One and Only Recap, Plot, Synopsis
One and Only Synopsis
The young and successful Lord Zhou Shengchen, who was determined to serve his country all his life, was known for his strict style and humility.
The only daughter of the famous Cui clan, Cui Shiyi, was born as the future prince’s concubine, and was sent by her elders to the Zhou mansion to learn the art.
Cui Shiyi’s kind and lovely, lively and intelligent personality, is loved by everyone in the mansion, and improve her skill quickly.
During their time together, Cui Shiyi admired Zhou Shengchen’s ambition and elegant character, and unknowingly fell in love with the general.
Cui Shiyi is Zhou Shengchen’s strongest backing and warmest support, whether it is waiting for good news at the mansion or fighting alongside him.
They like each other, but keep their love in the heart.
The border is once again in an emergency, and Zhou Shengchen is obliged to lead the troops to war, while Cui Shiyi has to bear the responsibility of the family’s reputation and marry the Crown Prince.
Zhousheng Chen endured the torture of boning for the sake of the people and the world and died tragically.
When Cui Shiyi knew the news of Zhousheng Chen’s death, she did not want to live alone and didn’t want to marry her enemy Liu Zixing, so she jumped from the city wall.
One and Only Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the snowy winter, a woman dressed in fur leisurely walked into the courtyard. Her name was Cui Shiyi, and she was the Crown Princess by betrothal before birth. This time she came to the inner courtyard to receive a generous gift from the Eastern Palace. An eunuch from the Eastern Palace conveyed the royal wish, hoping Cui Shiyi would have good fortune all year round, finish her studies early, and enter the palace to marry.
The generous gift could not make Cui Shiyi smile. She could not sleep in the middle of the night and went to the rooftop to watch the myriad lights of the city. Finally, she waited for the victory report she had been longing for. Zhou Shengchen, bringing the victory report, appeared before her safe and sound after a great victory. For her, who could not speak, this was the best gift.
Among this branch of the Cui clan, Cui Shiyi was the only girl; most of the others died in infancy. Due to the family's excessive power, she was betrothed to the Crown Prince before she was born. That year was exactly Cui Shiyi's tenth birthday. She happily waited for her father to return. Her mother, Cui Wenjun, came to urge Shiyi to go to the banquet. This time, the mansion held a grand banquet.
Cui Wenjun's elder brother, Cui Guang, sat in a high position. Shiyi asked about her father's whereabouts. Cui Wenjun only said he was not in the mansion, causing Shiyi to be filled with disappointment. Shiyi's father, Seventh Master, had offended the Empress Gao clan. The Emperor, considering Cui Guang as an elder statesman who served two dynasties, demanded Cui Wenjun divorce Seventh Master so the two would never see each other again. But Seventh Master insisted on seeing Shiyi once.
Cui Wenjun was also very reluctant to part with Seventh Master. How could their years of marital affection be severed just like that? Cui Guang angrily rebuked Cui Wenjun, asking Cui Wenjun to be more clear-headed. She was not only Seventh Master's wife but also the Third Lady of the Cui family. What she should protect was the Cui clan. Seventh Master saw Shiyi once before she fell asleep. Outside, the cold wind was biting.
He knew deeply that this was very likely his last meeting with Shiyi. After seeing Shiyi with utmost reluctance, Seventh Master came to see Cui Wenjun. The couple's affection was deep and profound. Facing this unavoidable separation, the two still cared for each other. To avoid implicating Cui Wenjun, Seventh Master decided never to see Cui Wenjun again in this life. The next day, Shiyi got up and hastily searched for Seventh Master, but Seventh Master had already left.
Cui Guang came and told Shiyi that Seventh Master had left. He had abandoned this family. From now on, Shiyi would only have her mother and uncle, and would no longer have a father. Shiyi did not believe Cui Guang's words. She fainted in utter grief. After waking up, she could no longer speak. The mansion invited famous doctors to perform acupuncture for half a year, but Shiyi still could not speak. --- Changes occurred within the palace.
Zhao Teng brought a letter from Noble Consort Qi Zhenzhen. Cui Guang, bringing Cui Shou, entered the palace. The two arrived in the palace and confirmed the Emperor's demise. Thus, his faction supported Concubine Qi's son Liu Hui to ascend the throne. Now that Liu Hui had ascended the throne, Concubine Qi began to worry about Zhou Shengchen, fearing that Zhou Shengchen might question if Liu Hui's enthronement was legitimate.
Cui Guang showed no signs of panic; he only decided to first send off the Former Emperor's funeral procession according to ancestral rites. A victory report came from the front line. Junior Prince of Nanchen Zhou Shengchen achieved a great victory. He stood valiantly on his warhorse, his face full of youthful bravery. Military Advisor Xie Chong congratulated Zhou Shengchen on winning this battle.
His disciples Zhou Tianxing and Hong Xiaoyu prepared to celebrate the victory by butchering animals and making fires. But Zhou Shengchen saw a secret report from Gongzhou, learning that his imperial brother had passed away. Zhou Shengchen had previously sworn an oath that he would never enter Zhongzhou in this life nor enter the palace city. But with his imperial brother's demise, Zhou Shengchen still wanted to go to Zhongzhou to bid farewell.
Xie Chong was afraid that the palace would suspect Zhou Shengchen of raising troops to rebel. But Zhou Shengchen knew his mind well. He ordered three thousand cavalry to head to Zhongzhou. Xie Chong accompanied Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen stationed his troops outside the city. Cui Guang came up with a plan. He had people in the palace force Zhou Shengchen to enter. If Zhou Shengchen was willing to enter the palace, he could immediately support Liu Hui as Emperor.
If he was unwilling to enter the palace, it would confirm his reputation for rebellion. How could Zhou Shengchen not know what the people in the palace were thinking? In his youth, he had sworn an oath in the hall, willing to abandon his royal surname and defend Xizhou, and never step into Zhongzhou again from then on. It was only to see his brother one last time that he still broke his oath.
Moreover, his young nephew had ascended the throne, and people's hearts were unstable. His action was also intended to help Liu Hui stabilize the populace. In order to dispel the rumors that he intended to raise troops to rebel, he swore an oath in the hall that he would not marry or take concubines in this life and would not have offspring, thus having no reason to rebel.
Hearing this, Cui Guang brought up Shiyi, wanting Zhou Shengchen to take Shiyi as a disciple, so as to draw closer the relationship between the royal family, the Cui family, and the Nanchen Royal Mansion. Concubine Qi greatly praised this idea, and Zhou Shengchen could not refuse. He could only agree to this request.
Episode 2 Recap
Before the imperial mausoleum, Liu Hui saw Zhou Shengchen beside him. He asked Zhou Shengchen to preside over the entry into the mausoleum. Zhou Shengchen knew that as someone with a different surname, he was not allowed to enter the imperial mausoleum.
However, Liu Hui bestowed upon Zhou Shengchen the Ban Jian Huang Yue, allowing him not to announce his name when submitting reports in the future, and not to hurry when entering court, but to go directly into the hall. Zhou Shengchen thanked Liu Hui for his kindness, but he did not need these worldly possessions. Therefore, he only left Liu Hui a retreating figure and rode away elegantly. In Shunchang Year 4, the Emperor passed away.
Crown Prince Liu Hui, only six years old, ascended the throne. But Qi Zhenzhen and her group wanted to burn the bridge after crossing the river. Previously, Shiyi was betrothed before birth to be the Crown Princess. Now that Liu Hui had ascended the throne as Emperor, Qi Zhenzhen was unwilling to let Shiyi become Empress.
She only established Liu Zixing, the third son of the Prince of Yanwu, as the Crown Prince, forcing Cui Guang to accept the imperial decree. After Qi Zhenzhen firmly established herself as Empress Dowager, she immediately arranged for her confidantes to exterminate Empress Gao's entire clan. Several years later, Shiyi had grown into a graceful and upright young lady. Although she could not speak, there was tenderness in her eyes and brows.
