was unwilling, but couldn't resist Empress Guo's persuasion, and finally agreed. On the way back, Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao sat by the river chatting. Zhao Yujin was puzzled why Ye Zhao had not yet conceived his child. Ye Zhao questioned whether Zhao Yujin was incapable, making Zhao Yujin feel a little guilty.

He then went to find Meng Xingde for treatment. Meng Xingde carefully took Zhao Yujin's pulse and said that Zhao Yujin's body was only a little weak and there was nothing serious. Zhao Yujin was relieved, and then dragged Ye Zhao to see Meng Xingde. Meng Xingde also carefully examined Ye Zhao, asking if her menstruation was regular and if she had dysmenorrhea. Ye Zhao said that her menstruation was not regular and that her dysmenorrhea was very severe.

Meng Xingde immediately judged that Ye Zhao's body was not in good condition and that she might have a cold constitution, making it difficult to conceive, so he prescribed medicine for Ye Zhao to recuperate, and also told Ye Zhao to eat more bird's nest, red dates and other supplements. Zhao Yujin, having received Meng Xingde's instructions, decocted medicine for Ye Zhao every day. The medicine was very bitter, causing Ye Zhao to feel nauseous every day.

Zhao Yujin knew that Ye Zhao didn't want to drink the medicine, but she had to, so he decocted the medicine every day and brought it to Ye Zhao, coaxing her to drink it, and then feeding her a few pieces of honey. He also said that he knew the medicine was very bitter, and he would taste the medicine for Ye Zhao first in the future.

Ye Zhao felt that her husband had put in a lot of effort for her, and she couldn't let her husband down, so she promised to drink the medicine properly in the future. At this time, a great uproar had been stirred up in the court. A group of officials led by Grand Tutor Liu and Prime Minister Lu jointly petitioned to dismiss Ye Zhao, saying that Ye Zhao had no regard for the law and destroyed the established order.

Coupled with the public opinion created by Old Master Hu in the private sector, even though the Emperor knew that Ye Zhao was a good official, he couldn't withstand the repeated proposals from the crowd, and the Emperor had to let go and say that he would consider it. In the evening, the Emperor went to see Empress Guo, and the two leaned against the head of the bed to talk.

Empress Guo saw that the Emperor seemed to have something on his mind, so she asked the Emperor what had happened. The Emperor then told Empress Guo about Ye Zhao's matter. Empress Guo had long held a grudge against Ye Zhao and had already prepared her speech.

She first pretended to say good things about Ye Zhao, and then said that Ye Zhao was unpopular and that in the long run, she was afraid that the Emperor would lose the hearts of the people. She also suggested that Ye Zhao's military power could be revoked, allowing Ye Zhao to go home to be a good wife and mother, doing what a woman should do.

This would not only win the hearts of the people, but also satisfy Zhao Yujin's mother, Princess Zhao, who wanted to hold her grandson, achieving multiple goals at once. The Emperor felt that this made sense after listening, so he considered it carefully. Recently, every time in court, someone memorialized to impeach Ye Zhao. Grand Tutor Liu and Prime Minister Lu and others even brought up all the unreasonable things that Ye Zhao had done a long time ago.

Guo Fushan, having received instructions from the Empress, also brought up the matter of the Tiger's Roar Dagger to memorialize. Only Fan Zhongyan and Old General Yang and a few others strongly supported Ye Zhao, but in the end, they could not defeat the Emperor's determined will, and it was difficult to reverse the situation. Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin finally returned to the capital. The two held hands and entered the Junwang Manor.

Yang Shi and Xuan'er, who had been waiting early at the door, greeted them. Xuan'er heartlessly threw herself on Ye Zhao and talked to Ye Zhao, but Yang Shi felt a little downhearted seeing that the two had a very good relationship.

Mei Niang, who had a good relationship with Xuan'er, pulled Xuan'er away to talk about what happened on the road, while Yang Shi was still in a daze but was reprimanded by Zhao Yujin, who told Yang Shi to quickly prepare bathwater for Ye Zhao. Yang Shi left with a feeling of great disappointment. Ye Zhao told Zhao Yujin to go to see the Emperor quickly.

After Zhao Yujin arranged Ye Zhao's affairs, he immediately went to the palace to see the Emperor. As soon as he entered the Imperial Study, before he could speak, he was thrown a pile of memorials by the Emperor. Zhao Yujin was a little dazed. The Emperor loudly reprimanded Zhao Yujin, saying that these memorials were all impeaching Zhao Yujin. Zhao Yujin picked up a few to take a look, and they were all about catching shadows and exaggerating things.

He had not committed the extortion and decadent life described in these memorials at all. However, the Emperor did not listen to Zhao Yujin's explanation and directly fined Zhao Yujin three months' salary and ordered him to reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors for a month. Zhao Yujin was a little dissatisfied. He had thought that he would be dismissed this time, but the Emperor was unwilling to let him be idle.

Just as he was thinking this, he heard the Emperor ask about Ye Zhao, so he said that Ye Zhao was fine and just needed to rest for a few days. The Emperor pondered slightly and finally made a decision to dismiss Ye Zhao from her military power.

Zhao Yujin was a little dissatisfied, but then he thought that his official position would be higher than Ye Zhao's in the future, so he did not argue with the Emperor and left the palace. Jiang Luhai, having received the Emperor's order, went to the Junwang Manor to deliver the decree. Ye Zhao led the people in the manor to kneel and receive the decree.

When she heard that she was being removed from her position as commander of the military affairs in the capital, she felt sad in her heart, but she couldn't show it, so she had to accept the decree, then turned around and went in to take out the military talisman and hand it to Jiang Luhai.

After Jiang Luhai left, Ye Zhao stood by the lake, recalling her life on the battlefield, and in the end, she could not avoid living the life that others wanted her to live. Zhao Yujin felt depressed and went to Hu Qing to chat. Hu Qing knew that the Emperor was also in a difficult position, so he did not let Zhao Yujin go to the Emperor, but instead advised Zhao Yujin to accompany Ye Zhao and comfort her.

Zhao Yujin knew that things had come to this, and there was nothing else he could do. He got up and said goodbye to Hu Qing. As he walked out of the restaurant, he heard someone insulting Ye Zhao on the street. Zhao Yujin naturally could not tolerate anyone insulting Ye Zhao, so he stopped and turned his head to look.

Episode 33 Recap

Zhao Yujin heard people on the street insulting Ye Zhao, saying that Ye Zhao was a shrew and deserved to have her military power revoked. Zhao Yujin was already unhappy about Ye Zhao being dismissed, and these people had crossed Zhao Yujin's bottom line. Zhao Yujin immediately went up and started fighting with them. Xiao Xiazi quickly ran back to tell Ye Zhao.

When Ye Zhao arrived, she saw Zhao Yujin fighting with those people, saying, "Ye Zhao is my woman, you are not allowed to scold her!" Ye Zhao stood there, thinking that she had spent her life on the battlefield and never thought that a man would stand in front of her to protect her. At this moment, Zhao Yujin had his back to her, and those punks were facing her. Ye Zhao's fierce eyes scared them away.

Zhao Yujin thought he had scared them away, but when he turned around, he saw Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao pretended to have just arrived. Zhao Yujin didn't realize that Ye Zhao had arrived long ago, and directly took Ye Zhao's hand back to the residence. Back at the Junwang residence, Zhao Yujin asked Ye Zhao if she had received the imperial decree of dismissal. Ye Zhao said she had, her tone low.

Zhao Yujin felt sorry for her and comforted Ye Zhao, saying that in a few years he would resign from his official position and travel around the world with Ye Zhao, fighting injustice and robbing the rich to help the poor. Ye Zhao also imagined the beautiful days when they would admire the scenery of the border together. At this time in Western Xia, Prince Yi Nuo had already received the news that Ye Zhao had been dismissed.

After telling the Second Imperial Uncle of Western Xia, the two drank to celebrate, mentioning that the trump card Western Xia had placed in the Song Dynasty was the reason why Ye Zhao was dismissed. Fan Zhongyan, in order to reform, drew a "Map of Officials" and presented it to the emperor. The map detailed the situation of each official, indicating which ones were promoted normally and which ones relied on nepotism.

The emperor was very excited and thought the map was excellent. Grand Tutor Liu and Prime Minister Lu and others learned of Fan Zhongyan's "Map of Officials", their dissatisfaction with Fan Zhongyan increased a bit.

They decided to start planning to bring down Fan Zhongyan, but Fan Zhongyan was not as easy to bring down as Ye Zhao, and Fan Zhongyan did not make as many enemies in the court as Ye Zhao, and it was also difficult to win people over. The two thought of Fan Zhongyan's adopted daughter, Hong Qiang, and decided to use Hong Qiang's handwriting, which was exactly the same as Fan Zhongyan's, to make some trouble.

In the Junwang residence, Ye Zhao had been lazy since being dismissed, lying with Zhao Yujin to chat and talk. Ye Zhao talked about a scar on her body and asked Zhao Yujin if he knew how she got it. Zhao Yujin naturally didn't know. Ye Zhao said that she was seriously injured by an assassin many years ago while marching and fighting. Zhao Yujin was angry and said that he must find the murderer to avenge Ye Zhao.

Ye Zhao smiled, leaned back, and snuggled close to Zhao Yujin. At night, Hu Qing sat in his small house, thinking about the scene of Zhao Yujin holding Ye Zhao's hand and leaving during the day, his heart filled with mixed feelings. Cai Sang came in and said something in Hu Qing's ear. Hu Qing was shocked and quickly took Cai Sang out.

Xuan'er came to find Mei Niang to play, but heard Mei Niang praying to the Supreme Lord Lao for Ye Zhao's health and to have a son soon. Mei Niang saw Xuan'er and the two went to find Yang Shi together. At the door of Yang Shi, they heard Yang Shi also praying to Buddha, but praying that she could conceive a son and regain the Junwang's favor.

Only then did Mei Niang and Xuan'er realize that Yang Shi had never been willing to be a concubine. Suddenly, a stray cat jumped over, interrupting the two eavesdropping. Yang Shi also heard the movement and came out to check. Mei Niang and Xuan'er made excuses and left first. In the Zhaowang residence, Zhao Taifei also learned the news of Ye Zhao's dismissal and was angry, feeling that it was outrageous not to tell her such big news.

Zhao Wangfei tried to dissuade and comfort her, but still couldn't stop Zhao Taifei from going to the Junwang residence to take a look. When she arrived at the Junwang residence, Ye Zhao was not there again, having gone to the military camp to hand over affairs. Zhao Wangfei took the servants and left first, leaving Zhao Taifei and Zhao Yujin to talk.

Zhao Yujin knew that Zhao Taifei was dissatisfied with Ye Zhao, so he brainwashed her, saying that Ye Zhao would definitely give birth to a fair and chubby grandson, which made Zhao Taifei overjoyed. She no longer disliked Ye Zhao and left happily. After Zhao Taifei left, Xiao Xiazi reported that Lao Yangtou had sent someone to say that a female corpse had been found in the back garden of Lu Zhenting's house. Zhao Yujin hurried over to investigate.

After a joint investigation by the coroner and the Mayor of Kaifeng, it was found that the female corpse was Hong Qiang, who had been reported missing some time ago. It turned out that last time, Hong Qiang was brought to write, and after she finished writing, she was strangled to death by Lu Zhenting and buried in his back garden. This year, there was too much rain.

In order to dredge the channels, Lu Zhenting's back garden was dug open, and unexpectedly it was discovered. Zhao Yujin knew that Hong Qiang was Fan Zhongyan's adopted daughter, so he ordered a thorough investigation to find out who the murderer was.

Episode 34 Recap

Lu Zhenting and his wife were in the back garden discussing what to do about Hong Qiang. Lu Zhenting was worried that he would not escape this disaster, but his wife, Mrs. Ding, decided to take the blame for Lu Zhenting. Lu Zhenting agreed. The next day, Lu Zhenting took the money to Jing Zhaoyin, wanting to bribe Jing Zhaoyin, but Jing Zhaoyin was unmoved and sternly refused Lu Zhenting.

Seeing that Jing Zhaoyin did not accept this, Lu Zhenting had to take the money back first. Not long after, Jing Zhaoyin opened court to hear the Hong Qiang case. Mrs. Ding of Lu Zhenting had already been brought to the court as a suspect. Mrs. Ding defended herself, saying that when she saw that Hong Qiang's writing was good, she took Hong Qiang home to write.

She didn't expect Hong Qiang to steal one of her bracelets when she left. She was so angry that she slapped Hong Qiang. Hong Qiang ran out crying and committed suicide by jumping into the well in her own backyard. Jing Zhaoyin summoned the witness. The person who testified was the procuress of Xinghua Building. The procuress said that Hong Qiang had a stubborn temper and refused to be disciplined when she was there.

She also wanted to jump off the building to commit suicide. Everyone knew about this. Mrs. Ding quickly echoed, saying that Hong Qiang was just stubborn and narrow-minded, so she jumped into the well. Although Jing Zhaoyin felt that there were still some doubts in this case, he remembered what happened the night before. The night before, he and his wife were sleeping when suddenly a package broke the window and fell on the table.

When he opened it, he found that it was the package of gold that Lu Zhenting had given him before. Jing Zhaoyin knew that this was Lu Zhenting's trick, but he couldn't resist his wife's persuasion, and finally decided to keep the package of gold. In this way, Jing Zhaoyin was equivalent to accepting Lu Zhenting's bribe, and he had to turn a blind eye to this case, sentencing Mrs. Ding to three years in prison.

Mrs. Ding knew that her plan with Lu Zhenting was successful, and she hypocritically shouted a few words of injustice before being taken down. So far, the Hong Qiang case has been temporarily understood. Prince Qi has recently returned to Tokyo and secretly met with Prime Minister Lu to discuss Fan Zhongyan's reform. Prince Qi persuaded Prime Minister Lu to join forces with him to overthrow Fan Zhongyan. Prime Minister Lu also agreed.

Fan Zhongyan has recently been ordered to investigate the corruption and bribery of Prime Minister Lu's close associates. A large number of officials have been dismissed. This day, Fan Zhongyan was going to inspect Liu Taifu's Finance Department. He went to Ye's house to visit his sister Fan Erniang. The two siblings talked about reform. Fan Erniang advised her brother not to be too hasty, so as not to offend too many people and be resented.

Fan Zhongyan felt that he had not done anything wrong and had nothing to fear. Ye Lao Guogong suddenly ran out to tease Fan Zhongyan. Fan Zhongyan had something on his mind and did not entangle him too much before leaving in a hurry. Fan Erniang and Ye Lao Guogong talked about Fan Zhongyan's adopted daughter Hong Qiang.

Ye Lao Guogong said that he could not see any sadness in Fan Zhongyan, but Fan Erniang knew her brother best, saying that her brother was actually in grief, but the government affairs were too important, so he had to suppress the sadness in his heart. Fan Zhongyan came to the Finance Department, but Liu Taifu was not there. Only Xiao Guizi, who had been arranged in advance, was waiting for Fan Zhongyan.

Xiao Guizi took Fan Zhongyan into the room where the account books were stored. Xiao Guizi set up a medicine stove there, saying that he was decocting medicine for Liu Taifu. Fan Zhongyan didn't think much about it and turned his back to Xiao Guizi to look at the furnishings in the room. Xiao Guizi secretly took some paper, lit it and threw it on the account books, then secretly retreated.

By the time Fan Zhongyan discovered it, the fire had already started, and all the account books stored in the Finance Department were destroyed. Liu Taifu wanted to frame Fan Zhongyan, so he called the Ministry of Justice to investigate. He also took the results of the investigation by the Ministry of Justice and Xiao Guizi's testimony to meet the Emperor, thinking that this time the Emperor would definitely blame Fan Zhongyan.

Unexpectedly, the Emperor only reprimanded Fan Zhongyan, but demoted Liu Taifu for investigation. Liu Taifu tried to steal a chicken but lost rice instead, and regretted it very much. Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao were sitting in the room chatting. Ye Zhao inadvertently took out her Howling Tiger Dagger and gestured with it a few times. After Zhao Yujin saw it, he asked Ye Zhao if she had another one that he had forged by Master Li.

Ye Zhao said yes, and took out the fake dagger and compared them together. Zhao Yujin remembered that a few days ago, someone in the court took out another Howling Tiger Dagger, saying that it was found at the scene of Master Li's murder, and wanted to use this to frame Ye Zhao. Zhao Yujin knew that something was wrong with this matter, so he decided to investigate this third Howling Tiger Dagger.

Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua were practicing martial arts in the garden. The two were evenly matched and were exhausted in the end. Xuduo Hua brought tea to Qiu Hua and asked Qiu Hua what kind of weapon he should forge. Qiu Hua couldn't say for a while, so she went to the market with Xuduo Hua and personally explained it to the blacksmith. After playing in the blacksmith shop, Xuduo Hua said that he wanted to go shopping again.

Qiu Hua didn't think much about it and went shopping with Xuduo Hua. But this matter was discovered by Qiu Lao Hu, who followed the two all the way behind, wanting to monitor them. Xuduo Hua brought Qiu Hua to a jewelry stall and gave Qiu Hua a bracelet, which Qiu Hua also liked very much. Not long after, something got into Qiu Hua's eyes.

Xuduo Hua was about to blow on it for Qiu Hua when he was interrupted by Qiu Lao Hu who suddenly rushed out. Qiu Lao Hu chased and beat Xuduo Hua, saying that Xuduo Hua was a toad trying to eat swan meat. Xuduo Hua said that he would go to buy books and read them immediately. Qiu Hua stopped Qiu Lao Hu and let Xuduo Hua go first. She also had a dispute with Qiu Lao Hu for this.

Episode 35 Recap

Qiu Lao Hu scolded Qiu Hua on the street, hoping she could find a scholar. Qiu Hua was unconvinced, saying she didn't have any scholars around her and thought Xu Duo Hua was quite good. Seeing Qiu Lao Hu was about to get angry again, she comforted him, acted coquettishly, and dragged Qiu Lao Hu to go eat something. Zhao Yujin invited a few friends to drink together.

At the table, seeing Zhao Yujin sighing, they asked him what was wrong. Zhao Yujin then told them about his troubles with the Howling Tiger Dagger, especially since it involved Ye Zhao, which made Zhao Yujin even more anxious. Zhang Gui thought for a moment and said that if Zhao Yujin could get him a position from the Emperor, he would help Zhao Yujin investigate the case.

Zhao Yujin thought it was feasible and agreed to Zhang Gui, also getting small positions for Liu Long and Guo Yuanjing. Zhang Gui put on his official uniform, looking quite presentable, and was responsible for managing prison affairs. When Zhang Gui first took office, he went to distribute steamed buns to the prisoners. All the prisoners scrambled for them, but one prisoner sat against the wall, lazy and unwilling to get up to receive a bun.

Zhang Gui's loud shouts were useless. At this time, the jailer Xiao Hei ran over to persuade Zhang Gui to leave, saying he would handle it himself. Zhang Gui was not willing to bother with this person anymore and turned to leave. Xiao Hei called the prisoner over, gave him a bun, and told the prisoner to go to his room later. The prisoner nodded. Zhang Gui sat outside on duty, but Xiao Hei did not perform his duties.

He changed his clothes and prepared to go out. Zhang Gui asked Xiao Hei where he was going. Xiao Hei said he was going home to see his family. Zhang Gui felt that Xiao Hei was acting suspiciously, so he followed him. Sure enough, he saw Xiao Hei walk into the mountains, go to a cave, and dig out a jar of something.

Zhang Gui came out on the spot to catch Xiao Hei and questioned him about what he was doing. Xiao Hei was so scared that he confessed everything. It turned out that the prisoner who didn't eat at noon was called Chen Tianmao. Chen Tianmao wanted to eat meat, so he bribed Xiao Hei with the news that silver was buried there, asking Xiao Hei to get him good food.

Xiao Hei said that he had been temporarily blinded by greed and agreed, and then he was caught by Zhang Gui. Zhang Gui thought for a moment and suspected that Chen Tianmao was related to the Howling Tiger Dagger that framed Ye Zhao, so he asked Xiao Hei to continue to pretend to agree to Chen Tianmao to see what else Chen Tianmao would do.

Sure enough, after a few days, Chen Tianmao asked Xiao Hei to let him out for two hours. Xiao Hei naturally did not dare to act on his own and asked Zhang Gui for instructions. Zhang Gui thought for a moment and decided to let Chen Tianmao out to see what he was going to do.

So, one night while Zhang Gui was on duty, he let Chen Tiangou out, but Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua, sent by Zhao Yujin, followed behind him. Chen Tiangou first went to the Jingzhao Yin's office, stole the bag of gold received by the Jingzhao Yin, hid the gold in a bamboo tree, and prepared to go back to jail.

Unexpectedly, before he reached the jail, he was caught by Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua and sent to Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin. Zhang Gui was also there. The three of them interrogated Chen Tianmao together. Chen Tianmao didn't say anything at first, but Ye Zhao took out the Xuan Iron Whip and mentioned the case of Zhang Qingtian and his son in Xiushui Prefecture, scaring Chen Tianmao into confessing everything.

Chen Tianmao said that he was actually Jiangyang, a notorious thief with the nickname Shadowless Foot. Two years ago, someone found him and asked him to steal the Howling Tiger Dagger from the official archive. Then, he was afraid of being silenced, so he deliberately committed some petty theft and was arrested and imprisoned in jail, which was safer.

He also said that the middleman was neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin, had a small mustache, and was a Song person, which was similar to the description of the mastermind given by the dying dead prisoner in the Li Dashi case. Ye Zhao thought carefully and felt that Chen Tianmao was still useful, so she had him detained first.

Qiu Hua sat by the lake in the Prince's mansion, staring blankly at the bracelet that Xu Duo Hua had given her. Qiu Shui saw her and teased her. Qiu Shui saw that Qiu Hua genuinely liked Xu Duo Hua, so she agreed to try to persuade Qiu Lao Hu. Moreover, encouraged by Qiu Hua, Qiu Shui decided to confess her feelings to Hu Qing.

Qiu Shui carried her pet bird, Xiao Qingcui, to find Hu Qing, saying that she wanted to leave Xiao Qingcui with Hu Qing. Hu Qing naturally agreed. Qiu Shui hinted that Hu Qing could find someone to spend his life with, but Hu Qing still had Ye Zhao in his heart. Seeing that Hu Qing didn't have this intention, Qiu Shui changed the topic and they went to catch bugs to feed Xiao Qingcui together.

Ye Zhao, being idle at home, decided to teach everyone in the mansion martial arts. Mei Niang, Xuan Er, and Xiao Xiazi all expressed their desire to learn, so Ye Zhao set a series of rules and had them follow her in learning martial arts. Lu Zhending met with Prince Qi. Prince Qi knew that Nong Zhigao of Huizhou intended to rebel, so he sent Lu Zhending to assist Nong Zhigao.

Not long after, Nong Zhigao started an uprising in Huizhou. The Song army did not have capable generals and could not suppress it, suffering repeated defeats. The news reached Dongjing City, and the Emperor was extremely anxious.

Episode 36 Recap

The Emperor was very distressed about whom to send to quell the Huizhou rebellion. After all, with Ye Zhao gone from the court, there were no outstanding military generals. At this time, someone suggested sending Hu Qing to quell the rebellion. The Emperor thought this choice was suitable and summoned Hu Qing privately. Hu Qing went to the palace to meet the Emperor. In fact, the Emperor had already made arrangements for Hu Qing.

During this time, Hu Qing had helped the Emperor investigate many things, such as the Changsheng Gambling House having huge deposits, and also uncovered some clues about the fall of Yongguan City. Hu Qing was originally worried that after he left, the mastermind behind the scenes would be unfavorable to the Emperor, but the Emperor was confident that he still had this person under control, so he let Hu Qing leave with peace of mind.

Hu Qing led an army of 50,000 to set out, and the Emperor saw him off in person. Just outside the city gate, he encountered Ye Zhao, Qiu Shui, and Qiu Hua waiting there. They also came to see Hu Qing off. Qiu Shui even wanted to go to the battlefield with Hu Qing, but Hu Qing stopped her, asking her to stay by Ye Zhao's side to protect Ye Zhao.

Qiu Shui looked at Hu Qing's receding figure, tears streaming down her face. When Hu Qing arrived in Huizhou, he met Chen Shu, the commander of Huizhou. Chen Shu had some connections with Lord Lü, so he was ineffective in the army, leading to Huizhou's defeat.

Seeing Chen Shu's uselessness, Hu Qing decided to employ generals from Ye family's army, but not wanting to completely sideline Chen Shu, he had the two go on an expedition together, to see who could take the lead. Chen Shu felt that Hu Qing's employment of Ye family's army was biased, wanting the Ye family's generals to take the lead, so he was indignant. At night, he secretly set out in advance, leading to a great defeat at Kunlun Pass.

Hu Qing hated those who disregarded the law the most and immediately ordered Chen Shu to be executed. In the imperial court, the Emperor was worried that the Huizhou rebellion had not yet been quelled when he received intelligence that a rebellion had also broken out in Beizhou. The Emperor looked around the court and found that there was no one available.

The old general Yang Wenguang volunteered to go on the expedition, but the Emperor, considering that General Yang was really too old, sent Liu Taifu instead. Although Liu Taifu was unwilling in his heart, he still accepted the task. After court, the Emperor sat in the imperial study room, angry that among all the civil and military officials, he couldn't find anyone to quell the rebellion.

Consort Zhang comforted the Emperor, saying that the Emperor could employ new people, but the Emperor couldn't find a usable new person, and was very frustrated. Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin had been idle at home recently. Zhao Yujin cooked fish soup for Ye Zhao every day, hoping that Ye Zhao could get pregnant soon. Ye Zhao had long since had enough of the fish soup, and hummed and hawed, refusing to drink it.

She even suggested going out to play. Zhao Yujin thought Ye Zhao wanted to go to a brothel, but he didn't expect Ye Zhao to want to go to Beizhou to gather information. Zhao Yujin thought about it, he hadn't been on the battlefield yet, and he hadn't seen Ye Zhao fight, so he asked the Emperor for orders, requesting to go to Beizhou.

The Emperor originally disagreed, after all, he was his nephew, and it would be difficult to explain if something happened. But Zhao Yujin mentioned that he could bring Ye Zhao along, and the Emperor thought this was a good idea. Although Ye Zhao no longer had military power, her ability was still there, and besides, the two were just going to gather information, not really to fight, so he approved it.

Zhao Yujin returned home and summoned the servants of the mansion. Recently, these servants had been practicing martial arts with Ye Zhao. Although they weren't particularly good, they all had some skills. So Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao decided to take these people with them. They also wanted to bring Mei Niang, Xuan Er, and Xiao Xiazi.

Originally, Yang Shi also wanted to come along, but Yang Shi said she had to sort out the household accounts and couldn't leave, so Ye Zhao left Yang Shi at home to take care of the house, and she and Zhao Yujin took the mansion's people to Beizhou. At this time in Huizhou, Hu Qing deployed his troops and frequently used surprise tactics, attacking Huizhou city at night and finally capturing Huizhou city.

When Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin arrived in Beizhou, the city gates of Beizhou were closed, and there were guards on the city walls.

Beizhou's general Bei Lishi saw that Zhao Yujin was beautiful and had ulterior motives, originally planning to open the city gates to let them in, but after being reminded by the people around him, he thought that the person behind Zhao Yujin might be the living Yama Ye Zhao, so he pretended to be sick and went down the city wall, refusing to open the gates.

Zhao Yujin and the others couldn't enter the city for a while and had to set up camp outside the city. At night, Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao were in the camp tent. Zhao Yujin wanted to have sex with Ye Zhao, but he didn't expect that many people were lying outside the tent, eavesdropping and watching. Zhao Yujin heard the noise and shouted loudly, scaring everyone away.

Fan Erniang, who had come to Beizhou with them, didn't have time to run and was seen by Ye Zhao. Fan Erniang had to say that she was admiring the moon, mumbled a few words, and ran away, leaving Ye Zhao alone in confusion.

Episode 37 Recap

The next day, Zhao Yujin brought his family to the city wall of Beizhou to call for the city gate. The soldiers on the city gate were moved by the beauty of Mei Niang and Xuan'er, but were reprimanded by a general. When Bei Lishi arrived, he saw Mei Niang and Xuan'er.

Although he was tempted and wanted to open the city gate to let them in, he thought that he must not let strangers into the city, so he could only restrain himself. Mei Niang and Xuan'er felt bored after calling for so long without any effect, and Zhao Yujin also planned to whet Bei Lishi's appetite, so he returned to the mansion. Bei Lishi felt depressed and lost his appetite when the beauties he had been thinking about left.

He finally decided to go to the place where Zhao Yujin and the others were stationed to steal people. At night, Bei Lishi led several soldiers to Zhao Yujin's camp. First, he blew in some sleeping incense to stun everyone. Then, Bei Lishi entered Mei Niang and Xuan'er's tent and secretly carried Xuan'er out. Unexpectedly, Ye Zhao was alert and noticed someone sneaking in, so she got up and made arrangements.

Therefore, when Bei Lishi carried Xuan'er out, he found himself surrounded, and the people he brought were also captured. Ye Zhao took Bei Lishi to the city wall of Beizhou overnight and negotiated with the defending officer on duty, threatening them to open the city gate. When the soldiers saw their general in Ye Zhao's hands, they opened the city gate and let Ye Zhao and the others in.

However, they had set up an ambush inside the gate, preparing to capture Ye Zhao, but this ambush was also broken by Ye Zhao, and the chaos in Beizhou was quelled. Hu Qing was in Huizhou and wrote a letter to Yang Duwei of the Ye family army, asking him to send it to the emperor. Unexpectedly, Yang Duwei was assassinated on the way.

After Hu Qing found out, he also found out that the chaos in Huizhou was related to Lu Zhenting. Feeling suspicious, he wrote a letter to Ye Zhao and sent Caisang to deliver the letter. Caisang hurried on her way and finally delivered the letter to Ye Zhao. After seeing the letter, Ye Zhao felt that she needed to investigate carefully to see where the silver that Lu Zhenting used to support the rebellion came from.

At this time, Lu Zhenting, because of the failure of the uprising in Huizhou, had already fled to Jiaozhi with Nong Zhigao. In Jiaozhi, he met several people who had funded him before, promising them that if he succeeded, they would enjoy wealth and glory. After pacifying these people, Lu Zhenting talked about Ye Zhao. Lu Zhenting was afraid that Ye Zhao would know what he had done, so he prepared to use a trick to deceive Ye Zhao.

Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin saw that Beizhou had been pacified, so they prepared to return to the capital. Unexpectedly, Liu Taifu was temporarily taking over Beizhou. The two felt that the emperor's actions were somewhat inappropriate, but they didn't say anything and prepared to return to the capital first. The two returned to the capital and immediately went to see the emperor, informing him about Lu Zhenting.

The emperor had a clear idea in his mind and knew who Lu Zhenting belonged to, but he did not reveal it. He just heavily rewarded Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin and let them leave. After the two returned to the mansion, they were very affectionate. Zhao Yujin even drew Ye Zhao's eyebrows and applied flower decorations. All of this fell into Yang's eyes, but it was not a good feeling.

Yang felt that if this continued, their relationship would get better and better, and her status would definitely become lower and lower, so she could only grow old alone. Some things, it's better not to think about them, but once you start thinking about them, they will take root and sprout in your heart. Seeing that the relationship between the Prince and Princess was getting better and better, the gap in Yang's heart grew deeper and deeper.

On this day, Yang came to invite Ye Zhao to attend a gathering of ladies in the capital. Ye Zhao was not interested in these, so she let Yang go. Yang came to the gathering place and saw the Princess of Qi. The Princess of Qi knew that Yang was just a concubine, so she must be dissatisfied with Ye Zhao, so she provoked her with a few words.

Not long after, Yang went to visit the Princess of Qi alone, saying that her life was getting worse day by day, and the Prince was paying less and less attention to her. The Princess of Qi put down the teacup in her hand, seemingly comforting Yang, but in fact subtly provoking Yang's relationship with Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin.

Episode 38 Recap

Madam Yang came to visit the Princess of Qi, discussing the matter of offspring. The Princess of Qi expressed that Ye Zhao's exclusive favor was excessive, which was actually to deepen Madam Yang's hatred towards Ye Zhao. She also unintentionally mentioned that she had a prescription that, after taking it, would prevent further pregnancies. Madam Yang's heart stirred, and she asked the Princess of Qi to show it to her.

Madam Yang looked at the prescription, having some plans in mind. But at this moment, the Princess of Qi said that she had another prescription that could help Madam Yang conceive. She casually took the sterility prescription from Madam Yang's hand and threw it into the basket for umbrellas, then went out to get Madam Yang the other prescription.

In fact, this was also planned by the Princess of Qi, as she knew Madam Yang would definitely take the sterility prescription. Before seeing Madam Yang off, she specifically glanced at the basket for umbrellas, seeing that the sterility prescription was no longer inside. After Madam Yang returned to the Prince of Commandery's residence, she made tea for Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin, adding poison to Ye Zhao's tea.

At this time, Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao were chatting in the garden, discussing rewarding everyone in the residence handsomely after the Beizhou rebellion was quelled. When Madam Yang brought the tea, Ye Zhao even told Madam Yang to receive a reward as well, because Madam Yang's work in managing the household was also meritorious. However, Madam Yang did not remember Ye Zhao's kindness to her, only urging Ye Zhao to drink the tea.

Ye Zhao did not suspect anything and drank it very readily. That night, Ye Zhao felt restless and did not sleep well, and she was awakened by a nightmare in the middle of the night. Juping Pass is the first line of defense of the Song Dynasty against Western Xia. At this time, Juping Pass has been under martial law for a long time, but there has been no movement, and the soldiers guarding the city inevitably slack off.

When General He patrolled, he saw the new recruit Ma Dagui dozing off, so he reprimanded Ma Dagui.

He also told Ma Dagui a story about a ghost wolf, saying that hundreds of years ago, there was a very fierce wolf outside the pass, but it was finally captured alive and skinned by the Great King, so its soul turned into a ghost wolf, destroying the villages outside the pass overnight, and warned Ma Dagui to run away quickly if he saw the ghost wolf, and not to look back.

Ma Dagui agreed verbally, but he didn't believe it in his heart, thinking that General He was lying to him. Unexpectedly, as soon as General He turned around and left, several "ghost wolves" jumped onto the city wall and slaughtered the soldiers guarding the city. Even General He, who had not gone far, was not spared.

At the Prince of Qi's residence in Jiangbei, the Prince of Qi has returned to Jiangbei with the Princess of Qi and is receiving the distinguished Western Xia guest, Lord Haerdun, in the residence. In order to entertain Haerdun well, the Prince of Qi summoned the most beautiful singer in his residence. The singer was good at singing and dancing. After a dance, the singer slowly put down her sleeves, revealing Liu Xiyin's face.

Haerdun was already stunned by Liu Xiyin's beauty. The Prince of Qi knew that Haerdun liked Liu Xiyin, so he called Liu Xiyin to come closer. However, Liu Xiyin is now called Ni Chang, saying that she was seriously injured and had forgotten the past, and that the Prince of Qi saved her and gave her the name Ni Chang.

Haerdun thought about it and felt that Liu Xiyin was ethereal, so he gave her a surname: Xian, so Liu Xiyin was renamed Xian Ni Chang. In the Prince of Commandery's residence, Ye Zhao had just finished today's martial arts practice with everyone. Xu Duo Hua wanted to spar with Ye Zhao, and Ye Zhao agreed. During the sparring, Qiu Shui, Qiu Hua, and others could see that Ye Zhao was not feeling well today.

She was somewhat struggling against Xu Duo Hua. Before long, she was suddenly forced back by Xu Duo Hua, retreating straight into the crowd watching and vomiting blood. Zhao Yujin, after getting the news, hurriedly brought Meng Xingde back to treat Ye Zhao. After examination, Meng Xingde felt that there was nothing serious with Ye Zhao's body.

It might be that her throat was injured, so he asked Xiao Xiazi to fetch some medicine with him, decoct it well, and let Ye Zhao take it quickly. After waking up, Ye Zhao drank the medicine. Although she was feeling unwell, she was still worried about state affairs and called Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua to explain some border affairs. Liu Xiyin was taking a walk with Haerdun.

Haerdun proposed to take Liu Xiyin back to Western Xia, but Liu Xiyin did not agree for the time being. After returning to the Prince of Qi's residence, Liu Xiyin was walking around the residence when she accidentally bumped into the Prince of Qi and said a few words to the Prince of Qi, but this scene was seen by the Princess of Qi in the distance, and the Princess of Qi felt a little unhappy.

One day, Liu Xiyin was practicing the zither, and it was raining heavily outside the window. Liu Xiyin got up to close the window, but saw the Prince of Qi's confidant hurriedly walking past with several women and several servants. Liu Xiyin stopped the last servant and asked him if he knew what those women were going to do. That servant was Xiao Ma Que from before, who had become mute for some reason.

He gestured that he knew, but before Liu Xiyin could ask more questions, the servant was called away by the Prince of Qi's confidant. When they arrived at the Prince of Qi's study, the confidant was reporting matters to the Prince of Qi. The Prince of Qi suddenly remembered to ask how many years Xiao Ma Que had been in the residence. Xiao Ma Que gestured "two", meaning he had been in the residence for two years.