Her brother Cui Feng knew that Shiyi was about to go to the Nanchen Royal Mansion to study under a master, so he volunteered to escort Shiyi to Xizhou. Zhou Shengchen had not yet returned from his southern campaign. Cui Feng took Shiyi to stay at the guesthouse first.
He learned that Zhou Shengchen was about to arrive in Xizhou and would review the troops in the city, so he quietly took Shiyi to view Zhou Shengchen's troop review from atop the city wall. Looking with her eyes, Shiyi spotted Zhou Shengchen on the high platform at a glance. The long night broke into dawn, the three armies set out together, with wolf smoke as the backdrop and yellow sand assaulting the sky.
This was Zhou Shengchen, the Junior Prince of Nanchen, who had thousands of retainers and commanded an army of 700,000. At the apprenticeship ceremony banquet, Cui Wenjun and Cui Feng escorted Shiyi to the Nanchen Royal Mansion. Shiyi stepped forward and performed the apprenticeship rite. Zhou Shengchen accepted Shiyi's apprenticeship rite. He already had ten disciples in his mansion, so he decided to call Shiyi "Eleven." At this time, congratulatory gifts were sent from the palace.
The congratulatory gift was the Ban Jian Huang Yue. This time, Zhou Shengchen could not refuse, so he had no choice but to accept this gift and sent it to Shiyi's room. Besides the congratulatory gift, the palace also brought a painter to draw Shiyi's portrait. This portrait was to be sent to the Eastern Palace in the future. Zhou Shengchen ordered someone to take the painter and Shiyi together to the study.
Dismissing the people in the hall, Cui Wenjun mentioned her wish to leave Cui Shou behind. Cui Shou would stay in Xizhou with two thousand soldiers to protect Shiyi, and Cui Feng would also stay in Xizhou city and join the army with Zhou Shengchen. Cui Wenjun told Zhou Shengchen about Shiyi's inability to speak. After entrusting Shiyi to Zhou Shengchen, she then bid farewell to Shiyi.
Seeing Shiyi bid farewell to her mother with red eyes, a softness arose in Zhou Shengchen's heart. He personally took Shiyi to the courtyard. In the middle of the night, the maidservant taking care of Shiyi came in a panic to find Zhou Shengchen, saying that Shiyi was missing. For a daughter of a prominent clan to disappear was no small matter. Zhou Shengchen only told the maidservant not to panic; he would go to look for Shiyi.
Inside the library building, Zhou Shengchen found Shiyi. He gave the key to the library building to Shiyi as today's apprenticeship gift. Shiyi happily accepted this gift. Afterward, Shiyi performed the morning and evening rituals of a disciple to Zhou Shengchen every day. Zhou Shengchen had always been unrestrained, but now came the elaborate rules of a prominent clan's daughter. He simply couldn't stand it and told Shiyi to forget these rules.
Although Zhou Shengchen had ten disciples, Shiyi was his first officially accepted disciple. He had quite a headache thinking about what to teach Shiyi. After learning about what Shiyi usually studied, he asked Xie Chong to prepare a qin, preparing to teach Shiyi the qin technique. Shiyi followed Xie Chong to the qin room to choose a qin. She chose a qin that Zhou Shengchen had used, named Changfeng.
Episode 3 Recap
Prince Ping Qin came to the study to find Zhou Shengchen, but unexpectedly saw Shiyi, mistakenly taking her for a woman Zhou Shengchen was hiding. It wasn't until Zhou Shengchen appeared that the misunderstanding was cleared up. However, the misunderstanding wasn't just with Prince Ping Qin, but also with the people and the royal army of Xizhou city.
Only then did Zhou Shengchen realize his actions were inappropriate, and he planned to take Shiyi out to meet the royal army tomorrow. The next day, Zhou Shengchen took Shiyi up the city wall and reviewed the troops with her, which was also considered a formal announcement of Shiyi's identity as his disciple. Looking at the thousands of soldiers below the city wall, Shiyi's heart surged, and she admired Zhou Shengchen even more. Shiyi followed Zhou Shengchen to study.
On this day, Shiyi couldn't help but doze off. After she fell asleep, she obediently leaned on Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen supported Shiyi. This scene was seen by Xie Chong, who discreetly moved away. Zhou Shengchen couldn't explain clearly, but facing the sleeping Shiyi, he could only wrap her in a fox fur and carry her back to her room to sleep. This scene was seen by Zhou Tianxing and Hong Xiaoyu on the road.
The two were Shiyi's second senior brother and senior sister, respectively. Feng Qiao didn't understand why Zhou Shengchen wrapped Shiyi in a fox fur. Xie Yun immediately understood that Zhou Shengchen was avoiding suspicion, adhering to the principle that men and women should not touch closely. The next day, Shiyi woke up and was reminded by the maidservant Cheng Xi that she had accidentally fallen asleep in the study last night.
To reflect on herself, Shiyi locked herself in her room, neither eating nor drinking, and copied books. Hong Xiaoyu was worried that Shiyi would starve and immediately asked Zhou Shengchen to see Shiyi when he returned. Zhou Shengchen came to advise Shiyi, telling her to come out of the courtyard to eat first. Afterwards, Zhou Shengchen asked Xie Chong about Shiyi's aphasia.
Xie Chong believed that the root cause of Shiyi's aphasia was in her heart, and a heart ailment needed a heart medicine. In the palace, Liu Hui secretly hid a secret letter from others framing the Empress Dowager. When the Empress Dowager found out about this letter, she was greatly angered. Liu Zixing wanted to shield Liu Hui from the fault, but the Empress Dowager subjected Liu Zixing to twenty strokes of the rod.
The punishment by rod almost took half of Liu Zixing's life. Liu Zixing was granted the title of Prince Guangling, but he walked on thin ice in the palace. He deeply knew that only by not competing, not thinking, and not snatching could one survive in the palace. Liu Hui came to visit Liu Zixing and brought him a portrait of Shiyi, saying that this was his future Crown Princess.
Looking at the extraordinarily beautiful woman in front of him, Liu Zixing's heart stirred. Shiyi's birthday was approaching. Both the palace and the Cui clan sent congratulatory gifts. Zhou Shengchen also presented his congratulatory gift; he gave Shiyi the seals used by the surrendered military generals. As a general, Zhou Shengchen was about to go to the battlefield, but now with Shiyi in his mansion, he was a little worried.
Shiyi did not know martial arts and was frail, so she naturally could not go to the battlefield with them. Therefore, Zhou Shengchen came to find Shiyi and told her that he was leaving. He would be leading troops outside for eight or nine months a year, and Shiyi had to get used to it. Shiyi knew Zhou Shengchen's important duty and only urged him to send back victory reports.
Zhou Shengchen agreed to Shiyi's request, and from then on, the royal army would only return with victory reports. On the day the army set out, Shiyi watched Zhou Shengchen and her senior brothers and sisters leave by herself, praying inwardly for them, hoping they would return safely soon. Shiyi learned that Zhou Shengchen had returned victorious. She happily came to the study but only saw her senior brother Zhou Tianxing.
From Zhou Tianxing, Shiyi learned that Zhou Shengchen was injured in the military camp. She nervously prepared to go to the military camp to see Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Tianxing could not dissuade Shiyi and had no choice but to bring Shiyi to the military camp. Shiyi and Zhou Shengchen had not seen each other for a year. Upon seeing Zhou Shengchen, Shiyi's eyes couldn't help but turn red.
While the army was still fighting, Hong Xiaoyu and Cui Feng each had their own tasks. Shiyi was also prepared to stay in the military camp to take care of Zhou Shengchen. This time, Zhou Shengchen was hit by a poisoned arrow. Shiyi wanted to personally attend to Zhou Shengchen, but Zhou Shengchen told Shiyi to go back to the tent to rest. Shiyi could not rest.