The Princess of Qi asked the Prince of Qi for Liu Xiyin, saying that she did not have enough maids at hand, and felt that Liu Xiyin was very suitable, and wanted to ask the Prince of Qi for Liu Xiyin to keep her by her side.

Episode 39 Recap

The Prince Qi's Consort wanted to ask Prince Qi for Liu Xiyin to place by her side, but Prince Qi had other arrangements for Liu Xiyin, and could only persuade the Prince Qi's Consort to find someone else. The Prince Qi's Consort was unhappy, feeling that Prince Qi had become a different person for his "great cause". Prince Qi was uneasy about how his plan could be spoken aloud by the Prince Qi's Consort, and quarreled with her.

In their conversation, they mentioned many years ago when Prince Qi had a son named Ji'er, but Prince Qi took him away before he was a month old and never brought him back. The Prince Qi's Consort has always resented this matter. Prince Qi knew the Prince Qi's Consort missed their son, and promised her that once he succeeded, he would definitely find Ji'er.

Prince Qi's confidant, with several well-trained maids and Xiao Ma Que, went to find Liu Xiyin and told her that these people were assigned to her. Liu Xiyin wanted to refuse, but couldn't, and from then on lived under the surveillance of these maids. At night, Prince Qi hosted a banquet for Haer Dun, and Liu Xiyin accompanied with a dance.

After the dance, Prince Qi called Liu Xiyin to his side to drink with Haer Dun, and lied that he couldn't hold his liquor and needed to rest. Therefore, only Liu Xiyin and Haer Dun were left in the garden. Haer Dun looked at the beautiful Liu Xiyin, and his heart was stirred.

Liu Xiyin saw that Haer Dun had drunk too much, and got up to take her leave, but accidentally stepped on her skirt when she turned around and fell. Haer Dun was quick-witted and caught Liu Xiyin. Their eyes met, and Haer Dun couldn't control himself and slowly leaned closer to Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin saw that things were not right, immediately got up, turned around and ran away.

Haer Dun felt that he had offended Liu Xiyin and was very remorseful. After Liu Xiyin returned to her room, she thought about Prince Qi leaving first, and finally understood that Prince Qi wanted to give her to Haer Dun. Liu Xiyin felt that she couldn't sit idly by and wait for death, and prepared to escape.

In the middle of the night, Liu Xiyin sneaked out of the room to leave the mansion, but there were many people at the gate. Liu Xiyin couldn't get out of the gate for a while. At this time, Xiao Ma Que appeared and helped Liu Xiyin. Xiao Ma Que led Liu Xiyin to a deserted path and let her go. The next day, Prince Qi's mansion discovered that Liu Xiyin was missing.

Prince Qi ordered to find Liu Xiyin at all costs. Liu Xiyin traveled for days and stopped at a teahouse to rest, but she didn't expect that the teahouse had already been notified by Prince Qi's people. Seeing Liu Xiyin arrive, people from Prince Qi's mansion immediately appeared and took Liu Xiyin away. After Liu Xiyin was caught and brought back, she couldn't suppress her sadness and said that she wanted to drink.

Although Prince Qi's mansion had caught Liu Xiyin, they still provided her with all the food, drink, and necessities, so the maids around Liu Xiyin readily agreed. Liu Xiyin waited for the wine in her room, but what she didn't expect was that Haer Dun was the one bringing the wine.

The two drank heartily, and Liu Xiyin got drunk, saying a lot of drunken words, mentioning Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin, and saying that Haer Dun was not an ordinary person. Haer Dun really liked Liu Xiyin in his heart, so he admitted that he was not a merchant from Xixia, but the crown prince of Xixia.

Liu Xiyin was secretly surprised that Haer Dun had such a status, and after thinking it over, she agreed to return to Xixia with Haer Dun. But unfortunately, she had drunk too much wine and finally fainted. Haer Dun was also a gentleman and didn't take advantage of Liu Xiyin's drunkenness. Instead, he carried Liu Xiyin to the bed and left.

Haer Dun returned to Prince Qi's room and told Prince Qi that Liu Xiyin was finally willing to return to Xixia with him. Prince Qi was also very happy, Liu Xiyin had finally come in handy as he had expected. After the Prince Qi's Consort returned to Tokyo, she went to visit the Empress. The Empress had a good relationship with the Prince Qi's Consort, and told her that the Emperor had rarely summoned her to his bed recently.

The Prince Qi's Consort suggested that she had a medicine, a secret formula from the Western Regions, which was extracted from a part of the sika deer, and taught the Empress how to use it. The Empress listened attentively. Yang Shi held the account book to report to Zhao Taifei. Zhao Taifei asked about the relationship between Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin. Yang Shi did not lie about this, frankly saying that the two were very affectionate.

But Yang Shi also said that Ye Zhao's body was already damaged, and she was afraid that she could not get pregnant no matter how much medicine she drank, which made Zhao Taifei very unhappy.

Episode 40 Recap

Madam Yang went to see the Princess Zhao, who inquired about Ye Zhao's health. Madam Yang said that Ye Zhao was actually infertile and in very poor health, coughing up blood recently. The Princess Zhao was shocked to hear this, feeling that she could not let the Zhao family be without descendants, so she asked Madam Yang to move in with Zhao Yujin.

Madam Yang was a little timid, feeling unsure of how to tell Ye Zhao, so the Princess Zhao told Madam Yang to go back first, planning to talk to Ye Zhao herself. In the Jiangbei Prince Qi's mansion, Haerdun was about to take Liu Xiyin back to Western Xia.

Before leaving, Liu Xiyin asked for Xiao Ma Que, saying that Xiao Ma Que had taken good care of her and that having someone to talk to by her side would be good, considering she was going far away to Western Xia. The Prince Qi suspected nothing and agreed.

Arriving at a place, Liu Xiyin used the excuse of asking Xiao Ma Que to buy some pastries to find her, but in reality, she secretly gave Xiao Ma Que a silk handkerchief, telling her to take it to Tokyo and inform Prince Nanping of Ye Zhao about Prince Qi's rebellion. Xiao Ma Que naturally knew Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao, so she took the handkerchief and left in a hurry.

After a long time, Haerdun noticed that Xiao Ma Que had not returned and became suspicious, sending people out to look for her, but they couldn't find her. To prevent Haerdun from suspecting her, Liu Xiyin cried and pretended to be completely unaware. Haerdun naturally believed Liu Xiyin and comforted her.

The Princess Zhao called Ye Zhao to her room, wanting to talk to Ye Zhao about letting Madam Yang move into Zhao Yujin's room, but she couldn't quite bring herself to say it, so she let the Princess Zhao say it. After the Princess Zhao finished speaking, Ye Zhao accepted it calmly. That night, Ye Zhao let Madam Yang into Zhao Yujin's room and moved herself to Ling Shuang Pavilion.

Zhao Yujin didn't see Ye Zhao when he returned and was anxious, so he went to Ling Shuang Pavilion to see her, but he was told by Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui, who were guarding the door, that Ye Zhao was already asleep. Zhao Yujin didn't see Ye Zhao and had to go back disappointed. That night, Zhao Yujin didn't go back to his room to sleep but spent the night in the study.

The Emperor went to visit the Empress, who personally cooked some dishes. The Emperor sat down with the Empress to chat and talk about everyday matters. The Empress said she wanted the Emperor to stay with her tonight, and the Emperor agreed. Zhao Yujin was really worried about Ye Zhao's illness. Hearing that sheep's blood could cure Ye Zhao's illness, he got up early in the morning to guard the butcher's shop, wanting to get the freshest sheep's blood.

Ye Zhao, after learning about it, although she found sheep's blood very bloody to drink, pinched her nose and drank it. Liu Xiyin and Haerdun arrived at the border of Western Xia. Liu Xiyin felt uncomfortable because she hadn't taken a bath for many days. Haerdun took Liu Xiyin to a river to let her bathe, guarding her on the side, but as he guarded, things changed.

Haerdun felt that Liu Xiyin was too beautiful, and a beauty emerging from the bath was even more beautiful. He couldn't help but get into the water and hugged Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin was terrified for a moment and stabbed Haerdun. Unexpectedly, Haerdun didn't faint but was only stunned for a moment and still wanted to hug Liu Xiyin.

Not wanting to be humiliated, Liu Xiyin sank directly to the bottom of the water, preparing to protect her innocence with her death. Haerdun came to his senses when he saw Liu Xiyin sink and quickly rescued Liu Xiyin to the shore, apologizing and admitting his mistake, saying that he would never be so rash again.

While Ye Zhao was recuperating in the mansion, she received a letter from Hu Qing, who expressed his concern for Ye Zhao's illness in the letter. Ye Zhao then asked Qiu Shui, who came to deliver the letter, why Hu Qing knew she was sick. Qiu Shui honestly said it was her sister Qiu Hua who told him, but Ye Zhao didn't blame Qiu Hua.

Hu Qing also mentioned in the letter that he could have the old Wang military doctor from the Ye family army come to help Ye Zhao see a doctor. Ye Zhao thought it was feasible and prepared to bring the old Wang military doctor over. Lord Hai bought a new house and invited the ladies of the capital to be guests. Madam Yang from the Nanping Prince's mansion naturally came. After Madam Yang arrived, she exchanged pleasantries with Madam Hai.

Then Princess Qi arrived. Madam Hai had some matters to attend to and left Madam Yang and Princess Qi to chat. Princess Qi asked about Madam Yang and Zhao Yujin, but Madam Yang was still unhappy, saying that Zhao Yujin didn't get close to her at all. Princess Qi took the opportunity to slander Ye Zhao, and Madam Hai happened to hear these words.

Episode 41 Recap

Princess Qi and Mrs. Yang were chatting, talking about Ye Zhao's condition. Mrs. Yang asked Princess Qi if the prescription she had given her before was poisonous, otherwise why would Ye Zhao's health get worse and worse? Princess Qi denied it, saying she didn't know anything about the prescription.

Madam Hai heard the conversation behind them, walked out and threw the pastries in her hand on the ground, interrupting the two, and also said that two bugs had spoiled the pastries. Princess Qi and Mrs. Yang were not suspicious. Not long after, Madam Hai came to visit Ye Zhao and secretly told Ye Zhao about Mrs. Yang. Ye Zhao was shocked, but suppressed it for the time being.

After Zhao Yujin came back, she told Zhao Yujin, and the two discussed and came up with a solution. Zhao Yujin called Xiao Xiazi in to urge Ye Zhao's medicine, and also said that he wanted to drink tea, and asked Mrs. Yang to prepare it. Xiao Xiazi ran to tell Mrs. Yang, and Mrs. Yang went to the prescription to check Ye Zhao's medicine and poisoned Ye Zhao's medicine.

Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin had been waiting at the window for Mrs. Yang. When they saw Mrs. Yang poisoning the medicine, Zhao Yujin rushed in to beat Mrs. Yang, but unexpectedly Mrs. Yang suddenly vomited blood and fell to the ground and died.

It turned out that Prince Qi had known that Princess Qi and Mrs. Yang were in contact secretly, and also knew that Ye Zhao had discovered Mrs. Yang's conspiracy, so he had been sending people to follow Mrs. Yang, and had been poisoning Mrs. Yang's diet, poisoning Mrs. Yang to death. Now there was no evidence to prove anything.

Old Military Doctor came to see Ye Zhao and said that the poison that Mrs. Yang gave Ye Zhao was a drug that caused heart failure. Fortunately, Ye Zhao was strong enough to last so long. If it were someone else, she would have died long ago. Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin felt very scared that Mrs. Yang was so vicious.

The military doctor told Ye Zhao to be careful with the medicine in the future, and Zhao Yujin directly took over the task of decocting the medicine for Ye Zhao. Not long after, Princess Zhao learned about Mrs. Yang and rushed over with Princess Zhao. Seeing the haggard Ye Zhao on the bed, she felt very guilty. She sat by the bed and apologized to Ye Zhao, and said that the family would live a good life in the future.

At this point, Princess Zhao truly accepted Ye Zhao. Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao heard the commotion at the entrance of the Junwang Manor and went out to see that several servants were driving away a homeless man. The servants said that this homeless man was a mute and had been staying at the entrance of the Junwang Manor for a long time and refused to leave.

Zhao Yujin looked down and took a closer look and found that this homeless man was Xiao Ma Que, and quickly called him in to ask what had happened. Xiao Ma Que took out the brocade handkerchief that Liu Xiyin had given him. The brocade handkerchief wrote the words "Prince Qi colludes with Western Xia to rebel." Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin analyzed it carefully.

Zhao Yujin didn't believe Liu Xiyin at first, and felt that Liu Xiyin was still a vicious woman and must want him to go to the emperor, and then frame Prince Qi. If that was the case, he would definitely be beheaded, and then Liu Xiyin could be with Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao couldn't agree with Zhao Yujin's view, so she suggested asking Xiao Ma Que. Zhao Yujin followed along.

Although Xiao Ma Que was muted by the medicine, he could still describe some things. Ye Zhao asked slowly, and Xiao Ma Que described it slowly, and finally explained the whole story clearly.

After Zhao Yujin was sure, he took the brocade handkerchief to the palace to see the emperor, but after the emperor saw the brocade handkerchief, he scolded Zhao Yujin and said that Prince Qi was his relative and would never do such a thing, and told Zhao Yujin to keep his mouth shut and not to tell anyone. Zhao Yujin felt very aggrieved and picked up the brocade handkerchief and left.

Back at the Junwang Manor, Zhao Yujin saw that Ye Zhao was unhappy and knew that Ye Zhao was worried about Liu Xiyin's safety, so he comforted Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao said that she had sent people to Western Xia to investigate, and if it was true, she would definitely save Liu Xiyin back. After Liu Xiyin arrived in Western Xia, she lived well in Western Xia.

Haerdun did not force Liu Xiyin to wear Western Xia clothes, but followed Liu Xiyin's wishes and took Liu Xiyin to tour around Xingqingfu, Western Xia for a few days. On this day, Haerdun took Liu Xiyin to see his mother, who was the queen of Western Xia. The queen was chatting with her daughter, Princess Yinchuan, and felt that Liu Xiyin was simply beautiful.

After Haerdun and Liu Xiyin took their leave, Yinchuan talked about Ye Zhao, saying that the soil and water in the Central Plains were really magical, and there could be a strong woman like Ye Zhao and a gentle woman like Liu Xiyin. The queen laughed and teased Yinchuan, saying that she didn't know what kind of person Ye Zhao was, who could fascinate both Yinchuan and Yi Nuo.

Episode 42 Recap

Yinchuan was in love with Ye Zhao in her heart, so she told the Queen about Ye Zhao. She praised Ye Zhao as if she was only found in the heavens. The Queen found it a little funny that her children were so obsessed with Ye Zhao, but she still followed her daughter's wishes and continued talking. The Emperor had been dining in the Queen's palace recently, and also rested there at night.

One night, the Emperor woke up in the middle of the night and felt hungry. He moved, which startled the Queen. The Queen learned that the Emperor was hungry and prepared to send to the Imperial Kitchen for a bowl of mutton soup, but the Emperor stopped her. The Emperor felt that if he had mutton soup tonight, the Imperial Kitchen would definitely prepare mutton soup every night, and then slaughter live sheep every day.

The Emperor couldn't bear to kill living beings. The Queen felt that the Emperor was kind-hearted. The Emperor sat up and lamented that the court was turbulent recently and he had no one to use. Ye Zhao was also pushed down by all the officials in a joint memorial, so he was also very helpless.

The Queen heard that the Emperor felt that Ye Zhao was a pity, and thinking that she had also played tricks in this matter at the time, she felt a little guilty and said nothing. Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin were taking a walk in the garden when Qiu Shui suddenly came to report that Liu Tian Tuo had arrived.

Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin were shocked, not knowing how to explain Liu Xiyin's matter to Liu Tian Tuo, but they still had to go and pay their respects first. So the two hurriedly entered the reception room. After a few greetings, Liu Tian Tuo indeed asked about Liu Xiyin. Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao had not unified their story. One said she was not feeling well, and the other said she had gone shopping.

Although Liu Tian Tuo was a little suspicious, he still chose to believe the two of them once and did not ask deeply. In the evening, Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao hosted a banquet to entertain Liu Tian Tuo. At the banquet, Liu Tian Tuo said that he was summoned back to the capital by the Emperor's decree to manage military affairs. Ye Zhao felt a little strange. She had never received any news.

How could her uncle be summoned back? Before Ye Zhao could ask in detail, Liu Tian Tuo asked about Liu Xiyin again. This time, Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin could not avoid it. Zhao Yujin wanted to change the subject, but Liu Tian Tuo grabbed him and forced him to kneel on the ground. Ye Zhao saw her uncle angry and knelt down as well. Finally, unable to withstand Liu Tian Tuo's questioning, she told Liu Tian Tuo everything.

When Liu Tian Tuo learned that Liu Xiyin had suffered so much injustice in the capital, all his anger was directed at Ye Zhao. He drew a knife and was about to chop Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao couldn't dodge in time and was hit by the back of the knife. Liu Tian Tuo saw that Ye Zhao was panting after running two steps, so he ridiculed Ye Zhao for becoming a complete housewife since being dismissed from her post.

Zhao Yujin couldn't bear it any longer, so he told Liu Tian Tuo that Ye Zhao was also poisoned and had not recovered yet. Liu Tian Tuo looked at this nephew who he had watched grow up since he was a child and finally threw the knife in his hand angrily. Ye Zhao saw that her uncle had finally temporarily let her go and immediately swore that she would find Liu Xiyin.

After Liu Tian Tuo calmed down, Ye Zhao finally asked Liu Tian Tuo about being ordered to return to the capital. Zhao Yujin felt that something was wrong, so he asked Liu Tian Tuo to take out the imperial decree and compare it with his own imperial decree. After careful observation, he found that the imperial decree was indeed wrong and was forged by Master Li.

Zhao Yujin and Ye Zhao speculated that someone might have asked Master Li to forge the imperial decree before, and after forging it, they sent Li La to kill people to silence them. It's just that this person didn't know that Master Li liked to engrave a "Li" character on the things he imitated, so the fake imperial decree was exposed.

Ye Zhao felt that since they were forging the imperial decree, they must want to transfer Liu Tian Tuo away from Ju Ping Pass. Ju Ping Pass must be in great danger. Liu Tian Tuo now knew that he had fallen into a trap. Liu Tian Tuo knew that he was guilty, so he went to the palace to see the Emperor.

The Emperor originally wanted to severely punish Liu Tian Tuo, but learned that Liu Tian Tuo had returned to the capital after receiving a fake imperial decree. After the Emperor read the fake imperial decree, he remained calm on the surface and first imprisoned Liu Tian Tuo. But his heart was surging, knowing that the poisonous snake behind the scenes was ready to make a move. In the court, the Emperor couldn't transfer a military general to guard the border.