Disregarding Zhou Shengchen's order, she only begged the military doctor to give her the medicine, and she came to bring the medicine to Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen was already asleep. Shiyi could not speak, but she kept holding Zhou Shengchen, wanting to wake him up. Zhou Shengchen was highly vigilant and fiercely pinned Shiyi under him with a move, only then seeing clearly the person in front of him. The medicine spilled all over the ground.
Shiyi hurriedly came to find the military doctor, asking him to decoct another bowl of medicine for Zhou Shengchen. After Zhou Shengchen drank the medicine, Shiyi refused to leave no matter what she was told. She stayed in Zhou Shengchen's tent, looking at Zhou Shengchen with great joy.
Episode 4 Recap
The next day, Zhou Shengchen woke up and saw Shiyi sleeping soundly beside him. He gently covered Shiyi with the quilt. At this time, in the palace in Zhongzhou, Princess Xinghua came to deliver pastries to Liu Zixing. There was no attempt to conceal her admiration for Liu Zixing in her eyes, but unfortunately, the flower had feelings while the water had none, as Liu Zixing only had Shiyi in his heart.
Third Senior Brother Xie Yun and Fourth Senior Sister Feng Qiao came to report back to Zhou Shengchen. Accompanying them were monks from White Horse Temple and refugees, who were currently housed in Jialan Temple. Hearing this, Zhou Shengchen decided to take Shiyi along for a visit to Jialan Temple. Seeing Shiyi at the military camp, Feng Qiao couldn't help but frown, worried about Shiyi's safety.
She couldn't help but scold Shiyi for her recklessness, but Zhou Shengchen only dotingly protected Shiyi. At Jialan Temple, Zhou Shengchen and his party disarmed and entered the temple. They saw the monks giving up their rooms to the refugees and meditating within the temple. Zhou Shengchen instructed Xie Yun and Feng Qiao to properly settle the refugees, escorting them to Xizhou city, and he also intended to build a new temple for the monks.
The abbot was grateful to Zhou Shengchen. He mentioned that he was going to shave the head of a refugee. Zhou Shengchen took Shiyi to watch the ceremony, but upon seeing the refugee being tonsured, Zhou Shengchen's face turned cold and he immediately pulled Shiyi away. It turned out that this refugee was none other than Xiao Wen, the second prince of Nanxiao's Liang Dynasty, now renamed Xiao Yan.
Earlier years, Xiao Wen was very much favored by the Liang Emperor and was briefly elevated to the status of Crown Prince. However, for reasons unknown later, Xiao Wen had a conflict with the Liang Emperor and thus went into seclusion, no longer meeting people. Feng Qiao finished arranging the refugees and came to see Xiao Yan, wanting to know his identity. Xiao Yan, however, told Feng Qiao to take him hostage and use him to deter the pursuing soldiers.
Feng Qiao fought with the people from Liang. With no weapons in hand, she had to control Xiao Yan. Zhou Shengchen arrived to help Feng Qiao. Seeing Zhou Shengchen fight the enemy empty-handed, Shiyi was burning with anxiety. She overcame her aphasia that had troubled her for a long time and threw her sword to Zhou Shengchen, reminding him to take the sword. Zhou Shengchen accepted Shiyi's sword and took down all the Liang pursuers.
Shiyi felt a great sense of relief and was also very surprised that she could speak. Now that Shiyi could speak, Zhou Shengchen was naturally overjoyed. He secretly reported this matter to Zhongzhou and had Feng Qiao take Xiao Yan to the Buddhist pagoda. On the other hand, Xiaoyu returned to Nanchen Royal Mansion after completing her mission. Cui Feng held a welcoming feast for Xiaoyu and personally peeled crab meat for her to eat.
In the palace in Zhongzhou, the eunuch Zhao Teng controlled Liu Hui. He wielded absolute power and dominated court politics. Cui Guang, over eighty years old, had seen through the court situation and simply requested permission to return to Qinghe County to live out his retirement. Liu Hui was unwilling to let Cui Guang leave the court, but pressured by Zhao Teng, he had to agree.
Cui Guang's departure from the court undoubtedly plunged the court into a more precarious situation. Liu Zixing wanted to persuade Cui Guang, but Cui Guang only said he was willing but powerless. At the same time, he also told Liu Zixing to quickly request a fiefdom and leave Zhongzhou, and that the marriage contract between Shiyi and Liu Zixing should be treated as a fleeting illusion, no longer worth dwelling upon.
Cui Guang resigned from his official post and returned to Qinghe County. He urgently summoned the Cui clan disciples back to compile court history, and Shiyi had to leave Xizhou next month. The day of returning home was approaching, but Shiyi could not be happy, her heart only thinking of Zhou Shengchen. Zhao Teng's power was now soaring. He controlled Liu Hui and forced Liu Hui to confine the Empress Dowager in the inner palace.
The Empress Dowager drowned her sorrows in wine all day long. Liu Zixing was ambitious. He reached an agreement with the Empress Dowager that he could help her leave this back palace cage, provided that the Empress Dowager also gave him the throne and the Crown Prince investiture ceremony that he desired. Liu Hui summoned Liu Zixing. He mentioned Zhou Shengchen's secret letter and wanted Liu Zixing to make a trip to Xizhou personally.
Liu Zixing understood Liu Hui's meaning and volunteered to go to Xizhou. Liu Hui secretly instructed Liu Zixing to convey a message to Zhou Shengchen, hoping that Zhou Shengchen could come to Zhongzhou for a gathering. This time, Liu Zixing's trip to Xizhou was naturally accompanied by Zhao Teng's informants. To reassure Zhao Teng and his vigilance, Liu Zixing also volunteered to have his mother enter the palace as a hostage.
Zhou Shengchen learned that Liu Zixing was coming to Xizhou. Besides dealing with the matter of the Nanxiao prince, he was to secretly meet Shiyi. Zhou Shengchen was unwilling to deal with Liu Zixing and simply prepared to return to the military camp with Xie Chong. Hearing that Zhou Shengchen was unwilling to stay at the mansion for the New Year, Shiyi stepped forward to ask for the reason.
Xie Chong only said that Zhou Shengchen did not want to disturb Liu Zixing and Shiyi. Hearing this, Shiyi felt disappointed and no longer inquired about the matter. Zhou Shengchen left the mansion but had already prepared a birthday gift for Shiyi. Looking at this birthday gift, Shiyi couldn't help but recall past events. Before, she had spilled a pot of tea and was punished by Zhou Shengchen to copy the names of teas. Zhou Shengchen did this to educate Shiyi about the hardship of common people and to cultivate virtue through frugality.
Episode 5 Recap
Zhou Tianxing and Feng Qiao stayed at the mansion and met Liu Zixing, who had come a long way. As soon as Liu Zixing entered the mansion, he thought of Shiyi. This was his first time meeting Shiyi, and he chose a secluded and elegant spot. Looking at the young woman before him, Liu Zixing was momentarily stunned. Today, he finally didn't have to look at a portrait anymore, but could see Shiyi in person.
The two sat on the ground. Liu Zixing talked about the extravagance of Nanchen Royal Mansion. Shiyi could not tolerate anyone saying anything bad about Zhou Shengchen, so she spoke up for him, saying that the luxury of Nanchen Royal Mansion was to deter the rebels in the surrounding areas. Liu Zixing also praised Zhou Shengchen, going along with Shiyi's words.
He wanted to pour tea for Shiyi, but Shiyi, knowing it was not proper, stepped forward to stop him and got her hand scalded in the process. Liu Zixing was concerned about Shiyi, but Shiyi avoided him everywhere and did not develop any good feelings for him. Liu Zixing was very fond of Shiyi. It happened to be Shiyi's birthday, so Liu Zixing took Shiyi to the military camp to celebrate.
Firstly, he wanted to give Shiyi a birthday gift, and secondly, he wanted to see Zhou Shengchen. In the military camp, Zhou Shengchen saw that Shiyi had scalded her hand and immediately sent for the army doctor to treat her injury. Shiyi had brought Tusu wine this time.
Zhou Shengchen and all the soldiers raised their cups and drank together, first to honor the fallen soldiers, second to wish that the country would have no more wars, and third to wish Shiyi a happy birthday. At today's feast, everyone drank heartily, except for Liu Zixing, who felt unwell and rested first.
Listening to the sounds of merry drinking outside, and recalling the tacit understanding between Shiyi and Zhou Shengchen's exchanged glances, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Xiaoyu didn't know that Liu Zixing and his entourage were in the military camp. She greatly praised Zhou Shengchen, saying that the common people all said Zhou Shengchen's character was rarer than that of emperors.
Zhou Tianxing pulled Xiaoyu, telling her not to say too much, as there were outsiders in the military camp. These words were overheard by a servant beside Liu Zixing. After the feast dispersed, Shiyi came to find Zhou Shengchen. She drank a few more cups with Zhou Shengchen, only wishing that this bowl of peppercorn wine could bless Zhou Shengchen and her senior brothers and sisters for years to come, safely and smoothly.
Afterwards, Zhou Shengchen carried the drunk Shiyi back to rest. Shiyi cried out Zhou Shengchen's name in her dream, afraid that something might happen to him outside. Zhou Shengchen, however, answered honestly that if something happened to him, he would be buried wherever he died, without needing others to find him, without leaving sadness. Hearing this, Shiyi opened her eyes and cried even more incessantly. Zhou Shengchen gave his tent to Shiyi. Xiaoyu came to keep Shiyi company.
She gave Shiyi a piece of armor and talked to Shiyi about Zhou Shengchen. Although she and Xie Yun had always accompanied Zhou Shengchen, they were still late. Zhou Shengchen went through his most difficult times on his own. The Nanchen Royal army was built by him. He fought battles all the way and never suffered a defeat. This is how the title of Junior Prince of Nanchen came about, and the hardships involved are self-evident.
Seeing that her senior sister Xiaoyu was hungry, Shiyi accompanied her outside to look for food. Zhou Shengchen saw the two of them from a distance and guessed their intention, so he quietly arranged for the cook to make some hot food for his disciples. The next day, Shiyi apologized for her inappropriate behavior the previous night. Zhou Shengchen didn't mind. Afterwards, Zhou Shengchen accompanied Shiyi to visit the military camp.
Besides seeing the soldiers training, Shiyi also met Feng Qiao and Xiao Yan. Feng Qiao kept forcing Xiao Yan to spar with her, but Xiao Yan was willing to admit defeat and refused to make a move.
Episode 6 Recap
Zhou Shengchen asked Xiao Yan and Feng Qiao to spar. Xiao Yan also decided to play the role of a martial monk for once. He stepped forward and sparred with Feng Qiao. As expected, Feng Qiao lost to Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan mentioned the battle with Zhou Shengchen at the Huai River and asked Zhou Shengchen to spar with him. Zhou Shengchen agreed. The two sparred bare-handed on the stage, and Zhou Shengchen won against Xiao Yan.
Zhou Shengchen took several of his disciples and Shiyi to the chosen site for the new temple. Shiyi named the new temple Qinglong Temple. Zhou Shengchen asked about the origin of the name. He learned that after Shiyi's father left many years ago, Shiyi's mother told her that her father had become a monk at Qinglong Temple. However, Shiyi had searched many places over the years but had never found a temple called Qinglong Temple.
Upon returning, Xie Chong informed Zhou Shengchen about the situation in the tent. Liu Zixing had been waiting for Zhou Shengchen for a long time. He had also brought four guards with him. Zhou Shengchen entered the tent. After exchanging a couple of casual remarks, Liu Zixing stated that he wanted to question Xiao Yan together. Zhou Shengchen then took the opportunity to dismiss the four guards from the main tent and asked Feng Qiao to bring Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan entered the tent and saw Zhou Shengchen and Liu Zixing. He explained the reason for his arrival in Bei Chen. His mother was a concubine from the previous dynasty, and she entered the Nanxiao harem only after the country was defeated. Emperor Nanxiao had always suspected he was the posthumous son of the previous dynasty's emperor, and all of this was true. That was why he arranged this escape to Bei Chen.
After dealing with Xiao Yan's matter, Zhou Shengchen asked about Liu Zixing's intentions. Just now, Liu Zixing had used his help to dismiss the four guards from the camp tent. Liu Zixing explained the situation in the court. He pleaded with Zhou Shengchen to lead troops into the palace to rescue the Emperor. After learning about this, Zhou Shengchen asked Liu Zixing to return to the palace first. He discussed the matter with Xie Chong.
Although he was willing to rescue the Emperor, he could not make a move openly. Therefore, he had to find a highly respected person to step forward and counterbalance Zhao Teng. This person was very difficult to choose. Shiyi mentioned Cui Guang and wanted to go back with Cui Feng to persuade Cui Guang to step forward and help Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen agreed to what Shiyi requested.
However, seeing Shiyi leave Xizhou for the first time in many years, Zhou Shengchen couldn't help but feel a little worried. Feng Qiao started talking with Xiao Yan and learned about his hardships. Feng Qiao couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for Xiao Yan. Afterwards, Zhou Shengchen came and ordered Feng Qiao to gather 30,000 soldiers to escort Xiao Yan to the capital tomorrow. Feng Qiao took the order and left. However, Zhou Tianxing secretly pulled Feng Qiao aside.
The two of them listened to the conversation between Xiao Yan and Zhou Shengchen from beside the tent. Xiao Yan knew that Zhou Shengchen wanted to use him as an excuse to deploy heavy troops to Zhongzhou. He thought Zhou Shengchen was planning a rebellion. Zhou Shengchen confessed that he was not trying to rebel. He mentioned the son and daughter that Xiao Yan had hidden in the temple.
The two of them had already been found by Emperor Xiao and granted death, but Emperor Xiao later regretted it and gave them a grand burial. This hatred was irreconcilable for Xiao Yan. Zhou Shengchen claimed he had a way to save Xiao Yan's life, but Xiao Yan had to do as he said. He indeed had important matters for deploying Xiao Yan to Zhongzhou on this trip. Shiyi and Cui Feng returned to Qinghe Commandery.
The two had originally brought a secret letter from Zhou Shengchen. But upon seeing Cui Guang, they learned that Cui Guang was already seriously ill. He had spent a lot of energy in court over the years to counterbalance Liu Yuan and Zhao Teng. This time, he summoned the Cui clan disciples back to ensure their safety. Shiyi discussed Zhou Shengchen's plan with her mother, Cui Wenjun. He was preparing to clear the Emperor's surroundings and rectify the court.
However, the court needed Cui Guang to step forward and stabilize the situation. Cui Guang knew the heavy responsibility on his shoulders and decided to depart for Zhongzhou tomorrow. Cui Feng personally attended to Cui Guang. Cui Guang spoke of his difficult life. He was destitute in his youth and later became the Grand Tutor relying on his talent and learning, bringing glory to the Cui family.
But now he was old, and the Cui family would rely on the younger generation like Cui Feng from now on. Xiaoyu came to the Cui mansion. Seeing Cui Feng's expression, she couldn't help but feel a surge of worry in her heart. Shiyi conversed with her mother, Cui Wenjun. Cui Wenjun asked Shiyi why her manners were rusty. Only then did she learn that her daughter was not bound by etiquette restrictions in the Nanchen Royal Mansion. She couldn't help but sigh, realizing that the common people's evaluation of Junior Prince of Nanchen as unruly and unrestrained was indeed true.
Episode 7 Recap
Feng Qiao carried the fake imperial decree and led heavy troops into Zhongzhou city under the pretext of guarding a major criminal. Liu Zixing coordinated from inside the palace. He came to see Zhao Teng. Zhao Teng's tone was full of disdain for Liu Zixing, saying that although Liu Zixing's position as Crown Prince was definitely unsalvageable, he would definitely facilitate the marriage between Liu Zixing and the Cui family. After that, Liu Zixing condescended to wash Zhao Teng's feet.