General Yang volunteered, but the Emperor felt that General Yang was too old and should not go to the battlefield again. Finally, under the joint recommendation of Prince Qi and Prime Minister Lü, the Emperor sent Fan Zhongyan to the border. Yi Nuo was very proud when he learned that Fan Zhongyan was coming to confront him, thinking that the Song Dynasty had no one to use and had sent a civil official.

His subordinates were also extremely rampant and looked down on Fan Zhongyan. Yi Nuo reminded his subordinates that Fan Zhongyan was, after all, a favorite of the Song Emperor. Although he was not skilled in martial arts, he must be intelligent and should not be taken lightly. The Emperor was working hard for the country day and night and finally fell ill. The imperial physicians diagnosed him many times but found no solution.

Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin knew about it and brought the old military doctor to take the Emperor's pulse. The military doctor diagnosed that the Emperor was poisoned, so he started to detoxify the Emperor. After the Emperor woke up, he learned that he was poisoned and began a strict investigation. The military doctor said that the Emperor's poison came from his diet, so the Emperor summoned the concubines in the harem for questioning.

The Emperor had been dining in the Queen's palace recently, and the Queen's palace often received things sent by Prince Qi's wife. After the Emperor learned that he had eaten things sent by Prince Qi's wife, some vague things gradually became clear.

Episode 43 Recap

The Emperor severely interrogated the Empress, asking what exactly she had given him. The Empress couldn't withstand the pressure and finally confessed that Consort Qi had sent her medicine. Consort Qi, knowing that the Empress rarely served the Emperor, gave the Empress a medicine called deer essence powder, which could make the moments of intimacy between men and women extraordinarily wonderful. The Emperor was furious upon hearing this, ordering the arrest of the peddler selling this medicine in the market.

He stripped the Empress of her title and banished her to Qingyuan Palace. Ye Zhao was drinking tea in the courtyard, calling Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua to inquire about recent events in the court. Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua said that the Emperor had recently sent Fan Zhongyan to the front line to resist the enemy, and Qiu Lao Hu went with him.

After hearing this, Ye Zhao decided to host a farewell banquet for Qiu Lao Hu in the evening. In the evening, Ye Zhao, Zhao Yujin, and Qiu Lao Hu's family sat down to eat together. Ye Zhao lamented that Qiu Lao Hu was going to the battlefield again, while she was still at home sick.

Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua, not wanting the atmosphere to be dull, took out the clothes they had prepared for Qiu Lao Hu, saying that they had sewn them themselves. However, when Qiu Lao Hu looked at them, he saw the tailor shop's label on them and was a little disheartened. Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua had to explain that their needlework was not very good, and Qiu Lao Hu was leaving in a hurry, so they couldn't sew them.

Seeing that the three of them were a little depressed, Ye Zhao took out the things that Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua had made for Qiu Lao Hu. Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua didn't want Qiu Lao Hu to see them, but Qiu Lao Hu didn't care. It was his daughters' heartfelt gesture, and he definitely wanted to see them.

After opening them, he found that they were full of loose threads and holes, and he lamented that his daughters would probably not be able to marry. Zhao Yujin volunteered to ask the Empress Dowager for an imperial decree to arrange marriages for Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua. Only then did Qiu Lao Hu feel relieved and went to the battlefield with peace of mind. Qiu Lao Hu followed Fan Zhongyan to the battlefield.

Fan Zhongyan was on the border for half a year, and the harsh winter came just in time. He used the weather to force the Western Xia troops to retreat and implemented pro-people policies, so the border people lived and worked in peace. When the Emperor was in court, he received a report of victory from Fan Zhongyan and was very happy. He prepared to promote Fan Zhongyan.

Prince Qi pretended to support this, but secretly instructed Grand Tutor Liu and Prime Minister Lu to oppose it. But Fan Zhongyan was, after all, valued by the Emperor, so he was directly summoned back to the capital by the Emperor. After court, Prime Minister Lu and Prince Qi discussed who should be sent to guard Juping Pass after Fan Zhongyan returned to the capital, since this was related to whether Western Xia could invade the Central Plains.

Prince Qi pondered for a long time and came up with an idea. After Fan Zhongyan returned to court, he recommended Ye Zhao to guard Juping Pass, but the Emperor felt that Ye Zhao was ill and should not go to the battlefield again. At this time, Prince Qi suggested that Liu Tiantuo could atone for his sins by going to guard Juping Pass. Fan Zhongyan then suggested Hu Qing, wanting Hu Qing to guard Juping Pass.

In the end, the Emperor decided that Liu Tiantuo would be the main general and Hu Qing would be the deputy general, and they would go to guard Juping Pass. Inside Juping Pass, at Baiyin Fortress, General Guo Fushan was leading his men in training. A junior soldier came to report that a group of displaced people from a tribe outside the city were requesting to be taken in.

After Guo Fushan went out to investigate, he could only say that he would first report this matter to General Liu for a decision. After Liu Tiantuo learned about the displaced people outside the city, he couldn't make up his mind for a moment, so he discussed it with Hu Qing and wrote to the court. Liu Tiantuo's letter first reached Fan Zhongyan.

Fan Zhongyan presented it to the court and suggested taking in these displaced people within the territory, but not allowing them to enter the border pass. Although Prince Qi and Grand Tutor Liu and others tried to stop him, the Emperor still thought Fan Zhongyan's method was feasible and adopted Fan Zhongyan's method. Prince Qi had arrangements for this group of so-called displaced people, and naturally could not let them enter the Song territory.

Instead, he secretly sent someone to kill the messenger who was sending the letter to Liu Tiantuo, and forged a secret letter to the border pass. After Guo Fushan received the secret letter, he saw that the letter instructed all the displaced people to enter Baiyin Fortress for resettlement. Although he felt it was inappropriate, he did not suspect that it was forged and followed the instructions.

Until night, all 1,200 displaced people were properly settled, and Liu Tiantuo turned and entered the camp tent. At this moment, fireworks lit up in the sky, and the displaced people moved upon hearing the signal, killing Guo Fushan and capturing Baiyin Fortress in one fell swoop. When the news reached the capital, it shocked the court and the public. Everyone was stunned by this conspiracy of Western Xia, and the Emperor couldn't even stand still.

At this time, the Western Xia palace was not peaceful either. Yi Nuo and Hal Dun, two brothers, had different war views from Yeli Yuqi. The few people began to argue in the court. Yi Nuo even humiliated Yeli Yuqi. Finally, this quarrel was stopped by the King of Western Xia.

Episode 44 Recap

On the Xixia court, there was constant debate over whether Yi Nuo or Yeli Yuqi should continue the invasion. Ultimately, because Yeli Yuqi had to guard Tiandu Mountain, it was decided that Yi Nuo would go to the front line. The Queen was chatting with Madam Mozang, and soon after, the Xixia King arrived with Yeli Yuqi.

Learning that Yeli Yuqi had been withdrawn from the front line, Madam Mozang was somewhat puzzled, but thinking that her husband could be with her more often, she was very grateful to the Xixia King. The Xixia King was infatuated with Mozang's beauty and kept staring at her. The Queen saw this and was very unhappy, but she couldn't show it. Yi Nuo discussed the war with his two generals, Batu and Chaerto Ci.

They talked about Hardun's recent company with a woman from the Central Plains, and laughed at Hardun. A soldier brought in a secret letter. Yi Nuo opened it and discovered that Ye Zhao had been dismissed by the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, and Liu Tiantuo was sent to the front line this time. Batu laughed at Chaerto Ci for being injured by Liu Tiantuo before, saying he was afraid of Liu Tiantuo.

Chaerto Ci naturally didn't want to be humiliated, and the two quarreled and drew their swords at each other. Yi Nuo forcibly suppressed the two hot-tempered men and mentioned that the deputy general of the Song Dynasty this time was Hu Qing. Batu thought he was just a strategist, but Yi Nuo reminded Batu that Hu Qing was not easy to deal with.

In the Song army camp, Liu Tiantuo was discussing with the generals how to proceed with the war. Because they had been winning battles recently, Liu Tiantuo was eager to redeem himself, so he wanted to take advantage of the victory and directly attack Xiao Pass.

Hu Qing knew that Yi Nuo's tactics were the most cunning, and such smooth sailing this time required caution, but Liu Tiantuo did not listen to Hu Qing's advice and insisted on his own way. Zhao Yujin couldn't stay idle recently, so he brought Ye Zhao to the Apricot Blossom Tower to listen to the opera, and also asked Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua to change back into women's attire.

Before he could sit down, Zhao Yujin's annoying friends arrived and pulled Zhao Yujin to sit with them. These few playboy sons knew everything about the gossip in the capital and talked about it extensively, but as they talked, they mentioned Qiu Lao Hu, Qiu Shui, and Qiu Hua. These people didn't know that Ye Zhao, Qiu Shui, and Qiu Hua were behind them.

Instead, they loudly talked about how Qiu Lao Hu's face resembled Zhong Kui's, full of fierce flesh, and how Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua were even more tyrannical, wondering who could marry these two women. Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua, after listening for a long time, finally couldn't bear it anymore and aggressively came over and directly pressed the two ignorant people onto the table.

Only then did the two realize they had offended the real people and panicked, begging for mercy. Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua were definitely not easy to deal with. Ye Zhao called them back, and the two angrily walked back. Zhao Yujin, seeing that he had tormented his friends enough, returned to his wife's table to sit with her and listen to the opera.

The opera was about General Liu fighting against the Xixia soldiers seven times, and they all listened with great interest. Liu Tiantuo led his troops on a march, and scouts reported that Xixia soldiers had already occupied a fort in front of them. Hu Qing suggested waiting for the Xixia soldiers' morale to weaken before attacking, but Liu Tiantuo didn't stop and insisted on moving forward. Hu Qing couldn't persuade him and had to follow along.

When they reached a valley, a lot of oil suddenly poured down from above. Hu Qing immediately ordered everyone to evacuate, but it was too late. The Xixia soldiers shot rockets from above, and they ignited instantly. Many soldiers were hit by arrows or caught fire. In the end, Hu Qing, Qiu Lao Hu and a few others escaped, but Liu Tiantuo remained in the sea of fire and did not rush out.

Liu Tiantuo turned back and walked to the entrance of the valley, where he saw the Xixia soldiers waiting there. He fought them to the death, but ultimately lost and died. When the news reached Tokyo City, it only said that the Song army was completely wiped out, and Liu Tiantuo, Hu Qing, Qiu Lao Hu and others had not escaped. The emperor was so angry that he vomited blood.

Ye Zhao was stunned when she learned that the Song army had been completely wiped out. That was the Ye family army that she had built with her own hands, one hundred thousand soldiers, just gone like that. Instantly, tears filled Ye Zhao's eyes. After Hardun learned of this news, he naturally wanted to share it with Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin felt as if she had been struck by lightning.

Her uncle had died in battle, and the Song army had been defeated. When Hardun saw that Liu Xiyin was not speaking, he thought she was uncomfortable, but Liu Xiyin only said that she wanted to be alone and asked Hardun to leave. After the Emperor recovered, he was thinking about who to send to take over the border affairs after Liu Tiantuo's death.

In the end, after thinking about it, it was only Ye Zhao that the ministers dared not propose. At night, Ye Zhao sat in her room, reluctant to go to sleep. Similarly, Liu Xiyin, far away in Xixia, was also having difficulty falling asleep. After the Xixia army withdrew, Hu Qing took the few people who had escaped to look at the battlefield. They saw corpses everywhere, a scene of devastation.

Episode 45 Recap

Hu Qing led a few escapees back to the valley, hiding in the shadows. The generals, seeing their armies completely wiped out, were both angry and grieved. They recalled how Ye Zhao would never have suffered defeat when she was in charge, and a wave of emotion surged through them. Hu Qing, looking at the corpses scattered everywhere, thought of a plan.

Since everyone believed the Song army was annihilated, surely no one knew that he and these men were still alive. Why not infiltrate Western Xia and adapt to the situation? These men were all from the Ye family army and knew Hu Qing's capabilities. Moreover, with things as they were, there was no better option, so they all chose to follow Hu Qing. At night, Hu Qing and his men saw a convoy transporting grain.

They pretended to be bandits and went out to interrogate them. The people initially claimed to be grain merchants, trying to make money by delivering grain to Western Xia. Hu Qing rebuked them for profiting from the nation's crisis. The leader of the convoy thought these men were ordinary bandits and offered some silver, hoping to escape. Qiu Lao Hu pretended it wasn't enough, demanding that the leader give more money.

This finally angered the leader, who feigned reaching for money but instead signaled his men. Instantly, the two groups clashed. However, Hu Qing and his men were after all from the army, and they quickly killed everyone. They found a letter and a token on the leader's body. The letter was only signed with the character "祁 (Qi)". Although Hu Qing suspected it was Prince Qi, he was unsure because the character was different.

He had no choice but to dispose of the bodies and pretend to be Prince Qi's messengers to Western Xia. To avoid being recognized by the Western Xia people, Qiu Lao Hu deliberately covered one of his eyes. After arriving at the Western Xia palace, the Western Xia king received them. Hu Qing presented the letter, pretending to be Prince Qi's messenger and using the alias "Hu Yuan," hoping to deceive the Western Xia king.

The Western Xia king, seeing the letter and the token, didn't greatly suspect Hu Qing. After a slight probe, he believed Hu Qing and hosted a banquet for Hu Qing and his men that evening. During the banquet, Hu Qing proposed ways to attack Song that could guarantee success. The Western Xia king found Hu Qing's suggestions ingenious and admired him even more, promising to speak well of Hu Qing in front of Prince Qi.

Ever since Ye Zhao learned of the Song army's defeat, she had been listless every day, and recently she had started drinking and getting drunk. Zhao Yujin tried to dissuade her, but to no avail. Finally, Ye Zhao got drunk, shed tears, and fell asleep in Zhao Yujin's arms. Yi Nuo came to find Hu Qing, suspecting Hu Qing was a spy sent by Prince Qi to gather military intelligence. Hu Qing didn't panic.

Based on his previous understanding of Prince Qi and Western Xia, he spoke of the ambition of Haredun's mother's family, the Yeli family. Yi Nuo, after listening, felt that Hu Qing was indeed talented and didn't seem like a spy, and reluctantly believed Hu Qing. Ever since Yeli Yuqi was removed from the front lines, he had been inseparable from Meizang, and the two were deeply in love.

That night, after they fell asleep, someone went to Yeli Yuqi's room and stole a sword, giving it to Yi Nuo's subordinate. Yi Nuo, having received Hu Qing's plan earlier, wanted to use this sword to bring down Yeli Yuqi. The next day, the Western Xia king continued to host a banquet for Hu Qing and his men. After some singing and dancing, everyone felt a bit bored.

Hu Qing took the opportunity to suggest performing a sword dance for entertainment. The Western Xia king naturally agreed. Hu Qing was skilled in martial arts, and his sword dance was excellent. The Western Xia king, seeing this, wanted to test Hu Qing and threw a handful of red dates at him. Hu Qing remained calm and unhurried, knocking all the red dates away, holding the last one in his hand.

Hu Qing danced for a while longer, then suddenly pointed his sword straight at the Western Xia king. Instantly, all the princes and ministers stood up, but the Western Xia king slowly raised his eyes to look at Hu Qing. Hu Qing didn't actually attack, but instead stomped on the steps in front of the throne, somersaulted in the air, and landed steadily.

Episode 46 Recap

Hu Qing performed a sword dance to liven things up, suddenly aiming his sword at the King of Western Xia. The King of Western Xia looked up, and just as Hu Qing was about to reach him, he leaped up and somersaulted backward, landing steadily. He presented the sword to the King, saying it was a gift from Prince Qi and he was now offering it to the King.

In reality, it was the sword that Yeli Yuqi had stolen earlier. The King of Western Xia examined the sword closely and realized it was the one he had given to Yeli Yuqi. He asked where it came from. Hu Qing lied, saying Yeli Yuqi had given it to the Emperor of Song, who then gifted it to Prince Qi, arousing the King's suspicion.

Afterward, the King of Western Xia privately summoned Yi Nuo and ordered him to find someone trustworthy to deliver a secret letter to Prince Qi, personally verifying the truth of the matter. Yi Nuo accepted the order and left. Hu Qing and Qiu Lao Hu sat in a room discussing their next plan.

Hu Qing was confident that the King of Western Xia would soon receive a forged letter from "Prince Qi," and he instructed Qiu Lao Hu and the others to be careful and find an opportunity to leave Western Xia. Soon after, Yi Nuo indeed arrived to see the King of Western Xia with the letter from "Prince Qi." The letter stated that Yeli Yuqi was colluding with the Emperor of Song.

The King of Western Xia was furious and immediately summoned Yeli Yuqi to the palace. Yeli Yuqi, knowing he was being framed, naturally refused to admit it, but the King of Western Xia believed he had uncovered the truth and ordered Yeli Yuqi to be dragged out and executed. Consort Mei Zang learned that her husband had been killed and knelt in the Buddhist hall, refusing to rise.

When the King of Western Xia arrived, he showed Mei Zang the letter from "Prince Qi." Mei Zang, however, believed that the King of Western Xia would rather trust an enemy prince than believe in Yeli Yuqi. Heartbroken, she harshly rebuked the King and ran out of the palace. Outside the palace of the King of Western Xia was the desert. Mei Zang rode her horse ahead, and the King of Western Xia followed on horseback.

Mei Zang blamed the King of Western Xia for making her lose her husband. The King of Western Xia offered to give Mei Zang the most honorable position in all of Western Xia, wanting Mei Zang to be his woman. Mei Zang agreed, but said she would observe three years of mourning for Yeli Yuqi.

The King of Western Xia had long desired Mei Zang's beauty and couldn't wait, so he embraced Mei Zang and rolled down the hillside with her. . . Liu Xiyin was discussing Song Dynasty poetry with Yinchuan, saying she longed for a life of working at sunrise and resting at sunset without worries. Yinchuan naturally also wanted to live such a life.

Yinchuan asked Liu Xiyin if she knew Ye Zhao, and inquired in detail about Ye Zhao's hobbies and clothing style. Liu Xiyin naturally would not say. At this moment, Haldun came in and interrupted their conversation, presenting Liu Xiyin with a Western Xia dress. Liu Xiyin still looked beautiful after changing into it. Then, Yinchuan spoke of the matter of Yeli Yuqi and Prince Qi's messenger.

Liu Xiyin thought that, in order to avoid suspicion, Prince Qi only kept deaf-mute people in his residence, so these so-called Prince Qi's messengers might be imposters, but she didn't know where they came from. At this point, Haldun proposed to become engaged to Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin agreed, saying that since this was facilitated by Prince Qi, she wanted to meet Prince Qi's messenger and take some words back to Prince Qi. Haldun didn't suspect anything and agreed.