While Zhao Teng was comfortable, Liu Zixing personally killed Zhao Teng and coordinated with the army from inside and outside, starting the palace coup. Feng Qiao and her group captured General Liu Yuan overnight. The court the next day was without a leader, and everyone was unsure what to do. Cui Wenjun came upon Cui Guang's order to invite the Prime Minister and his party to the Cui mansion for a discussion.
All important court officials went to the Cui mansion. Cui Guang, dragging his seriously ill body, discussed the court situation. Liu Yuan had kept maids and slaves, doing evil for a long time. He believed that the Prime Minister and his party had been waiting for this day for a long time. Next, he only requested that the Prime Minister assist Liu Hui wholeheartedly and stabilize the court. Zhou Shengchen came to see Liu Hui.
Now the situation was settled, Zhao Teng was dead, and Liu Yuan also pleaded guilty. He came to see Liu Hui today without weapons, only brought the imperial gift wooden sword, which was sufficient to prove his loyalty. He was Liu Hui's imperial uncle. For him, Liu Hui was more important than the throne. Zhao Teng had been removed, and the Empress Dowager also regained her freedom. She came to thank Zhou Shengchen for saving her.
Liu Hui repeatedly admitted his mistakes to the Empress Dowager. He just wanted to attend court early at the time, but later could never get rid of Zhao Teng. The reason he kept listening to Zhao Teng was because he was afraid Zhao Teng would kill the Empress Dowager. Looking at her weak and incompetent son before her, the Empress Dowager only felt sad inside, as if she didn't have this son.
Shiyi came to the palace to find Zhou Shengchen. It was rare that Zhou Shengchen didn't shed blood this time, but Shiyi's eyes were red. She was afraid Liu Hui would distrust him and make Zhou Shengchen bear the crime of rebellion. Fortunately, the overall situation was settled, and Zhou Shengchen was not in any danger. This time, only a few people knew Zhou Shengchen would return to rescue the Emperor.
Shiyi wanted to stay in the palace with Zhou Shengchen, living anonymously, so she decided not to call Zhou Shengchen 'Master' in the palace to avoid revealing their identities. Zhou Shengchen's contribution to clearing the Emperor's surroundings was immense, but Liu Zixing regretted that Liu Hui had not eliminated Zhou Shengchen. He originally wanted to change clothes to see Zhou Shengchen, but the Empress Dowager had summoned Zhou Shengchen first.
In the inner palace, Zhou Shengchen saw an old acquaintance, Gao Huaiyang. Gao Huaiyang had stayed in the palace all these years also hoping for Zhou Shengchen's return. Gao Huaiyang wanted to know if Zhou Shengchen's departure from the palace back then was related to her. Zhou Shengchen responded truthfully, stating that his departure had nothing to do with Gao Huaiyang. Liu Hui came to see Zhou Shengchen.
It happened that Zhou Shengchen was not there, only Shiyi and Xie Chong were tidying things up. Liu Hui bowed to Xie Chong and asked about Gao Huaiyang, wanting to know the relationship between Gao Huaiyang and Zhou Shengchen. He learned that Gao Huaiyang admired Zhou Shengchen, but the late Emperor obstructed them, and after that, she remained in the palace living as a lay Buddhist.
Listening to the relationship between Gao Huaiyang and Zhou Shengchen, Shiyi felt quite jealous, and even wanted to leave the palace overnight but was stopped by Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen brought Shiyi back to the hall. Liu Hui had not yet left.
Liu Hui wanted to facilitate the matter between Zhou Shengchen and Gao Huaiyang, so that Zhou Shengchen would have descendants, but Zhou Shengchen said that having ten orphans and one disciple in his mansion was enough, and he was not without successors. Zhou Shengchen played chess with Liu Hui. Xie Chong was serving nearby; he accidentally knocked over a candlestick. Liu Hui was greatly startled, and heavy troops entered the palace.
Only then did Zhou Shengchen realize that Liu Hui was not without precautions against him. Liu Hui asked about Liu Yuan's matter, wanting to know how Zhou Shengchen intended to handle it. Zhou Shengchen only hoped that this matter would not implicate future generations. In the latter half of the night, Zhou Shengchen was drinking wine. He was thinking of his old friend Liu Yuan, and felt extremely sad inside. He still couldn't save Liu Yuan.
At first, Shiyi thought Zhou Shengchen was talking about Gao Huaiyang, until she heard Liu Yuan's name, only then did she feel relieved and no longer had any jealousy. After that, Zhou Shengchen took Shiyi to dig up wine together. This wine was buried by him and Liu Yuan together. They had agreed that on the day he returned victorious, they would take out this drink and share it.
It's just that the two of them have still reached this point now. Zhou Shengchen took Shiyi to see Liu Yuan together. Liu Yuan learned that it was Zhou Shengchen who led troops to the capital. He admitted that he was genuinely defeated and convinced. Having controlled the court for these years, he had also acted with imperial authority, and he had no regrets in this life. It's just that he hoped Zhou Shengchen could ensure the safety of one of his sons.
Episode 8 Recap
Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi returned to the hall. Zhou Shengchen recalled the past. Besides Liu Hui, the late Emperor had a first son who was not born to the Empress. He died at the age of three. He angered Empress Gao by investigating this matter. It was Liu Yuan who pleaded on his behalf and protected him. His relationship with Liu Yuan had always been good.
Hearing this, Cui Shiyi subtly inquired about Gao Huaiyang, but Zhou Shengchen did not understand Cui Shiyi's intention. Cui Shiyi learned that Zhou Shengchen had no romantic feelings for Gao Huaiyang, and she felt a great sense of relief in her heart. The next day, Liu Zixing requested to see Cui Shiyi. Cui Shiyi was unwilling to see Liu Zixing and only delayed by saying she was not feeling well.
Zhou Shengchen saw through Cui Shiyi's little trick but still doted on her, following her wishes. Liu Zixing failed to see Cui Shiyi and was restless in the palace. Xinghua knew the reason for Liu Zixing's restlessness and did not approve of Cui Shiyi stringing Liu Zixing along. People from the Cui Mansion entered the palace to see the Empress Dowager.
Cui Guang knew that the Empress Dowager would not pass the position of Crown Prince to Liu Zixing and wanted to annul the engagement between Cui Shiyi and Liu Zixing, and propose marriage to Xinghua for Cui Feng. The imperial family already owed the Cui family.
Now that Duke Cui had again rendered meritorious service, even though the Empress Dowager was unwilling to let Xinghua marry Cui Feng, she could not offend Duke Cui's dignity, so she had to agree to the matter. Cui Shiyi and Liu Zixing's engagement was annulled. Liu Zixing felt anxious in his heart. He chased after Cui Shiyi and grabbed her, unwilling to let the engagement be annulled. Zhou Shengchen arrived in time and stopped Liu Zixing.
Xinghua cried and refused to marry Cui Feng, but the Empress Dowager would not tolerate Xinghua's nonsense. She gave Xinghua the respect of a princess, either marry Cui Feng or marry into a foreign tribe in the frontier. Xinghua had to choose one herself. At the Cui Mansion, Duke Cui knew that the Cui family had no one left in the court.
He told Cui Wenjun not to mind the three-year mourning period; the princess must enter the mansion as soon as possible. Cui Feng was unwilling to marry the princess, making Cui Guang's illness worse. He ordered someone to beat Cui Feng until he agreed. Cui Guang was already critically ill. Cui Wenjun mentioned her sacrifice ten years ago. Back then, for the Cui family, she personally wrote the letter of divorce and sent away her husband.
Which person in the Cui family didn't have to sacrifice for the family? Hearing this, Cui Feng also knew the heavy responsibility on his shoulders and agreed to this marriage, allowing Cui Guang to die without regrets. Cui Guang's death made Cui Shiyi cry incessantly. Cui Shiyi cried uncontrollably in front of Zhou Shengchen. She tightly hugged Zhou Shengchen and cried, saying she wanted to return to Xizhou and did not want to stay here.
Cui Shiyi stayed with Zhou Shengchen. Cui Wenjun and Cui Wenji came to pick up Cui Shiyi. Zhou Shengchen only hoped that they would give Cui Shiyi some more time. Cui Wenjun knew that Cui Shiyi's knot was difficult to untie. She asked Zhou Shengchen to explain the events of ten years ago to Cui Shiyi. Cui Wenji had some past with Zhou Shengchen's uncle, the Junior Prince of Nanchen.
Zhou Shengchen mentioned that day when Cui Guang brought up the matter between them in the grand hall, which was why he took Cui Shiyi as his disciple and also wanted to resolve the feud between the two families. However, seeing Cui Wenji today, he knew that Cui Wenji was still living in the past and could not let go. These words were overheard by Cui Shiyi. Cui Shiyi ran out crying. Zhou Shengchen quickly chased after her.
He knew Cui Shiyi had misunderstood, so he had to explain clearly to Cui Shiyi. His relationship with aristocratic families was very delicate. Back then, he would not easily take any child from an aristocratic family as a disciple, but now Cui Shiyi was his disciple, and he would only have this one disciple. Zhou Shengchen coaxed Cui Shiyi, and Cui Shiyi finally smiled. However, Gao Huaiyang came to see Zhou Shengchen. Cui Shiyi was very curious about their conversation.
Zhou Shengchen doted on Cui Shiyi and only let Cui Shiyi listen from behind the screen. Gao Huaiyang came to see Zhou Shengchen. She mentioned that the Empress Dowager wanted her to become Zhou Shengchen's concubine. Only by following Zhou Shengchen to Xizhou could she save her life and leave the palace. Zhou Shengchen had no feelings for Gao Huaiyang and naturally was unwilling to make a promise to Gao Huaiyang.
However, he kindly mentioned the Prince of Pingqin, suggesting Gao Huaiyang leave with him. He could send Gao Huaiyang to the Prince of Pingqin's place, allowing her to save her life. Gao Huaiyang was grateful to Zhou Shengchen. At the same time, she also saw Cui Shiyi's figure behind the screen. Back then, the Gao clan owed a debt to Li's seventh son. Today, she formally apologized to Cui Shiyi on behalf of the Gao clan.
Only then, in this life, did Cui Shiyi learn all the past events between her father and mother. A grand funeral was held at the Cui Mansion. When Cui Feng and Hong Xiaoyu met again, they were no longer as amiable as before. Cui Feng took a lot of effort to finally arrange a private meeting with Hong Xiaoyu. As soon as they met, Hong Xiaoyu brought up her feelings for Cui Feng. She respected and admired Cui Feng.
Cui Feng also handed over the victory reports about Hong Xiaoyu that he had collected over the years into Hong Xiaoyu's hands. He had also admired Hong Xiaoyu for many years, but it was an unrequited love. Now that they were parting ways, there would be no future together. They could only hide that love in their hearts. Xiao Yan came to see Liu Hui. Liu Hui wanted to bestow a noble title upon Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan refused.
But eventually, for the sake of revenge, he agreed to accept the title and requested to return to Xizhou with the Junior Prince of Nanchen. After that, Liu Hui raised a request with Zhou Shengchen. He hoped that Xie Chong would stay in Zhongzhou to assist him.
Episode 9 Recap
Zhou Shengchen was troubled by the matter of Xie Chong. Xie Chong was like a teacher and father to him, and he was worried about leaving Xie Chong alone in the capital. Xie Chong did not want to trouble Zhou Shengchen. He proactively mentioned to Zhou Shengchen that he was willing to stay, but he hoped to be buried in Xizhou after his death. Staying in this place of ultimate power, Xie Chong received an ominous divination.
How could he himself not know? It was just that he was unwilling to make Zhou Shengchen worry, so he still hid this divination. Zhou Shengchen was about to set off to return to Xizhou. Due to the Empress Dowager's decree, Cui Feng and Xinghua would soon be married, and Shiyi had to stay in Qinghe Commandery. Therefore, she promised Zhou Shengchen that she would definitely return to Xizhou within two years.
Xiao Yan came to see Zhou Shengchen but was stopped by Feng Qiao. Feng Qiao asked Xiao Yan not to disturb Shiyi and Zhou Shengchen for now, as having parted today, they would only meet again after two years. Zhou Shengchen took Shiyi out of the palace. The two came to Baima Temple. Zhou Shengchen had never burned incense in his life; he had walked through lands where blood flowed like rivers and was unwilling to defile the Buddha.
Shiyi said that from now on, she would burn incense for Zhou Shengchen and his senior brothers and sisters, praying for their safety and well-being. Zhou Shengchen and Shiyi came to the Cui Mansion. After the two paid respects to Cui Guang by burning incense, Zhou Shengchen spoke a few words privately with Cui Wenji. He apologized on behalf of his uncle, the Junior Prince of Nanchen, for breaking the engagement back then.
The Junior Prince of Nanchen was forced by the palace to break off the engagement, which was his lifelong regret. He hoped Cui Wenji could let go of her grievance. The next day, the army set off. Zhou Shengchen said goodbye to the advisor and his party. He hoped for the time they would meet again, but the advisor knew in his heart that having parted today, he feared there would be no day to meet again.
When Zhou Shengchen was leaving, he met a Khitan General Jin. General Jin came to see Liu Zixing. The two discussed the current situation in the court. They had killed a Zhao Teng and Liu Yuan, but now there was a Qin Yan and Xie Chong. The heavy power of the army was all in the hands of Qin Yan of the Nanchen Royal Mansion. General Jin's daughter, Consort Jin, was not favored in the palace.
Liu Zixing only said that he would take good care of Consort Jin for General Jin, and General Jin also promised that the Taiyuan army would be subject to Liu Zixing's command. The three-year mourning period at the Cui Mansion was not over. Xinghua and Cui Feng did not have a grand wedding; instead, Liu Zixing simply escorted Xinghua into the mansion, and all their ceremonies were simplified.
On the day Cui Feng got married, Xiaoyu sobbed uncontrollably while burning military reports. This love in her heart could only always be buried deep within. Because of Cui Feng's marriage, Liu Zixing also met Shiyi in the mansion. He asked Shiyi if she was willing to leave with him. If she was willing, he wanted to request a feudal land to stay away from the royal palace.
Or did Shiyi still want to be the Crown Prince's consort and then Empress? Shiyi refused Liu Zixing. She had never thought of entering the palace and also hoped Liu Zixing could forget the daughter of the Cui clan. Her heart was not with Liu Zixing. After returning to the palace, Liu Zixing got heavily drunk. Consort Jin came to find Liu Zixing. The two were neither in power nor favored.
Consort Jin wanted to support Liu Zixing to become Emperor, but Liu Zixing must promise her the position of Empress. In Qinghe Commandery, the heads of each branch all used condoling with Cui Guang as a pretext. They learned that Cui Wenjun would become the head of the Wushui branch. Cui Zheng wanted to marry Cui Wenjun and form an alliance with the Wushui branch.
Cui Wenjun knew that Cui Zheng was from the Sixth branch and that this group of people had come to seize the family property and the position of clan leader. She did not let Cui Zheng succeed. After so many things, Shiyi also understood Cui Wenjun's helplessness, and she also understood the matter of Cui Wenjun and Qi Lang divorcing back then.
Episode 10 Recap
Cui Shiyi was moving the books from the academy, preparing to move them all to the library in Xizhou. On the other side, Zhou Shengchen and Xiao Yan were drinking together at a banquet, and they were also happy to learn that Cui Shiyi was returning to Xizhou soon. Cui Feng had to leave for Shouyang due to state affairs; he couldn't see Cui Shiyi off, he only told her to be careful with everything.