Zhao Yujin has been sleeping with Ye Zhao every day recently, but Ye Zhao just can't get pregnant. Zhao Yujin is very anxious, and Ye Zhao has to reassure Zhao Yujin that her body may not have fully recovered. Zhao Yujin is a little unwilling. Ye Zhao promptly changed the subject, saying that she plans to teach Zhao Yujin martial arts starting today, and Zhao Yujin agreed.

The Queen knew that Mei Zang had been spending a lot of time with the King of Western Xia recently, so she secretly sent people to follow them. Yinchuan was chatting with the Queen, and the Queen asked Yinchuan if she believed that Yeli Yuqi colluded with the Song Dynasty. Yinchuan naturally did not believe that her uncle would commit treason, and the Queen also felt that the King of Western Xia had not investigated the matter thoroughly.

At this moment, the King of Western Xia happened to come in and hear the conversation between the mother and daughter, so he reprimanded them and warned the Queen not to interfere in this matter.

Episode 47 Recap

The King of Western Xia warned the Queen not to interfere too much. The Queen was disheartened and questioned where the King of Western Xia had gone, but the King of Western Xia only said that the Queen was meddling too much. In fact, the Queen knew that the King of Western Xia had gone out with Mo Cang. Ye Zhao's health had been recovering better and better recently.

She could even win against Qiu Shui, Qiu Hua, Xu Duo Hua, and Fan Er Niang in sparring. After the sparring, Ye Zhao punished Qiu Shui, Qiu Hua, and Xu Duo Hua to clean up, while Fan Er Niang rested. Then, Ye Zhao went to chat with Zhao Yujin and Mei Niang Xuan Er, who were watching from the side.

Even though Ye Zhao's health had recovered, she still couldn't drink alcohol recently, so Mei Niang only poured her a cup of tea. Zhao Yujin also praised Ye Zhao for recovering so well, wondering what those who had insulted her before would say now. Ye Zhao put down her teacup and asked Zhao Yujin if she could go and kill the Western Xia thieves to avenge the Song army. Zhao Yujin was speechless for a moment.

Inside the Western Xia palace, the King of Western Xia summoned all the clan leaders to discuss the issue of military rations for the front line. Several major clans, led by the Yeli clan, all said that their clans had already contributed all their cattle and sheep to Western Xia and were no longer able to bear the burden of military rations.

At this time, Mo Cang’s brother, Mo Cang E Pang, stood up and said that he could contribute hundreds of thousands of cattle and sheep. The King of Western Xia was very happy to hear this and appointed Mo Cang E Pang as the captain of the Royal Guard. Hu Qing and others learned that the woman whom Haerdun brought back from Prince Qi was going to meet with them, and they were a little flustered.

After all, that woman was very likely Prince Qi's spy, and he was a fake Prince Qi's messenger, so he might be exposed. However, what's done is done, and there was no way to avoid it. Hu Qing had no choice but to say that they would improvise, after all, even people from Prince Qi might not all know each other. After Liu Xiyin arrived, both sides realized that they knew each other and that neither would defect.

Hu Qing asked everyone to leave first so that he could talk to Liu Xiyin alone. Liu Xiyin told Hu Qing about Yi Nuo's attack plan that she had learned. Hu Qing was very grateful to Liu Xiyin for going deep into Western Xia to gather military intelligence. Hu Qing originally wanted to take Liu Xiyin with him when he left, but Liu Xiyin was unwilling.

She felt that her uncle had died, and Ye Zhao could not be with her, so there was no place for her in the land of the Great Song. Hu Qing knew that Liu Xiyin had not let go of her resentment, so he did not force her. But Liu Xiyin couldn't let go of Ye Zhao after all, so she asked Hu Qing how Ye Zhao was. Hu Qing truthfully told Liu Xiyin about Ye Zhao's poisoning.

Liu Xiyin was secretly shocked. After all, she had loved her, and she would still worry when she heard that she was not doing well. The two had only exchanged a few words when someone outside the door urged them. Liu Xiyin told Hu Qing that he could leave Western Xia when she and Haerdun got engaged, and then she left.

After Liu Xiyin left, Qiu Lao Hu and others came in to ask what had happened, why Liu Xiyin was in Western Xia, and why she had become Haerdun's fiancée. Hu Qing told them everything. Qiu Lao Hu was also filled with emotion when he learned that Liu Xiyin was unwilling to return to the Great Song with him. The Queen went to the study to find the King of Western Xia and informed him about Haerdun's engagement.

When the King of Western Xia learned that Haerdun was engaged to a woman from the Central Plains, the Queen thought that the King of Western Xia would disagree, so she said many good things about Liu Xiyin. The King of Western Xia was not someone who valued family background too much. Moreover, Liu Xiyin was from Prince Qi's camp.

Letting her become Haerdun's fiancée would just prove his sincerity in befriending Prince Qi, so he didn't say much and agreed. The Queen also suggested that the King of Western Xia attend the ceremony with her. The King of Western Xia readily agreed. At this time, Mo Cang came to find the King of Western Xia. The Queen originally wanted to satirize Mo Cang, but the King of Western Xia asked the Queen to leave first.

The Queen had no choice but to leave first. Mo Cang came to thank the King of Western Xia for making her brother the captain of the Royal Guard. The King of Western Xia loved Mo Cang, so he was willing to do anything for her. Mo Cang knew the King of Western Xia's love for her, and raised her hand to gently and slowly stroke the King of Western Xia's shoulder. . .

Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin were drinking at home. Ye Zhao was a little drunk and kept talking about the war on the front lines and the land that the Great Song had lost. Zhao Yujin listened without saying anything, but he secretly made up his mind. The next morning, Zhao Yujin went to court in his official uniform and proposed that Ye Zhao go to the battlefield to fight against Western Xia.

However, this was opposed by Liu Tai Fu and others. The Emperor had actually been waiting for someone to propose Ye Zhao, so he ignored the opposition of Liu Tai Fu and others and appointed Ye Zhao as the chief commander of the border. Zhao Yujin walked out of the palace, heartbroken. He had personally sent the woman he loved the most to the battlefield.

In the blink of an eye, it was the day of Haerdun and Liu Xiyin's engagement. Liu Xiyin was wearing Western Xia finery, and the two of them looked very well-matched standing together. The people who came to attend the engagement ceremony all offered their sincere blessings. The Queen personally put a silver collar on Liu Xiyin to show how much she valued her.

Episode 48 Recap

At the engagement ceremony between Haerdun and Liu Xiyin, the two received blessings from the Queen and the patriarchs of the eight major families of Western Xia. Everyone praised them as a perfect match, a match made in heaven. Haerdun gave Liu Xiyin a guqin because Liu Xiyin played the instrument very well when she was at Prince Qi's mansion, but she hadn't played it much since coming to Western Xia.

Liu Xiyin looked at the guqin and felt gratitude towards Haerdun in her heart. Haerdun asked Liu Xiyin to play a tune for everyone, and Liu Xiyin didn't act shy, but sat down generously. Liu Xiyin's guqin skills were already excellent, and coupled with her earnest playing, everyone was captivated. Halfway through the performance, Haerdun also took out a very small Xiao and accompanied Liu Xiyin, the two playing a very beautiful tune together.

After the engagement ceremony, the Queen went to the residence of Mo Zang Hei Yun. After Mo Zang Hei Yun returned, she saw the Queen waiting for her, and asked what the Queen wanted. The Queen came to question her. The King of Western Xia did not attend Haerdun's engagement ceremony, and Mo Zang Hei Yun also went out. The two must have gone out to frolic together.

The Queen was extremely angry, but she couldn't go to the King of Western Xia to question him, so she had to come to Mo Zang Hei Yun. Mo Zang Hei Yun knew that there was no way to argue, so she didn't say too much. However, the Queen severely reprimanded Mo Zang Hei Yun.

After all, Yeli Yuqi was the Queen's younger brother, and Yeli Yuqi's body was still cold, but his widow was with the King all day long, which was really unfair to Yeli Yuqi. The more the Queen thought about it, the more uncomfortable she felt, and she warned Mo Zang Hei Yun to stay away from the King of Western Xia in the future.

After the Queen came out of Mo Zang Hei Yun's residence, she returned to her palace and smashed everything on the ground. At this time, the Queen's uncle came to visit the Queen. Seeing that the Queen was so angry, he comforted her. After all, the Queen could not be too willful and had to think about the entire Western Xia and the entire Yeli family.

Although the Queen knew that her uncle was right, she was still angry that Mo Zang Hei Yun had taken her husband. Ye Zhao was about to lead a large army on an expedition. Before leaving, Ye Zhao went to see Fan Zhongyan and gave him the brocade handkerchief sent by Liu Xiyin, instructing Fan Zhongyan to pay more attention to the movements of Prince Qi in the court.

Fan Zhongyan also gave Ye Zhao some of the summaries he had made regarding military affairs so that Ye Zhao could use them to lead the army. Ye Zhao sat at home wiping the sword she would use on the battlefield. Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua also put on their battle robes and entered the room, requesting to go to the battlefield with Ye Zhao to avenge Hu Qing and Qiu Lao Hu.

Ye Zhao disagreed, however, and asked the two to stay in Tokyo City, marry and have children, fulfilling Qiu Lao Hu's last wish. Just as the few were in a stalemate, Zhao Taifei arrived with Zhao Wangfei. Zhao Taifei looked very angry, feeling that no one had notified her about such a big matter as Ye Zhao going to the battlefield. Zhao Wangfei was so frightened that she immediately knelt down, begging Zhao Taifei not to hurt herself with anger.

Zhao Taifei asked Ye Zhao if she still remembered her promise. Ye Zhao said that she would sign the divorce agreement. Zhao Taifei said that Ye Zhao was born a member of the Ye family and would die a ghost of the Ye family, so she asked Ye Zhao to take care of herself, return safely, and then retire from the military and enjoy a happy family life with her.

Only then did Ye Zhao realize that Zhao Taifei had not come to blame her, but to give her instructions. Zhao Yujin sat on the side of the street, thinking that his wife was about to go to the battlefield, and he was so useless that he could only wait at home.

The scenes of the two of them together in the past gradually appeared before his eyes, from the time when the two of them disliked each other when they got married, to Ye Zhao helping him make a big scene at the gambling house, to the two of them gradually developing a deep friendship. Everything was a testament to their love. In the blink of an eye, it was the day of Ye Zhao's expedition.

Zhao Yujin gave Ye Zhao a brocade bag, telling Ye Zhao to open it when she arrived at the border. Ye Zhao clenched the brocade bag tightly in her hand. Ye Zhao asked Zhao Yujin if he still remembered the promise he had made to her. Zhao Yujin said that he remembered.

If Ye Zhao did not return, he would wait two or three years, then take out the divorce agreement he had written before and sign his name, and then find a virtuous wife, have two or three children, and completely forget Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao nodded, seemingly agreeing, but her eyes were red. The time had come, and Ye Zhao mounted her horse and set off with the generals.

The army had not been out of the city for long when Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua rushed up from behind, vowing to follow Ye Zhao to the death. Ye Zhao looked at these two women who had always fought desperately with her on the battlefield and finally nodded. The Queen came to Mo Zang Hei Yun's residence again.

This time, the Queen did not come to warn Mo Zang Hei Yun, but directly demanded that Mo Zang Hei Yun shave her head and become a nun for Yeli Yuqi, chanting scriptures to save his soul. Mo Zang Hei Yun naturally refused, but the Queen directly ordered someone to escort Mo Zang Hei Yun to the Jietan Temple. The abbot of Jietan Temple asked Mo Zang Hei Yun if she was willing to become a nun.

Mo Zang Hei Yun naturally refused, saying that she already had a child in her belly and hoped that the abbot could find the King of Western Xia.

After the King of Western Xia took Mo Zang Hei Yun back, he asked Mo Zang Hei Yun if she was willing to return to the palace with him, but Mo Zang Hei Yun was unwilling and wanted to stay outside the palace, so as not to have the Queen cause her trouble after entering the palace. The King of Western Xia doted on Mo Zang Hei Yun, so naturally he agreed.

Episode 49 Recap

The King of Xia and Mo Zang Hei Yun came out of the room. The King of Xia affectionately touched Mo Zang Hei Yun's face and then walked away, laughing heartily. Mo Zang Hei Yun's younger brother looked at Mo Zang Hei Yun but didn't say anything. Ye Zhao rode swiftly, arriving at the border town of Tongyang in just a few days. After showing her token, she was welcomed inside.

The garrison general, Sun Sheng, was waiting for Ye Zhao in the city. Ye Zhao dismounted and immediately summoned the soldiers, boosting their morale. The soldiers, hearing Ye Zhao's passionate words, were invigorated and shouted, "General will surely win!" Hu Qing and Qiu Lao Hu were discussing the next steps of their plan, all of them lamenting the rapidly changing situation in the Xia King's palace.

Fortunately, Liu Xiyin had officially become Hal Dun's fiancée, making it much easier for them to communicate. The King of Xia was discussing matters with Mo Zang E Pang. Since Fan Zhongyan took over border affairs, he had implemented a strong defense policy against Xia, especially an economic blockade, which had led to a shortage of food supplies on the front lines of Xia.

Mo Zang E Pang proposed that his family could take the lead in donating 200,000 cattle, sheep, and camels to the front lines and could also collect grain from various major families. However, the King of Xia, worried that the families would refuse to donate, appointed Mo Zang E Pang as a special envoy to collect military supplies from the families. Mo Zang Hei Yun was drinking nourishing soup.

The people serving her praised how good the King of Xia was to Mo Zang Hei Yun, who would soon become another queen of Xia. The King of Xia overheard these words and was very pleased. He sat down, looked at Mo Zang Hei Yun's belly, and said that after the child was born, he would definitely have his mother's beauty and his father's bravery. Mo Zang Hei Yun smiled gently, and the two looked very affectionate.

Sun Sheng reported to Ye Zhao about the recent military situation in Tongyang City, saying that since Fan Zhongyan took over, he had advocated defense as the main strategy, which had kept Tongyang City safe until now. Ye Zhao said that this method was feasible for now, but it wouldn't be in a few months. When the weather got colder in a few months, the moat would freeze, and Tongyang City would be impossible to defend.

Sun Sheng felt this made sense and asked Ye Zhao what to do. Ye Zhao suggested that since Ju Ping Pass was guarded by Cha Er Tuo Ci, who was not as capable as Yi Nuo, she could first launch a surprise attack on Ju Ping Pass. Then, Yi Nuo would definitely withdraw his troops to save Ju Ping Pass, thus disrupting Yi Nuo's plan to directly enter the Central Plains.

Seeing that the generals had no objections, Ye Zhao quickly arranged the attack plan for the southeast, west, and north gates of Ju Ping Pass, and personally led 10,000 troops to attack the north gate. The time was set for dawn the next day. After the generals retreated, Ye Zhao suddenly felt unwell, and Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua quickly stepped forward to ask her what was wrong.

Ye Zhao thought it was because she had been traveling too much and had taken a boat on the way, so she wasn't used to it. Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua thought so too and didn't pay much attention. Inside the Xia King's palace, they were celebrating the annual Qiang New Year. The King of Xia gathered the ministers to celebrate together.

The King of Xia also used the occasion to announce that he was making Mo Zang Hei Yun the Queen of Xia. The ministers all stood up to congratulate the King of Xia, but Hal Dun was a little shocked, wondering how his aunt had become his father's queen. However, no one noticed Hal Dun's expression, as everyone was watching the dance performance. In the soft music, Liu Xiyin walked out from a group of dancers.

Liu Xiyin was performing for everyone on such a grand occasion, and the King of Xia stared at Liu Xiyin, who looked like a celestial being. He even stood up in the end. Mo Zang Hei Yun, looking at the King of Xia, who had just been holding her hand, felt a little uncomfortable. At dawn the next day, the Song army quietly appeared outside Ju Ping Pass. With Ye Zhao's order, people began to attack all four gates.

Ye Zhao led people to smash open the city gate with a pre-made large iron hammer, launching an invasion. The Song soldiers went up to the city tower, poured into the city, and killed the unprepared Xia soldiers. The flag of the Great Song Dynasty was once again flying on the city tower. After entering the city, Qiu Shui realized something was wrong, so she withdrew and told Ye Zhao that Cha Er Tuo Ci had escaped.

Ye Zhao personally led people to hunt down Cha Er Tuo Ci. Coincidentally, she met Ba Tu leading people to greet them. Seeing the Xia soldiers retreating in front, Ba Tu thought they were deserters, so he killed those Xia soldiers. Unexpectedly, he looked up and saw Ye Zhao waiting in front with her people.

Ba Tu felt that Ye Zhao was just a woman and didn't have any skills, so he didn't listen to the people around him and insisted on confronting Ye Zhao. Unexpectedly, he was beaten back by Ye Zhao in a few moves. Only then did Ba Tu realize that Ye Zhao was indeed not simple, so he led his people to retreat.

Ye Zhao naturally wouldn't let Ba Tu go, so she drew her bow and shot an arrow, hitting Ba Tu from behind. However, because Ye Zhao suddenly felt unwell again, she didn't have enough strength, so she didn't pursue him. In the County Prince's mansion, Zhao Yujin had been working hard to exercise recently, determined to show Ye Zhao his muscles when she returned.

Zhao Taifei brought people to ask if there was any news from Ye Zhao on the front lines. While they were talking, Xiao Xiazi brought the news of Ye Zhao's victory, and the whole family was overjoyed. The King of Xia had been very concerned about the child in Mo Zang Hei Yun's belly recently, sticking with Mo Zang Hei Yun all day long. However, the King of Xia was not a dedicated person.

When he was free, he would always think of Liu Xiyin's dance that day. Finally, he couldn't help but go to Liu Xiyin and forced Liu Xiyin to ride horses on the grassland. The King of Xia wanted to pick up Liu Xiyin and go directly into the camp. Liu Xiyin knew that struggling was useless, so she asked the King of Xia if he wanted her body or her heart. The King of Xia was stunned and put Liu Xiyin down.

Episode 50 Recap

The King of Western Xia coveted Liu Xiyin's beauty, taking her to tour the grasslands, intending to take advantage of the opportunity to possess her. However, Liu Xiyin, with a clever idea, asked the King of Western Xia whether he wanted to obtain her person or her heart, and said that if the King of Western Xia were to forcibly take her body at this moment, he would think that she was a fake beauty.

The King of Western Xia cherished Liu Xiyin in his heart and naturally couldn't bear to use force again. Liu Xiyin then suggested that she wanted to see Mo Zang Hei Yun, and the King of Western Xia readily agreed. The King of Western Xia brought Liu Xiyin to Mo Zang Hei Yun's residence.

Mo Zang Hei Yun was not too surprised to see the King of Western Xia bringing Liu Xiyin, but instead ordered his servants to warm wine to entertain them. While drinking, Mo Zang Hei Yun reminded Liu Xiyin to be careful of the old ministers around the King of Western Xia, lest they seize on her words to make a big deal out of it.

After all, Liu Xiyin was Hal Dun's fiancée, and Liu Xiyin naturally kept it in mind. As expected, before long, the court was full of discussions about the King of Western Xia taking Liu Xiyin to tour around. The King of Western Xia was very angry after hearing this and reprimanded them all, especially scolding Mo Zang E Pang. Hu Qing and others received the news that the Song army had defeated Yi Nuo's army.

Hearing that the commander was a very powerful general who used an iron hammer to smash open the city gate, Hu Qing immediately thought that this general was very likely Ye Zhao, because he had previously discussed with Ye Zhao that using an iron hammer to attack the city would definitely be very effective. Hu Qing was very excited to think that Ye Zhao might have recovered and gone to the battlefield, and felt that the Song army had hope.

At this time, Yi Nuo was on the front line, and his life was not easy either. There was not enough military rations, and the soldiers were fighting all day on empty stomachs, and there were 300,000 fewer arrows. However, Yi Nuo did not suspect Hal Dun, but only felt that commodity prices in Western Xia had recently soared, and it must not be easy for Hal Dun to raise military rations.

But he couldn't stand someone constantly provoking the relationship between the two, saying that Hal Dun's uncle, Ha Ha Da Te, had violated military discipline. Yi Nuo stopped his subordinates from continuing to speak, but he had already become suspicious in his heart. Mo Zang E Pang was worried that his sister's position would be threatened, so he came to visit his sister. Unexpectedly, Mo Zang Hei Yun was not worried about the King of Western Xia being taken away.

Instead, she felt that it was already very rare to be able to gain the King of Western Xia's favor for a while. Moreover, she already had the King of Western Xia's child in her womb. As long as this child was there, she would still have hope. Seeing that he couldn't persuade his sister, Mo Zang E Pang had no choice but to give up for the time being.

Ye Zhao was looking at a map considering how to deploy the next battle plan when she suddenly felt a wave of nausea and felt a little sick. She returned to the table and sat down, took out the brocade pouch that Zhao Yujin had given her before leaving. Inside was a small note with words of advice for Ye Zhao to pay attention to replenishing her body and not to overwork herself.

Ye Zhao thought for a while and asked Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui to call the military doctor over. Qiu Hua came to the military doctor's tent, but didn't see the old military doctor Wang. She only saw the old military doctor Wang's son, Xiao Wang.

Seeing that the old military doctor Wang couldn't return for a while, Qiu Hua first told Xiao Wang about Ye Zhao's condition, saying that Ye Zhao had suffered internal injuries this time, and her pants were completely covered in blood. Xiao Wang patted his chest and assured her that he would definitely be able to cure her, and then left with Qiu Hua carrying the medicine box.

Arriving in front of Ye Zhao, Ye Zhao didn't say much and just let Xiao Wang take her pulse. However, after Xiao Wang took her pulse, he was a little hesitant, saying that he couldn't see this pulse, and felt it was very strange. Ye Zhao was anxious, so she directly asked Qiu Shui to find the old Wang over.

After the old Wang came and took her pulse, he first asked about her menstruation, appetite, chest tightness, and so on. Finally, Ye Zhao became impatient with the questions and directly asked the old Wang to speak. The old Wang hesitated and said that Ye Zhao was already two months pregnant. It was just because of the war that the placenta was unstable and there were signs of miscarriage, so she must pay attention to recuperation.

Ye Zhao was shocked in her heart. She had always wanted to get pregnant but couldn't, but now she suddenly had this child. Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui requested that Ye Zhao no longer go out on expeditions to the front line, but Ye Zhao insisted on charging forward, taking advantage of the great defeat of Western Xia to pursue the victory.

Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui wanted to persuade her again, but Ye Zhao just waved her hand to let them all leave. Hal Dun came to visit Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin reminded Hal Dun to be careful of Yi Nuo, because Yi Nuo held military power and had great ambitions, and might do anything.

However, Hal Dun didn't take it seriously, thinking that he and Yi Nuo had always been on good terms and that Yi Nuo would not harm him. He also promised that when he became the King of Western Xia, he would make Liu Xiyin the most honorable woman in Western Xia. The King of Western Xia had been coming to find Liu Xiyin frequently recently.

This day, Liu Xiyin was accompanying the King of Western Xia to drink, and it happened to be seen by Hal Dun. Hal Dun was very dissatisfied with the King of Western Xia in his heart, but he couldn't contradict his father, so he had to leave resentfully. Just then, the King of Western Xia received a letter from Yi Nuo.

In the letter, Yi Nuo said that Hal Dun did not raise military rations in time, which led to no food in the army now. If this continued, Western Xia would undoubtedly be defeated. After reading it, the King of Western Xia's dissatisfaction with Hal Dun became even greater and he immediately summoned Hal Dun. Seeing this situation, Liu Xiyin took her leave on her own. After Hal Dun came, he felt incredible when he saw what Yi Nuo said in the letter.

Episode 51 Recap

The King of Western Xia summoned Ha Er Dun late at night and threw Yi Nuo's letter hard at Ha Er Dun. After reading it, Ha Er Dun was not convinced, feeling that Yi Nuo had lost the battle but shifted the responsibility to him.

The King of Western Xia was dissatisfied with Ha Er Dun and severely reprimanded Ha Er Dun, saying that Yi Nuo had been advancing rapidly on the front line, but it was because of insufficient food and supplies that he lost Ju Ping Pass and was trapped in Bai Yin Village. Ha Er Dun knew that his father was anxious, so he said that he would ask his father to purchase military rations with him.

In fact, the King of Western Xia also knew that the procurement of military rations was indeed difficult, and Ha Er Dun was also really helpless. Ha Er Dun also pointed out that Yi Nuo had the ambition of a wolf and was incompetent in dispatching troops. If he were on the battlefield, it would definitely not be like this, but he was reprimanded by the King of Western Xia again.

Ye Zhao once again took up her sword and mounted her horse twice, and the old royal military doctor was really helpless when he came to diagnose her. Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui both advised Ye Zhao to take care of her health, but Ye Zhao felt that the war was urgent and she could not hide behind the battle line.

After thinking for a long time, Ye Zhao finally decided to report the matter to the Emperor and let the Emperor make the decision. Ha Er Dun came to visit Liu Xiyin late at night, asking how Liu Xiyin had been recently. In fact, Ha Er Dun knew that Liu Xiyin had been staying by the side of the King of Western Xia recently in order to find out the news of the King of Western Xia.

Liu Xiyin proposed that since the military rations could not be supplied, they could negotiate peace with the Song Dynasty. The King of Western Xia would personally come forward, and then Ha Er Dun would accompany the King of Western Xia. After hearing this, Ha Er Dun felt that this plan was very good.

He then told Liu Xiyin to take care of herself and not to agree to the unreasonable demands of the King of Western Xia, and then left first. At this time, in the Imperial Palace of the Song Dynasty, the Emperor was worried about the war on the front line day and night, and he ate much less.

Concubine Zhang was very worried, so she cooked bird's nest porridge and brought it to the Emperor, but the Emperor still didn't want to drink it. Suddenly, he received a war report from the front line. The Emperor quickly took it and read it. He was very happy to learn that the Song army had won a great victory. Then, he saw the news that Ye Zhao was pregnant and immediately asked Jiang Lu Hai to arrest Zhao Yujin.

Liu Xiyin came to see the King of Western Xia and talked to the King of Western Xia about the war on the front line. The King of Western Xia was worried about this matter and did not know what to do. It would be difficult for the national treasury to support if they continued to fight. After all, prices were soaring, and it was a major issue that military rations could not be collected.

They could only solve it through peace talks first. Liu Xiyin took the opportunity to put forward her opinions on the peace talks, saying that they could talk first. After all, talking for a day was talking, and talking for two years was talking.

When the Western Xia army was reorganized, they could launch another war on the grounds that there were disagreements in the peace talks, and they would be able to capture the Song Dynasty in one fell swoop. The King of Western Xia felt that this plan was wonderful after hearing it and praised Liu Xiyin for being intelligent.

Liu Xiyin took the opportunity to say that since she had come up with such a good idea, she wanted a reward, and she also coquettishly said that she wanted to be the Queen of Western Xia. The King of Western Xia doted on Liu Xiyin and naturally said that he would make Liu Xiyin the Queen in the future. Zhao Yujin followed Jiang Lu Hai to the palace.

The Emperor said that Ye Zhao was pregnant, but Zhao Yujin heard it as "fainted again", muttering to himself that Ye Zhao didn't take good care of her body. He didn't realize it until later that it was "pregnant" not "fainted again", and he was so excited that he couldn't restrain himself. But the Emperor immediately said that this child might not be able to be saved.

Zhao Yujin was very nervous, saying that this was his first child and he definitely wanted to save it. The Emperor knew that it was inhumane to let Zhao Yujin give up the child directly, so he could only say to try his best to save it, but if the front line was really in danger, this child was probably in danger.

Zhao Yujin also knew that national affairs were more important than family affairs, and he didn't make things difficult for the Emperor. He only said that he wanted to go to the front line to see Ye Zhao. The Emperor knew that it was not easy for Zhao Yujin to step back like this, so he asked Zhao Yujin to hand over his official seal and do whatever he wanted.

Liu Xiyin got the accurate news of the peace talks and immediately came to inform Hu Qing and others. They both learned that Ye Zhao had gone to the battlefield and felt that if things continued like this, the Song Dynasty would definitely not be defeated.

After Hu Qing learned that Western Xia was going to negotiate peace, he was relieved and once again persuaded Liu Xiyin to wait for the opportunity to return to the Song Dynasty with him, but Liu Xiyin decided to stay in Western Xia to find out more information. Hu Qing couldn't persuade her, so he had to let her go.

The King of Western Xia summoned Hu Qing to discuss the matter of food and supplies, wanting to ask Hu Qing if he could send a letter to Prince Qi and transport another batch of food and supplies. Naturally, Hu Qing couldn't agree to this, only pretending to say that the border was sealed off and it was difficult to transport. He also took the opportunity to provoke the relationship between the King of Western Xia and Prince Qi.

The King of Western Xia was already dissatisfied with Prince Qi for not helping him in this war, and his dissatisfaction with Prince Qi became even greater. After Zhao Yujin returned to the mansion, he immediately ordered people to prepare things, asked Xiao Xia Zi to prepare various medicinal materials, and also withdrew 80% of the cash in the mansion. Xuan Er was responsible for preparing various anti-abortion medicines. It seemed that Zhao Yujin had made full preparations to go to the front line to save his child.

Episode 52 Recap

Zhao Yujin instructed Xiao Xiazi to find a group of strong men, saying he would take them with him to the border. He also told Xiao Xiazi to find some well-known local ruffians from the streets, saying that these ruffians would be useful. Although Xiao Xiazi didn't know what Zhao Yujin was up to, he obediently went to find them. The Emperor was in his study, discussing Zhao Yujin's hasty departure for the border with Consort Zhang.

Fan Zhongyan arrived, seeking an audience. Fan Zhongyan's purpose was to report the capture of Chen Tianmao, a notorious Jiangyang thief. Chen Tianmao, not daring to lie to the Emperor, confessed that he had been instructed by a messenger of Prince Qi to steal Yeli Yuqi's sword.

It turned out that Hu Qing, using the name of a messenger of Prince Qi, had sent someone to steal Yeli Yuqi's sword, only at that time Hu Qing was using the alias Hu Yuan. Upon learning this, the Emperor immediately ordered Fan Zhongyan to investigate whether there was indeed a messenger named Hu Yuan under Prince Qi. Zhao Yujin and his party had been traveling for half a month and still hadn't reached the border.

When Zhao Yujin got out of the carriage to rest, he complained, saying that when he was an imperial envoy, officials of all ranks lined the streets to welcome him, and the treatment was much better than this. As he was speaking, a snake slithered past Zhao Yujin's feet, scaring him so much that he immediately sat down on the ground.

The others rushed to help Zhao Yujin up, but Zhao Yujin said he was a man and wouldn't be frightened by a mere snake. However, he had only taken a few steps when he tripped and fell again. This time, Zhao Yujin was well-behaved, sitting quietly in the carriage. Looking at the barren land outside the carriage, Meng Xingde, who was traveling with him, explained that the people here lived in extreme poverty. Zhao Yujin found it hard to believe.

Before he could say anything, he felt nauseous and quickly got out of the carriage to vomit. Meng Xingde examined him and said it was due to some dietary problems, and they should rest at an inn before continuing. Zhao Yujin was initially unwilling, but couldn't resist everyone's persuasion and finally agreed to recover before heading to the border. Inside the capital city, the Emperor discussed with his ministers during the morning court session whether they should seek peace talks.

The ministers had differing opinions, but ultimately decided to pursue peace talks and sent Hai Weining to negotiate with Western Xia. Haerdun paid a late-night visit to the King of Western Xia to discuss the peace talks. Haerdun asked who would be sent to negotiate, and the King of Western Xia said he would personally receive the peace envoy.

He also said that the peace talks were just a delaying tactic, and his ultimate goal was to take advantage of the peace talks to make the Song Dynasty lower its guard, and then destroy Song in one fell swoop. Haerdun requested the King of Western Xia to allow his tribal army to participate in the war, and the King of Western Xia agreed, but said that they must obey Yi Nuo's arrangements.

Although Haerdun was unwilling, he could only agree for the time being. Liu Xiyin happened to overhear this conversation outside the window and immediately went to see Hu Qing, telling Hu Qing everything. Hu Qing was also very anxious and felt that they should find a way to send this message to the Song Dynasty envoy.

In order to see the Song Dynasty envoy, Liu Xiyin went to see the King of Western Xia, hoping that the King of Western Xia could bring her along during the peace talks, falsely claiming that she wanted to see the King of Western Xia's demeanor. The King of Western Xia couldn't resist Liu Xiyin's coquettishness, so naturally he agreed. The next day, the King of Western Xia brought Liu Xiyin to receive the Song Dynasty envoy, Hai Weining.

Hai Weining, after all, was a Song person and worked hard to secure benefits for the Song Dynasty. Liu Xiyin took the opportunity to say that she wanted to humiliate Hai Weining, and went to Hai Weining, saying that she had seen Hai Weining in a brothel in the capital city, and that all Song men were unfaithful and unrighteous, humiliating Hai Weining and the entire Song Dynasty. In her excitement, she even grabbed Hai Weining's collar.

Seeing that it was enough, the King of Western Xia called Liu Xiyin back. Hai Weining had never suffered such humiliation before and immediately stormed off. The Western Xia ministers all thought that Hai Weining had been scolded away by Liu Xiyin and laughed heartily. Hai Weining returned to his residence, and was so angry when he thought about Liu Xiyin's humiliation towards him.

While tidying his clothes, he found a brocade handkerchief Liu Xiyin had stuffed inside, which wrote that Western Xia was preparing a surprise attack on the Song Dynasty. Hai Weining was shocked after reading it and folded the brocade handkerchief and put it away. Yi Nuo was practicing his sword when Yinchuan came to find Yi Nuo.

When Yi Nuo saw Yinchuan coming, he gave Yinchuan the portrait of Ye Zhao that he had prepared, and said that he knew Yinchuan's feelings, but Ye Zhao was a female, and could not be with Yinchuan. Therefore, he advised Yinchuan to go to the front line to see Ye Zhao during the peace talks. Yinchuan was initially hesitant, but could not resist Yi Nuo's persuasion and went to see the King of Western Xia.

When the King of Western Xia heard that his daughter wanted to participate in the front line, he felt it was inappropriate, so he did not agree to Yinchuan for a while.

Episode 53 Recap

Yinchuan went to see the King of Western Xia, asking to go to the front line to participate in the peace talks. The King of Western Xia initially disagreed but finally relented due to his daughter's request. Hai Weining, after seeing Ye Zhao, handed her the embroidered handkerchief that Liu Xiyin had given him. After reading it, Ye Zhao knew that it was intelligence sent by Liu Xiyin at the cost of her life.

She was moved, thinking that her parents had died on the battlefield, and now her cousin was also sacrificing for the Song Dynasty. Why couldn't she sacrifice her child? So, Ye Zhao called in the old Wang military doctor and asked him to prepare an abortion drug for her.

The King of Western Xia summoned Hu Qing, telling him that the peace talks were just a delaying tactic, and asked Hu Qing to deliver the letter he had written to Prince Qi. After returning to his room, Hu Qing first opened and read the King of Western Xia's letter. As expected, the letter outlined the peace talk strategy, also saying that when the time was right, the world would belong to him and Prince Qi.

Hu Qing put away the letter and decided to use a counter-plot, delivering the letter to Prince Qi. At the same time, he wrote a letter to Fan Zhongyan, informing him of the situation in Western Xia and advising him to prepare early. Prince Qi summoned Lu Zhenting at night, instructing him to discuss the plan to revolt with Grand Tutor Liu, preparing to launch an uprising within ten days to overthrow the Song Dynasty.

Lu Zhenting went to Grand Tutor Liu's residence and finalized the specific details. The Song Dynasty was facing both internal and external troubles and was on the verge of collapse. . . Zhao Yujin finally arrived at Ye Zhao's military camp on the border after a long journey. At this time, the military doctor had just prepared the abortion medicine and sent it to Ye Zhao.

Just as Ye Zhao picked up the abortion medicine, someone rushed in through the door - it was Zhao Yujin. Ye Zhao was very surprised to see Zhao Yujin and quickly went down to help him up. Zhao Yujin had a very sensitive nose and quickly smelled the medicinal scent. He recognized that it was not a pregnancy-preserving medicine, so he immediately smashed the bowl and demanded that the military doctor be dragged out and executed.

Ye Zhao stopped Zhao Yujin, thus saving the military doctor's life. Zhao Yujin felt that the military doctor was unreliable, so he brought Meng Xingde to diagnose Ye Zhao. After taking her pulse, Meng Xingde felt that Ye Zhao's pregnancy was unstable. Zhao Yujin became anxious upon hearing this, but Meng Xingde added that as long as she took some medicine and took good care of herself, there wouldn't be any major problems.

It would stabilize after four months, and then she could charge into battle. After listening to Meng Xingde's words, Ye Zhao also thought that maybe it was possible to have both the child and the war. She said that when charging into battle, she would have a few personal guards around her to help her, and she wouldn't move too violently, so maybe it would be alright. Zhao Yujin thought this was a good idea.

Yinchuan arrived at the front line and met Yi Nuo, asking why there had been no progress in the peace talks for so long. Yi Nuo replied that the Song Dynasty had sent an envoy, and they would also send an envoy. At night, Ye Zhao had a headache from reading military reports, and she remembered that when Hu Qing was around, she didn't have to deal with these things at all.