And Cui Shiyi also felt pained seeing the increasingly thin Cui Feng. It turned out that the Empress Dowager had been urging Princess Xinghua to have a child, but Xinghua was unwilling, so she had been arguing and insisting that Cui Feng take a daughter of the Qi family as a concubine to bear a son. In Xizhou, Zhou Shengchen met with Liu Changshan.
Now that Liu Changshan had been defeated by him, he simply sent Liu Changshan back to the palace for Liu Hui to handle. Cui Shiyi set off to return to Xizhou. She stayed overnight at Qinglong Temple. Unable to sleep in the middle of the night, she came out only to pray to the Buddha, asking for blessings for Zhou Shengchen to return victorious soon. Just then, a soldier desperately came to see Cui Shiyi.
He knew that Cui Shiyi was Zhou Shengchen's disciple, and he only begged her to save Yongcheng. Yongcheng was under siege, the King of Beihai refused to send troops, and Zhou Shengchen was not on his fiefdom. Cui Shiyi had three thousand soldiers with her, and she didn't hesitate to take these three thousand soldiers to Yongcheng, instructing Xiyang to stay at the temple and wait for Zhou Shengchen.
Cui Shiyi and the general rushed to Yongcheng, and unexpectedly found that Yongcheng had been saved, and the person who saved it was a general named General Gan. General Gan and Cui Shiyi climbed the city wall together. They saw dense enemy troops rushing to attack the city. Cui Shiyi and General Gan's soldiers were no match for the enemy, and a bloody battle broke out.
On the other side, Zhou Shengchen learned that Yongcheng was besieged and Cui Shiyi was there. He quickly arranged for reinforcements and took the cavalry ahead. In Yongcheng, Cui Shiyi's third senior brother led troops to reinforce, but they were still no match for the enemy. His leg was injured in battle, and General Gan also sacrificed himself for the country. Standing on the city wall, Cui Shiyi watched General Gan sacrifice himself with her own eyes.
Her eyes turned red. Fortunately, Zhou Shengchen arrived with the cavalry in time. Zhou Shengchen fought a hundred enemies alone, killed the enemy troops, and saved Yongcheng. Yongcheng was saved, and Cui Shiyi and Zhou Shengchen met again after two years. Cui Shiyi just cried and threw herself into Zhou Shengchen's arms.
She was sad because of General Gan's death, but Zhou Shengchen gently stroked her back, saying she had done very well, and that it was he who was late. These two years, Zhou Shengchen had been keeping the surrender seal for Cui Shiyi to use on the surrendered army. Only today did Cui Shiyi realize how hard it was to obtain this surrender seal. Yongcheng was saved.
Zhou Shengchen prepared to leave twenty thousand troops here to assist Yang Shao, but Yang Shao was disheartened with Bei Chen. He planned to leave this place, as the royal army would guard it. Zhou Shengchen became more wary of Yang Shao, and only ordered people to keep an eye on Yang Shao to see who he would ultimately defect to. Xie Yun narrowly escaped death on the battlefield, but found it difficult to ride a horse again.
Cui Shiyi came to deliver food to Xie Yun. Xie Yun mentioned Xiao Yan, who was following Zhou Shengchen. He still didn't quite trust Xiao Yan. Choosing to trust Xiao Yan was Zhou Shengchen's decision. Cui Shiyi didn't mention this matter much, only feeling a little guilty for not opening the city gate today. Xie Yun only said that Cui Shiyi did the right thing today; if the city gate had been opened, the city would have been breached.
Afterwards, Zhou Shengchen came to see Xie Yun. He avoided Cui Shiyi and told Xie Yun that he would no longer be able to ride a war horse. Both of them felt heavy-hearted. Zhou Shengchen guarded the city for three days, and Xie Yun was not seen for three days either. Cui Shiyi was constantly worried about the two of them in her heart. Unexpectedly, one wave had not subsided when another arose. Yang Shao held Feng Qiao hostage.
Cui Shiyi regretted saving Yang Shao only to be held hostage by him. Yang Shao forced Feng Qiao and her group to hand over Liu Changshan and prepare a carriage for Yang Shao.
Episode 11 Recap
Yang Shao said he would not harm Cui Shiyi, and Zhou Shengchen could follow. Once he safely reached Nanxiao, he would release Cui Shiyi. Zhou Shengchen's heart was completely focused on Cui Shiyi. He warned Yang Shao that if he dared to harm Cui Shiyi even slightly, whether in Jiangnan with its waters, the Western Desert, or even the Underworld, he would personally take Yang Shao's life. Afterwards, Zhou Shengchen followed Cui Shiyi all the way.
Yang Shao stopped along the way and, seeing Zhou Shengchen's persistent following, simply said he could tell that Zhou Shengchen had Cui Shiyi in his heart, but Cui Shiyi's identity was special, as her birth had destined her to be the Crown Prince's consort. Cui Shiyi frankly said that she currently had no engagement and her relationship with Zhou Shengchen was only that of teacher and disciple.
Seeing that Zhou Shengchen hadn't eaten for a day and a night, Cui Shiyi gave all the food Yang Shao had given her to Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen followed Yang Shao south across the river. Hong Xiaoyu dispatched the scout army to guard the riverbank, ready to prepare for crossing the river as soon as Yang Shao made a move. On the other side, upon reaching Nanxiao, Yang Shao released Cui Shiyi and returned her to Zhou Shengchen.
Although he had saved Liu Changshan on this trip, he had only repaid the favor of recommendation from that year. Turning around, he revealed the news about the Second Prince Xiao Yan to Liu Changshan, forcibly exchanging it for the military tally Liu Changshan carried. Liu Changshan spread the news that Zhou Shengchen was staying in Jiangling City. Now that the city gates were closed, Zhou Shengchen only took Cui Shiyi to the place where an old friend was staying.
Along the way, they were mistaken for a couple by passersby. Cui Shiyi secretly chuckled, extremely delighted by the relationship she and Zhou Shengchen were being mistaken for. Half an hour later, the two arrived at the academy on the mountaintop. Zhou Shengchen met his old friend Huan Yu of the Longkang Huan Clan. That year, the Longkang Huan Clan suffered a great catastrophe, and Huan Yu only escaped because Zhou Shengchen saved him.
Because of this, the two also became close friends despite the age gap. Huan Yu prepared food for Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi. Seeing the scene of the two interacting harmoniously, Huan Yu understood but didn't say anything, only asking his disciples to prepare a guest room for the two. On the other side, Liu Hui learned that Zhou Shengchen was in Nanxiao. He wanted to send troops to Nanxiao, but was stopped by Xie Chong.
He analyzed the current situation, believing that Nanxiao would not only not trouble Zhou Shengchen but would also safely send him back to Bei Chen. Also worried about Zhou Shengchen were Hong Xiaoyu and her group. They waited anxiously by the riverbank. Xiao Yan understood Emperor Nanxiao and knew that Emperor Nanxiao would not trouble Zhou Shengchen, and that Zhou Shengchen was probably quite comfortably enjoying his trip to Nanxiao.
Huan Yu said that only one guest room was left in the academy and let the two of them stay alone in it, even specifically decorating it with elegant gauze curtains. Cui Shiyi felt a bit awkward about this, but since there were no other rooms available in the academy, she had to accept staying alone with Zhou Shengchen. She slept on the bed, while Zhou Shengchen slept on the floor.
At night, Cui Shiyi worried that their whereabouts would be discovered, but Zhou Shengchen comforted her, saying that Emperor Nanxiao would not trouble them because Nanxiao also did not want to start a war over this. The next day, the two lived a rare leisurely life. When the academy disciples learned that Cui Shiyi was a disciple of the Cui clan, they came one after another to seek knowledge.
Huan Yu also asked Cui Shiyi to discuss with the disciples, saying it would be beneficial for them. Afterwards, Cui Shiyi watched the academy disciples practicing archery. She also stepped forward to join in the fun and tried it out. Zhou Shengchen rarely had time to accompany Cui Shiyi, so he simply stepped forward, held her hand tightly, and taught her archery. The arrow hit the bullseye exactly. The two looked at each other and smiled.