Laughter and banter from the soldiers came from outside the camp. Zhao Yujin was sitting with the soldiers, drinking and eating. Zhao Yujin had delicate skin, and the soldiers couldn't guess his true identity no matter what they guessed. Zhao Yujin was unwilling to reveal that he was the Prince of Nanping, so he said that he was the son of the chief steward of the Prince of Nanping's mansion.

The next day, in order to facilitate his activities around Ye Zhao, Zhao Yujin changed into a battle robe. He went to see Ye Zhao under the guise of delivering "Ten Tonifying Eggs." Ye Zhao was stunned for a moment when she saw Zhao Yujin in his battle robe. At this time, a guard reported that an envoy from Western Xia had arrived. After Ye Zhao met the so-called envoy from Western Xia, she realized that it was actually Yinchuan.

Yinchuan praised Ye Zhao's good complexion, but Ye Zhao said that her complexion would be even better if Western Xia didn't harass the border. After a brief conversation with Yinchuan, Yinchuan noticed that Zhao Yujin seemed to have something to say to Ye Zhao, so she took her leave. After Yinchuan returned to the Western Xia military camp, she happened to overhear Yi Nuo summoning the generals for a meeting.

Yinchuan was very angry when she learned that Western Xia had no sincerity in the peace talks, feeling that Yi Nuo would harm the people of Western Xia. But Yi Nuo didn't think so, and in order to prevent Yinchuan from ruining his plans, Yi Nuo also had Batu take Yinchuan down and imprison her.

Episode 54 Recap

Liu Xiyin was in Western Xia to gather intelligence, indulging in pleasure with the King of Western Xia all day long. One night, Liu Xiyin pulled the King of Western Xia to drink. As they became merry, the King of Western Xia began to get physically close to Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin avoided him, saying she would dance for the King of Western Xia. She then slowly began to dance.

Liu Xiyin was already beautiful like a celestial being, and her dance was even more gentle and moving. The King of Western Xia watched, increasingly mesmerized, circling around Liu Xiyin. Liu Xiyin picked up the wine pot from the King of Western Xia's hand and poured it into her mouth, using the King of Western Xia's hand. This scene was seen by the Queen outside the door, and a sinister look gradually appeared in the Queen's eyes.

Yi Nuo went to see his mother with fruit, and happened to hear the Queen talking to his uncle, Yeli Renrong, about Liu Xiyin. The Queen had failed to eliminate Mo Zang Hei Yun before, and now another Song woman had appeared, making her very dissatisfied. She discussed with Yeli Renrong about killing Liu Xiyin.

Yi Nuo was shocked after hearing this and hurried to find Liu Xiyin, pulling Liu Xiyin into his arms, instructing Liu Xiyin to protect herself and not to go out without his company. Liu Xiyin guessed that the Queen wanted to harm her, so she agreed to Yi Nuo. To be on the safe side, Yi Nuo went to plead with the Queen, hoping that the Queen would not kill Liu Xiyin because he truly loved her.

He also said that Liu Xiyin had a strong personality and would not really be with the King of Western Xia. The Queen agreed that if Liu Xiyin no longer interacted with the King of Western Xia privately, she would not kill her. Yi Nuo immediately knelt down to thank her. Grand Tutor Liu secretly summoned his subordinate, ordering him to lead five thousand elite soldiers to gather in Baofeng Village outside the capital city.

Three days later, they would seize the opportunity to kill the Emperor. The subordinate accepted the order and left. In addition, Prince Qi and others secretly gathered martial arts masters, ordering them to arrive in the capital city within three days and lie in ambush outside the city to participate in the uprising. While Fan Zhongyan was handling official duties, someone came to visit. It turned out to be Admiral Hai, who had infiltrated Western Xia with Hu Qing.

Admiral Hai brought a letter from Hu Qing, in which Hu Qing told Fan Zhongyan all about Western Xia's plans, and also said that the Emperor, considering his brotherly affection, might not take action against Prince Qi. Therefore, he hoped that Fan Zhongyan would make a decision on the matter. Fan Zhongyan was worried after learning about this.

At this time, Hai Weining came to talk about the chaos in the officialdom of Dengzhou, and Fan Zhongyan had no choice but to put aside his current affairs and go to Dengzhou. Before leaving, Fan Zhongyan called his sister, Fan Erniang, to give some instructions. Fan Erniang, having received Fan Zhongyan's instructions, was monitoring outside Prince Qi's mansion. She happened to see Prince Qi's wife escorting Lu Zhenting out.

Not long after, Fan Erniang saw Bi Jinshi come to Grand Tutor Liu's house to discuss the rebellion with Grand Tutor Liu. The time for the uprising was set at one quarter past noon three days later. After receiving the news, Fan Erniang immediately went to visit Empress Dowager Yang. Empress Dowager Yang knew that there were no military generals available in the court, so she took Fan Erniang outside the palace to find the old General Yang Wenguang.

After learning about this, Yang Wenguang readily agreed to follow them back to the palace to protect the Emperor. After Fan Zhongyan learned of Fan Erniang's message, he immediately sought out General Tian, who was in the capital, and asked General Tian to mobilize eight thousand elite soldiers to enter the palace to protect the Emperor. General Tian immediately went to do it.

At this time, Liu Xiyin, who was in Western Xia, knew that the Queen wanted to kill her, so she went to find Mo Zang Hei Yun. Using the status of the Mo Zang family and her promise not to approach the King of Western Xia as bargaining chips, she persuaded Mo Zang Hei Yun to help her.

So when the assassins sent by the Queen tried to kill Liu Xiyin, Mo Zang E Pang rushed out and captured the assassins. After interrogation, it was clear that the Queen was responsible. The King of Western Xia arrested the Queen overnight, and Yeli Renrong also came before the King of Western Xia. Considering that the Queen had given birth to his children, the King of Western Xia allowed the Queen to take her own life.

However, Yeli Renrong could not bear to see his niece die, so he picked up the dagger himself and stabbed himself. This scene happened to be seen by Yi Nuo. Yi Nuo and the Queen were immediately heartbroken. The Queen even accused the King of Western Xia of being deceived by Liu Xiyin. The King of Western Xia would not listen to the Queen at this time, demoting the Queen to a servant and dragging her away.

He also said that Mo Zang E Pang had protected Liu Xiyin and promoted him to Prime Minister. Liu Xiyin looked at Yi Nuo, who was kneeling on the ground and crying, and felt unbearable. She never thought things would turn out like this. While Western Xia and the capital were in chaos, Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin were having a carefree time at the border. Zhao Yujin cooked porridge and decocted medicine for Ye Zhao every day, taking care of Ye Zhao meticulously.

Episode 55 Recap

Fan Zhongyan learned that the Emperor was in danger and immediately made arrangements, letting Fan Erniang and Xu Duohua enter the palace to assist Yang Wenguang in protecting the Emperor. Sure enough, at the time agreed upon by Liu Taifu and others, a large number of troops and assassins poured into the palace. But before they could rush into the palace, Yang Wenguang and Fan Erniang, along with Xu Duohua, led soldiers to fight them in front of the palace.

Lu Zhenting and Bi Jinshi personally led the rebel army to attack the palace, but they did not expect to be desperately blocked by Yang Wenguang and others. They were not prepared enough and had to retreat in a hurry. Lu Zhenting escaped, but Bi Jinshi was captured. At this time, the Emperor was actually in the Empress Dowager's Cining Palace. The Empress Dowager was worried about the Emperor's health, so she concealed the rebellion from him.

It was not until the rebellion was quelled that she told the Emperor about it. Although the Emperor was annoyed, he knew that the Empress Dowager was doing it for his own good, so he did not investigate further. He also greatly rewarded those who had contributed to the protection this time, and appointed Xu Duohua as the captain of the Royal Guard, commanding the Imperial Guards. Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin were in the borderlands.

Recently, the two countries were negotiating peace, and there were no wars for the time being, so the two were living a carefree life. Ye Zhao was holding a teacup in the woods watching Zhao Yujin practice martial arts. Zhao Yujin has been practicing hard recently, and he looks decent. At the very least, those who used to bully Zhao Yujin in the capital would not dare to bully Zhao Yujin again.

Zhang Gui, Guo Yuanjing, and Liu Long were responsible for interrogating Bi Jinshi, hoping that Bi Jinshi could reveal who the mastermind behind the scenes was, but Bi Jinshi just wouldn't say. Finally, the three discussed a way to lock Bi Jinshi in a prison and starve him for three days and three nights before interrogating him again. Three days later, Guo Yuanjing and Liu Long came to the prison, but Bi Jinshi still refused to speak.

In order to lure Bi Jinshi, the two ordered the jailer to bring up food. Bi Jinshi had been starving for three days, and his eyes lit up when he saw the food, but he still refused to speak. At this time, the men noticed that the jailer who was serving the food was shaking, which seemed suspicious. But the jailer insisted that he was new and not familiar with the rules, so he was shaking.

Guo Yuanjing and Liu Long then told the jailer to eat the bowl of food to prove his innocence. The jailer refused to eat, so the two forcibly stuffed it down his throat. Unexpectedly, the food was poisonous, and the jailer died soon after eating it. When Bi Jinshi saw the jailer die, he thought that the mastermind behind the scenes must be afraid that he would expose him, so he sent someone to assassinate him.

He panicked for a moment and confessed everything, saying that Lu Zhenting was acting with him, and the mastermind behind the scenes was Liu Taifu. When Guo Yuanjing and Liu Long saw that Bi Jinshi had finally confessed, they called the jailer back up. It turned out that the jailer was actually Zhang Gui. The three of them came up with this trick to trick Bi Jinshi, and they didn't expect it to work.

A few days later, the Magistrate of Jingzhao brought Liu Taifu to trial. Liu Taifu originally refused to say anything, only saying that Bi Jinshi was framing him. But the Magistrate of Jingzhao was prepared and brought Xiao Guizi up. He reopened the case of the Ministry of Finance's account books. Xiao Guizi said that he was actually acting on Liu Taifu's instructions to burn those account books and frame Fan Zhongyan.

Moreover, after it was done, Liu Taifu had promised to send him to a safe place, but in fact he threw him into the river. Fortunately, someone rescued him, and Xiao Guizi survived, so this time Xiao Guizi was willing to come forward and testify against Liu Taifu. Liu Taifu still tried to argue, but the benefactor who saved Xiao Guizi was already waiting outside, and it was Fan Erniang.

Fan Erniang said that one night after she came out of Nanping Commandery Prince's residence, she saw someone carrying a large bag, so she followed him and saw that person throwing the bag into the river. She jumped down and retrieved the bag, and that's how she rescued Xiao Guizi. Liu Taifu, seeing that he could not argue, admitted everything he had done, and also said that he was instructed by Prime Minister Lu.

The Magistrate of Jingzhao was shocked and felt that the matter was too involved, so he handed the case over to Fan Zhongyan for trial. The next day in court, Prime Minister Lu said that he wanted to retire and return to his hometown, but Fan Zhongyan stood up and pointed out all of Prime Minister Lu's faults, hoping that the Emperor would not let Prime Minister Lu retire and return to his hometown.

But the Emperor only said to adjourn the court. After the court, Prime Minister Lu thought he had escaped this matter, but Fan Zhongyan directly took people to take him away. Prince Qi was watching from behind, knowing that things had reached the point of being exposed. Prince Qi secretly found Lu Zhenting and said that he would send Lu Zhenting to Xixia, but he actually wanted to send someone to kill Lu Zhenting.

Lu Zhenting evaded many times, but in the end he could not escape the assassin's sword and fell to the ground. The Emperor was discussing matters with Empress Dowager Yang in the palace, feeling a little depressed. After all, Prince Qi was his own brother, and he felt a little sad when he learned that he had rebelled.

But things had come to this point, and he had to believe it, and he had to take action to remove this tumor. . . Zhao Yujin took care of Ye Zhao in the army camp every day and was becoming more and more adapted to the life of the army camp. On this day, Zhao Yujin called Qiu Shui out and asked Qiu Shui to do him a favor.

Episode 56 Recap

Zhao Yujin called Qiu Shui out of the military camp and asked Qiu Shui to help Ye Zhao with a favor. Qiu Shui had been following Ye Zhao all along, so she was naturally willing to do anything for Ye Zhao. Zhao Yujin, seeing Qiu Shui agree without hesitation, took out a "pregnancy protection artifact," which was actually a cloth bag Zhao Yujin sewed himself.

Qiu Shui thought this cloth bag would protect the baby in Ye Zhao's belly, but she didn't expect the cloth bag was actually for Qiu Shui to use. It turned out Zhao Yujin felt it would be difficult to hide the news of Ye Zhao's pregnancy from everyone. To divert attention, it would be better to have someone else "pregnant."

Zhao Yujin picked Qiu Shui after much deliberation, and had Qiu Shui tie the cloth bag around herself and say she was pregnant, so that everyone's attention would be focused on Qiu Shui instead of Ye Zhao. After Prime Minister Lü was arrested, he was handed over to Fan Zhongyan for interrogation. Fan Zhongyan interrogated Prime Minister Lü many times, but he wouldn't say anything.

Fan Zhongyan was very anxious, because if Prime Minister Lü didn't speak, they couldn't catch the mastermind behind the scenes. Finally, Prime Minister Lü confessed, admitting that the mastermind behind the scenes was Prince Qi. After Fan Zhongyan got the results of the interrogation, he immediately reported to the Emperor. Although the Emperor still had some affection for Prince Qi, the fact that Prince Qi had plotted a rebellion was unforgivable.

Therefore, the Emperor immediately sent Xu Duo Hua to arrest Prince Qi. At this time, the real messenger sent by Prince Qi had already arrived at the Western Xia Palace. Liu Xiyin was very anxious when she found out, because she knew Hu Qing and the others were about to be exposed. Liu Xiyin quickly went to find Hu Qing, informed him of this matter, and prepared horses for them to cross the border and join the Song army.

Before leaving, Hu Qing still wanted to persuade Liu Xiyin to leave with him, but Liu Xiyin still refused, saying that she would send a firework signal in a month, so that Ye Zhao could seize the opportunity to attack. Not long after Hu Qing left, Mo Cang Er Pang came with people to search Hu Qing and the others' residence, but found nothing, only Liu Xiyin still there.

Liu Xiyin walked past Mo Cang Er Pang without changing her expression, and Mo Cang Er Pang's eyes showed a fierce look. When the Western Xia King learned that Hu Qing and the others were all imposters and that he had fallen for the Song army's counterintelligence scheme, he was so angry that he smashed everything on the ground.

Thinking that he had also killed Ye Li Yu Qi and Ye Li Ren Rong for this, he hated himself even more for trusting others too easily. Xu Duo Hua arrived at Prince Qi's residence, but only saw Prince Qi's wife pruning flowers. Prince Qi's wife was not surprised at all to see Xu Duo Hua and the others, and calmly followed them away.

Prince Qi galloped away on horseback, meeting with the person who was supposed to meet him outside the city. This person was Li La's brother, Li Suo, who was previously a death row inmate but was saved by Prince Qi and had been following Prince Qi ever since. Li Suo escorted Prince Qi all the way to Western Xia, but was intercepted by Yang Wenguang and Fan Erniang and the others halfway.

Li Suo stayed behind to deal with the few people, letting Prince Qi escape first. Unexpectedly, Yang Wenguang, Fan Erniang, and Xu Duo Hua joined forces, and Li Suo was no match for them. He was knocked to the ground in a few moves. Prince Qi was also quickly captured and escorted to the palace.

When Ye Zhao was looking at military reports, she heard that several spies had been captured, so she asked them to be brought up for her to see. When she looked up, she realized it was Hu Qing and Qiu Lao Hu. They had finally returned after crossing the border. Ye Zhao was very excited to see them and immediately called Qiu Shui and Qiu Hua to meet their father.

The father and daughters were even more excited to see each other. Not long after, Zhao Yujin implemented his plan, taking Qiu Shui to see Ye Zhao and having Qiu Shui tie on the cloth bag. When Qiu Lao Hu saw that Qiu Shui's belly was so big, he thought the child was Zhao Yujin's, but Zhao Yujin denied it. Qiu Lao Hu asked Qiu Shui whose child it was, but Qiu Shui couldn't say.

Seeing this, Zhao Yujin pointed out that the child was Hu Qing's. Qiu Lao Hu was furious, feeling that Hu Qing had gotten his daughter pregnant without saying a word. He grabbed Hu Qing's collar and slammed Hu Qing to the ground in front of the entire army, saying he was going to beat Hu Qing hard.

Seeing that Qiu Lao Hu was really angry, and afraid that Hu Qing would be hurt, Qiu Shui rushed forward and knelt in front of Qiu Lao Hu, begging Qiu Lao Hu to let Hu Qing go, saying that she had liked Hu Qing since she was a teenager. Her sincere confession finally moved Hu Qing, and Hu Qing stepped forward and took Qiu Shui's hand, indicating he was willing to accept Qiu Shui.

Seeing that Hu Qing had finally acknowledged it, Ye Zhao stood up and announced that the two would get married immediately. Hu Qing and Qiu Shui's wedding was held quickly. On the wedding night, Qiu Shui sat by the bed, feeling like she was still dreaming, suddenly being with the person she loved. Hu Qing knew that Qiu Shui had deep affection for him, so he promised that he would treat Qiu Shui well in the future.

Episode 57 Recap

Although Ye Zhao's belly has recently grown bigger, she hasn't given up practicing martial arts. She still practices with weapons weighing over eighty pounds every day. Zhao Yujin felt sorry for her, so he had someone bring up a weapon identical to Ye Zhao's and effortlessly wielded it. Ye Zhao thought Zhao Yujin had suddenly become a martial arts master, able to wield an eighty-pound weapon, but when she picked it up to test it, it wasn't heavy at all.

Zhao Yujin, seeing Ye Zhao's puzzled expression, finally told the truth. It turned out that this weapon looked exactly like the one Ye Zhao usually used, but he had it specially made with a hollow interior, so it wasn't heavy. As long as it wasn't bumped too hard, it could still be used for show. Zhao Yujin felt sorry for Ye Zhao using such a heavy weapon to practice, so he came up with this idea out of desperation.

Ye Zhao thought this was a great idea, and after a few days, she took the hollow weapon to the training ground, where the soldiers applauded her amazing skills. After Prince Qi was captured, he was handed over to Fan Zhongyan for trial. Fan Zhongyan listed Prince Qi's various crimes, but Prince Qi only said that he had nothing to say. Seeing that Prince Qi really didn't want to say anything, Fan Zhongyan had him taken away first.

Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin were eating in the military camp, but Ye Zhao didn't have a good appetite because she was worried about Liu Xiyin being trapped in Western Xia, which was very dangerous. Zhao Yujin knew that Ye Zhao was worried about Liu Xiyin, but there was nothing he could do, so he had to comfort Ye Zhao first.

Ye Zhao thought for a while and said she wanted to drink, but Zhao Yujin didn't allow Ye Zhao to drink, so he could only let Ye Zhao smell it, and then Zhao Yujin drank it. Ye Zhao used this method to make Zhao Yujin drink a lot of wine. Even though Zhao Yujin had previously frequented brothels and taverns, he couldn't handle being force-fed cup after cup, and he finally got drunk.

Ye Zhao patted Zhao Yujin's face, confirmed that he wouldn't wake up, and then got up and walked out, preparing to go to Western Xia alone to rescue Liu Xiyin. Ye Zhao changed into a black outfit, carried a bow and arrow, and rode her horse forward, but on the only way she saw Zhao Yujin waiting there.

It turned out that Zhao Yujin knew that Ye Zhao wanted to go to Western Xia to rescue Liu Xiyin, but Zhao Yujin would never allow Ye Zhao to do that. He gave Ye Zhao two choices: either take him to Western Xia with her, or go back now and wait for the opportunity to save Liu Xiyin.

Ye Zhao knew that she absolutely couldn't take Zhao Yujin to Western Xia with her, so she had to choose the second option and return to the military camp with Zhao Yujin first. The Emperor was still heartbroken that Prince Qi had betrayed him, so he personally went to the prison with Fan Zhongyan to see Prince Qi and questioned Prince Qi as to why he betrayed him.

Prince Qi showed no remorse and said that he had been planning for more than ten years, but in the end he still failed. In fact, Prince Qi had resented the Emperor since he was a child because he was the eldest son, but he was not favored by the late Emperor, who always favored the Emperor the most.

His mother was of humble origin and never sought wealth and honor, only hoping to live in love with the late Emperor, but Empress Liu couldn't tolerate them and killed his mother. Prince Qi said that since the night he was enfeoffed in Jiangbei, he had secretly resolved to rebel and colluded with Western Xia in private, working from both inside and outside.

In addition, Prince Qi also admitted that when Ye Zhao's father and brothers were at the border, he also instructed Li Suo to sneak into the city and open the city gates, causing Ye Zhao's father and brothers to sacrifice themselves for the country.

Prince Qi had done too many wrong things, and he also admitted that Hong Qiang was also his informant planted beside Fan Zhongyan, but Hong Qiang was unwilling to collude with them, so she was killed by Lu Zhenting. Ye Zhao has been worried about military rations recently, after all, the grain that can be collected from the people has been collected almost enough. Zhao Yujin suggested buying grain, but Ye Zhao naturally couldn't come up with so much money.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Yujin instantly took out a thick stack of silver notes from his pocket, saying that they were rewards from the elders. After saying that, he also took out thick stacks of silver notes from various places in the camp, such as the quiver and under the mattress. Ye Zhao smiled happily and praised Zhao Yujin for his foresight.

Episode 58 Recap

Zhao Yujin gave Ye Zhao all the silver notes he had brought from the capital. Seeing Zhao Yujin being so generous and solving her urgent problem, Ye Zhao was naturally very happy. Just as the two were about to get intimate, Hu Qing walked in quickly. Seeing them so close, he felt a bit awkward and coughed twice.

After Ye Zhao reacted, she immediately changed the subject, telling Hu Qing not to get lost in the delights of matrimony just because he had recently gotten married. She also told Hu Qing to take the silver notes out to prepare military provisions. Hu Qing also felt it was not appropriate to stay long, so he took the silver notes and walked out without looking back.

Zhao Yujin had recently been worried that it would be dangerous for Ye Zhao to go on an expedition while pregnant, so he went to Hu Qing to discuss a plan. Zhao Yujin's idea was for Hu Qing to impersonate Ye Zhao during the expedition to confuse the enemy. Hu Qing thought about it and felt that this was a very good idea.

Their conversation then shifted, and Hu Qing suddenly brought up the matter of Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin's marriage. It turned out that the Emperor's arrangement of their marriage back then was not accidental. Because of Ye Zhao's outstanding military achievements, the Emperor, in order to reward her, promised that Ye Zhao could choose any unmarried man in the world. Ye Zhao then chose Zhao Yujin.

Hu Qing was not very willing to tell Zhao Yujin the reason, so Zhao Yujin had to go ask Ye Zhao himself. Zhao Yujin quickly walked into Ye Zhao's tent and asked her why she had insisted on choosing him back then. Ye Zhao then recounted the events of that year. It turned out that when Ye Zhao was still young, she had met Zhao Yujin.

At that time, Zhao Yujin was lost in a garden, crying and looking for his mother. His cries woke up Ye Zhao, who was sleeping in a tree. Ye Zhao already had some qinggong back then, so she jumped down and asked what had happened. After learning that Zhao Yujin was lost, she volunteered to take him out, and even carried him on her back.

Unexpectedly, when they reached a path near water, Ye Zhao slipped and threw Zhao Yujin into the water. Zhao Yujin struggled continuously in the water, and Ye Zhao immediately panicked, but thankfully remembered to save him. Ye Zhao immediately jumped down and rescued Zhao Yujin, but Zhao Yujin was already unconscious. Ye Zhao couldn't wake Zhao Yujin for a while, and then she heard the maids nearby calling for Zhao Yujin.

Afraid of being scolded, Ye Zhao picked up a stone and threw it into the water to attract the maids, and then she hid herself. Afterward, Ye Zhao left Tokyo City, but she always remembered Zhao Yujin and kept looking for people to inquire about him. However, Zhao Yujin had too many dissolute stories. Those responsible for reporting to Ye Zhao kept speaking ill of Zhao Yujin, but unexpectedly, the more Ye Zhao heard, the more she liked him.

So, when the Emperor arranged her marriage, Ye Zhao chose Zhao Yujin. Zhao Yujin listened from the side, his face growing increasingly grim, until Ye Zhao finished speaking, and he finally exploded. It turned out that after Zhao Yujin woke up back then, he told others that he had been thrown into the water by a young boy, but no one believed him.

Moreover, Empress Dowager Zhao kept scolding the maids and servants, so Zhao Yujin had no choice but to say that he had fallen into the water himself. Not only that, but that incident of falling into the water caused Zhao Yujin to be bedridden for ten years, completely ruining his health. Ye Zhao's unintentional mistake had caused Zhao Yujin to lose his health for life.

Seeing Zhao Yujin so angry, Ye Zhao immediately panicked, tears streamed down her face, and she cried, begging Zhao Yujin to go home and talk. But Zhao Yujin said that once they got home, he would divorce Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao became anxious, felt a sharp pain in her stomach, and squatted down.

Seeing Ye Zhao's stomach hurt, Zhao Yujin finally remembered that Ye Zhao was carrying his child in her belly, so he quickly pulled Ye Zhao up and forgave her. At this time, the Western Xia royal palace was also not peaceful. Yi Nuo was very angry because of the insufficient military provisions at the front line, so he went to Ha'erdun to demand an explanation.

However, Ha'erdun could no longer provide Yi Nuo with military provisions due to the need to supply the subsequent armies. Yi Nuo and Ha'erdun had a big argument, and Yi Nuo went to see the Western Xia King. The Western Xia King knew that Ha'erdun was also helpless, so he had no choice but to order Meizang Epang to raise military provisions. Meizang Epang also had no solution, so he went to find Meizang Heiyun.

At this time, Meizang Heiyun had just given birth to a child, named Tuoba Liangzuo. Hearing her brother's troubles, Meizang Heiyun suggested that Meizang Epang send the family's young cattle and sheep to the front line, and then they could discuss future matters. After all, no matter how bad the Meizang family's situation became, they still had Tuoba Liangzuo. Meizang Epang took his sister's advice, knowing that this was not a long-term solution.

So he went to Ha'erdun and persuaded him to stand on the same front line by bringing up the matter of Liu Xiyin being taken by the Western Xia King. A few days later, during a morning court session, the Western Xia King announced that the Western Xia Winter Solstice Festival was approaching, and he would go to the front line to reward the army, with Ha'erdun accompanying him.

Moreover, unable to resist Liu Xiyin's coquetry, the Western Xia King agreed to take Liu Xiyin with them to the front line. Soon after, the Western Xia King arrived at the front line. Yi Nuo arranged accommodation for them and made full preparations for the Winter Solstice Festival. Meanwhile, Ye Zhao was also arranging for the attack on Western Xia during the Winter Solstice Festival.

Episode 59 Recap

Yi Nuo arranged accommodation for the King of Western Xia, Ha'er Dun, Liu Xiyin, and others, then took his leave. Ha'er Dun and Liu Xiyin smiled at each other, but this scene was unpleasant for the King of Western Xia, so he dismissed Ha'er Dun. Ha'er Dun went outside and lay outside the tent, seeing the King of Western Xia touching Liu Xiyin.

He almost rushed in, but at that moment, someone came to report that Liu Xiyin's tent was ready, and Liu Xiyin took the opportunity to leave first. Liu Xiyin came to her tent and saw fruits and wine on the table. She slowly sat down and poured a medicine called "Zui Xian" into the wine pot, intending to poison the King of Western Xia. That night, it was the Western Xia's winter solstice celebration banquet.

Everyone gathered together to drink and chat, having a great time. After the dance of the soldiers, it was Liu Xiyin's turn to perform. Liu Xiyin wore Western Xia clothing, her figure was soft, and although she was wearing a veil, her eyes were very seductive, which made the King of Western Xia and Ha'er Dun stare straight at her, but Yi Nuo did not like Liu Xiyin, and his eyes only showed disgust.

Ye Zhao had been supervised by Zhao Yujin and had Meng Xingde take her pulse every day recently. After this pulse diagnosis, Meng Xingde said that he was not sure whether the child in Ye Zhao's womb was stable. After all, Ye Zhao was active all day long, and the condition of the child was not easy to judge. Zhao Yujin was very anxious, but he couldn't do anything about it for a while.

Before leaving the capital, Zhao Yujin specially brought out some talented Jianghu ruffians, including those who were good at disguise and those who were good at ventriloquism. Because Hu Qing had to pretend to be Ye Zhao on the battlefield, he was dragged to put on makeup. When Hu Qing came out after makeup, he found that it was not going to work at all.

Hu Qing and Ye Zhao had completely different facial features, so Yi Nuo would definitely recognize him. Seeing Ye Zhao worrying about this, Zhao Yujin was afraid that Ye Zhao would insist on going to the battlefield himself, so he stood up and said that he would disguise himself as Ye Zhao on the battlefield. Ye Zhao originally disagreed, but she couldn't resist Zhao Yujin's firmness, so she could only agree.

After Liu Xiyin finished dancing, she went to the King of Western Xia to offer a toast. The King of Western Xia asked Liu Xiyin to offer a toast to all the soldiers. Liu Xiyin first went to Yi Nuo, but Yi Nuo did not accept Liu Xiyin's wine because Yi Nuo received news from Batu that the wine was poisonous.

In order to expose Liu Xiyin, Yi Nuo asked Liu Xiyin to drink it herself first, and Liu Xiyin was unable to cope for a while. At this time, Ha'er Dun couldn't stand it any longer and loudly rebuked Yi Nuo for making things difficult for Liu Xiyin, and even fought with Yi Nuo. Yi Nuo knew that he must have evidence to prove that Liu Xiyin had poisoned the wine, so he asked Batu to bring a dog over.

Unexpectedly, the King of Western Xia interrupted him as soon as the dog was brought over. The King of Western Xia scolded both of his sons severely, saying that Yi Nuo was bullying women and Ha'er Dun was fighting with his brothers. Seeing that Liu Xiyin had been rescued, Ha'er Dun didn't say much and returned to his position.

Yi Nuo didn't want to stay here any longer and said that he was going to guard the city, so he left. Late at night, after the winter solstice banquet, the King of Western Xia came to Liu Xiyin's tent, intending to possess Liu Xiyin.

Liu Xiyin's original plan was to get the King of Western Xia to drink the poisoned wine, but this time the King of Western Xia no longer went along with Liu Xiyin, but waved his hand and knocked over the wine, forcibly hugging Liu Xiyin and rolling onto the bed. Liu Xiyin was terrified and cried for help. Ha'er Dun rushed in immediately after hearing the sound, but saw his father raping the woman he loved.

Ha'er Dun wanted to stop the King of Western Xia, but he didn't expect that the King of Western Xia had lost his mind and kicked Ha'er Dun away. In desperation, Ha'er Dun took out a dagger and stabbed the King of Western Xia to death, and Liu Xiyin also rolled off the bed. Mei Zang E Pang rushed in immediately after hearing the movement.

Seeing that the King of Western Xia was dead, he drew out his dagger and killed Ha'er Dun, and ordered his men to clean up the scene and pretend that the King of Western Xia and Ha'er Dun were already asleep. After Zhao Yujin put on makeup, he did look a bit like Ye Zhao. Wearing a mask could fool many people. After saying goodbye, Zhao Yujin jumped on his horse and went to the battlefield.

And Ye Zhao led Qiu Lao Hu, Qiu Shui, Qiu Hua and others to ambush near the Western Xia military camp, waiting for news from Liu Xiyin. When Liu Xiyin woke up, it was almost dawn. She walked out of the tent, took out the prepared fireworks, lit them and launched them into the air. Ye Zhao, who was ambushing outside, received the news and immediately ordered an attack.

For a time, the Western Xia military camp was in a dangerous situation. The Song army was well prepared, and the Western Xia army was caught off guard and had to rush to meet the enemy. Liu Xiyin, dressed in white, slowly walked towards Ha'er Dun's camp in the midst of the flying flames of war.

On the way, Liu Xiyin saw the imprisoned Princess Yinchuan, picked up a knife on the ground and cut off the chains, and released Yinchuan. Liu Xiyin walked into Ha'er Dun's camp and only saw Ha'er Dun lying on the bed with blood flowing from the corner of his mouth. Liu Xiyin slowly sat down beside Ha'er Dun, thinking that she could finally be with Ha'er Dun.

Ha'er Dun was a good man, and he lost his life for her, but she was using him. Liu Xiyin picked up the prepared poisoned wine, slowly drank it, and lay down beside Ha'er Dun.

Episode 60 (Ending) Recap

Ye Zhao, with Qiu Shui, charged into the Xixia army camp and happened to encounter Yin Chuan, who had been released. Yin Chuan, upon learning that Ye Zhao had come to rescue Liu Xiyin, led Ye Zhao to Ha'erdun's tent. Unexpectedly, when Ye Zhao lifted the curtain, she saw Liu Xiyin's corpse. Ye Zhao was heartbroken upon seeing her cousin's body, and Qiu Shui also wept beside her.

On the other battlefield, Zhao Yujin, disguised as Ye Zhao, challenged the enemy in front of the Baiyin Stockade gate. Yi Nuo, confident in his strong army, opened the city gate to meet the enemy. As the two armies clashed, the commander naturally charged to the front. Yi Nuo faced "Ye Zhao" head-on, but Zhao Yujin was no match for Yi Nuo and merely stalled for time. Yi Nuo, suspecting a trap, attacked directly, preparing for a quick victory.

Just as Zhao Yujin's life hung by a thread, Hu Qing and Qiu Lao Hu arrived and saved Zhao Yujin, but at the same time, Hu Qing was seriously injured. Zhao Yujin quickly retreated with Hu Qing, and Qiu Lao Hu stayed behind to hold off Yi Nuo. As Yi Nuo prepared to pursue, he learned that the real Ye Zhao had appeared in the Xixia army camp, realizing he had been deceived.

He handed the battlefield over to Batu and went to the city to deal with the real Ye Zhao himself. Yin Chuan knew that Yi Nuo would soon discover the deception and return, so she exchanged clothes with Qiu Shui, and had Ye Zhao carry Liu Xiyin out of Ha'erdun's tent on her back. Unexpectedly, they were discovered by Yi Nuo as soon as they came out.

Qiu Shui and Yin Chuan used iron chains to temporarily trip up Yi Nuo. Ye Zhao handed Liu Xiyin to Qiu Shui, letting Qiu Shui to ride a horse and retreat out of the city. Ye Zhao herself was preparing for a great battle with Yi Nuo, but her body could not support it. At the critical moment, Yin Chuan stepped forward and blocked Yi Nuo's blade with her own body, dying instantly.

Ye Zhao knew that Yin Chuan had bought her time to escape, so she did not hesitate, immediately mounted her horse and fled. Yi Nuo looked at Yin Chuan, who had died under his blade, his eyes red with hatred. Ye Zhao rushed to the battlefield and finally met Zhao Yujin. Before the two could say a few words, Yi Nuo also arrived. Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin joined forces to kill Yi Nuo.

With the main general dead, the war ended. Inside the Tokyo city, the Emperor came to the prison where Prince Qi and Princess Qi were being held, and asked the two if they had any wishes. Prince Qi said that he no longer had any requests, but Princess Qi wanted to see the child she had sent away sixteen years ago, and said that the child had a moon-shaped birthmark on his back.

The Emperor agreed to Princess Qi and posted notices throughout the country to find the child. Before long, the child was found. The Emperor brought the child to see Prince Qi and Princess Qi. The child was Xiao Ma Que (Little Sparrow). It turned out that after Prince Qi abandoned the child, he was picked up by the Lao Gao family. But later, fate played a cruel trick, and Xiao Ma Que was made mute by Prince Qi's medicine.

Prince Qi was devastated to learn that his son was the one he had made mute. Princess Qi finally saw her child, only to find another heartbreaking situation, so she pulled out the hairpin from her head and committed suicide. Prince Qi said that he only begged for death, but the Emperor did not intend to grant Prince Qi death, only saying that Prince Qi should live in repentance for the rest of his life.

In the Xixia royal palace, the Xixia King, Ha'erdun, and Yi Nuo were all dead. The one who inherited the throne was naturally Tuoba Liangzuo. Mo Zang Epang, in order to cease hostilities, prepared to negotiate peace with both the Great Song and the Great Liao in exchange for the peace of the Xixia people.

After the war subsided, Ye Zhao erected a tomb for Liu Xiyin, only to see that Liu Yong had also brought a bunch of chrysanthemums to see Liu Xiyin, and recited a poem to commemorate Liu Xiyin. After the war subsided, the Emperor purged the court, rectified government affairs, and gave important positions to talented people. From then on, the people of Great Song lived a life of peace and prosperity.

Decades later, Ye Zhao and Zhao Yujin were both old and had grandchildren. Zhao Yujin told his grandchildren stories all day long, saying that he was a great hero, but the two grandchildren did not buy it, saying that they heard Grandpa Hu Qing say that Zhao Yujin only charged recklessly and did not understand fighting.

Zhao Yujin was a little annoyed and asked the two grandchildren to ask Ye Zhao, but the grandchildren said that Grandma would always protect Grandpa. After a while, Ye Zhao came and still told the two grandchildren that Zhao Yujin was actually a great hero. One day, the two grandchildren went to play outside the city and saw the mural that Ye Zhao had seen back then. The couple on it looked as fresh as ever. (End of the series)