Due to practicing archery, Cui Shiyi injured her shoulder. To help bring the two together, Huan Yu only handed the medicine to Zhou Shengchen, saying that the medicine needed to be rubbed open with the palm and asking Zhou Shengchen to apply it for Cui Shiyi. Although his engagement with Cui Shiyi was no longer valid, Liu Zixing still thought about Cui Shiyi. He couldn't understand why Cui Shiyi would prefer not to be a noble consort but instead insisted on being with Zhou Shengchen.
Episode 12 Recap
Zhou Shengchen came to apply medicine for Cui Shiyi. The two moved a step closer to each other. Cui Shiyi just smiled, enjoying Zhou Shengchen applying medicine for her. Afterwards, Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi came to see Huan Yu by the lake. Huan Yu was talking with someone in the pavilion in the lake. Cui Shiyi thought he was talking to his wife. Only upon entering the pavilion did she learn that Huan Yu's wife had passed away.
Before her death, Lady Huan said she would always stay by Huan Yu's side. This dying wish became Huan Yu's lingering thought for the rest of his life. Huan Yu did not set up a memorial tablet for his deceased wife, just treating her as if she was by his side every day. An elder visited the academy. Huan Yu and Zhou Shengchen knew that the visitor was Emperor Nanxiao.
They only asked their disciple to lower the gauze curtain and talked to Emperor Nanxiao through the curtain. Emperor Nanxiao brought up the matter of Zhou Shengchen mistakenly entering Jiangling City. He asked for nothing else, only hoping that Zhou Shengchen could hand over Xiao Yan. How could Xiao Yan not know Emperor Nanxiao's intention? At this time, Xiao Yan had already crossed the river alone, preparing to rescue Zhou Shengchen.
Feng Qiao was unwilling to let Xiao Yan venture into danger alone, so she accompanied Xiao Yan all the way. Zhou Shengchen refused to hand over Xiao Yan, and Emperor Nanxiao was already angered. A minister by his side then said that the Bei Chen garrison was by the river, and rumors were spreading among the city's residents, mistakenly believing that the two countries were about to go to war.
Now, the only correct path was to send Zhou Shengchen back to Bei Chen as soon as possible. Zhou Shengchen was unwilling to hand over the person, and Emperor Nanxiao had no way to back down. The two were at loggerheads. Cui Shiyi resolved the situation. She brought up the matter of the Cui clan's collection of books. The Cui clan's collection of books was priceless.
She had a handwritten copy of the collection in her possession, which she had originally prepared as a pretense. At this moment, she was willing to donate half of it to Nanxiao, to be stored in Longkang Academy. Hearing Cui Shiyi's words, Huan Yu was quite moved. He promised Emperor Nanxiao that as long as he accepted the Cui clan's collection, he would come out of retirement to become the Crown Prince's tutor.
Since Cui Shiyi was so sincere, Emperor Nanxiao no longer insisted and agreed to the matter. Emperor Nanxiao learned that Xiao Yan was by the river. He rushed there excitedly to find Xiao Yan, and was very surprised that Xiao Yan had already shaved his head and that Xiao Yan still held a grudge against him, refusing to return to Nanxiao with him.
Xiao Yan's resolve was firm, so Emperor Nanxiao no longer forced Xiao Yan, only letting Xiao Yan come and go freely, believing that he would understand someday. Afterwards, Xiao Yan returned to Bei Chen. The troops of Nanchen Royal Mansion were always stationed by the river. Seeing the sullen Xiao Yan, Feng Qiao also mentioned her father, who was addicted to gambling. She had no father's love since childhood.
Later, she taught her father a lesson and fled, fearing she would be beaten to death. That's how she met Zhou Shengchen and her fellow disciples. She had escaped her previous life and now had let everything go, enjoying her current life. Feng Qiao hoped that Xiao Yan would also let go of the past and start a new life. Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi were about to cross the river and return to Bei Chen tomorrow.
Zhou Shengchen knew that Cui Shiyi liked Nanxiao, but it was not appropriate for them to stay here for long. To make Cui Shiyi happy, Zhou Shengchen took her down the mountain to play. Huan Yu also accompanied them, and the three prepared to listen to music and go boating on the lake together. Nanxiao was a place of elegance and culture.
Zhou Shengchen recognized the tune playing in the building and, not wanting Cui Shiyi to hear it, quickly asked someone to change the music. Young Master Hou Mo Chen of the restaurant took a liking to Cui Shiyi. Upon learning that Cui Shiyi was not yet married, he asked about her identity. Cui Shiyi hesitated, unsure whether to reveal her identity. Zhou Shengchen had already answered for Cui Shiyi, saying she was from Nanchen Royal Mansion in Xizhou.
Hearing Cui Shiyi's identity, Young Master Chen did not back down. Instead, he wanted to invite Cui Shiyi to share a cup of fine wine. Zhou Shengchen felt a hint of jealousy rising in his heart and only asked Young Master Chen to share the fine wine with everyone present. Seeing Zhou Shengchen protecting Cui Shiyi like this, Huan Yu couldn't help but tease him.
After listening to the music at the restaurant, Huan Yu once again tried to bring the two together, offering the boat trip on the lake for them to be alone. On the small boat, Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi enjoyed the lake together. Zhou Shengchen stood on the boat, looking at the scenery. A woman of pleasure invited Zhou Shengchen onto a larger boat for drinks. Cui Shiyi felt jealous and stepped forward, holding Zhou Shengchen's arm.
Zhou Shengchen indulged Cui Shiyi, letting her hold his arm. Afterwards, the two went shopping together and drank chrysanthemum wine. Seeing that Cui Shiyi liked the wine very much, Zhou Shengchen handed her his wine pouch, from which he had already taken a few sips. Cui Shiyi took it, her heart filled with joy. Zhou Shengchen took Cui Shiyi back to the academy.
Cui Shiyi privately inquired of a young attendant about the music, only to learn that the tune Zhou Shengchen did not want her to hear was an erotic song. At the academy, Hou Mo Chen Yue learned of Cui Shiyi's identity. He came to apologize and expressed his admiration for Cui Shiyi. Cui Shiyi only refused, saying that although she had no engagement, she already belonged to someone and her mind was made up.
Episode 13 Recap
Cui Shiyi refused Hou Mo Chen's affection. Although she did not state who the person in her heart was, Zhou Shengchen knew that person was him. However, he had made an oath in Zhongzhou many years ago that he would never marry a wife or concubine, nor have children in his lifetime. That night, Zhou Shengchen was heavy-hearted, and Cui Shiyi also tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The two looked at each other across a door.
Cui Shiyi hid the myriad words in her heart and only asked Zhou Shengchen when they would depart. Both avoided talking about matters of affection, but how could someone who had fallen in love be completely undisturbed? Zhou Shengchen stood outside Cui Shiyi's door and watched the academy's night rain all night, while Cui Shiyi painted a lotus pond in her room. The next day, Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi set off.
Huan Yu wanted to bring the two together, so he only sent a disciple to tell Zhou Shengchen that he, too, had once watched the rain outside his wife's door all night, and later the two got married. The disciple's words greatly surprised Cui Shiyi, but a hint of sweetness arose in her heart. Afterward, the two crossed the river back to Bei Chen.
While crossing the river, Cui Shiyi also heard the boatman recount how the Junior Prince of Nanchen had led his army south and built the Dingjiang Tower here to discuss peace talks. Since then, the border has been stable for ten years, with no mutual invasion. Everyone at the Nanchen Royal Mansion was here waiting for their return. Cui Feng also led the royal army to wait.
Seeing that Cui Shiyi was safe and sound, Cui Feng also breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. Since the royal army was here, Zhou Shengchen decided to make a trip to Shouyang. It happened that Cui Shiyi had also always wanted to go to Shouyang, so this time the two went together. Gao Huaiyang was entrusted by Zhou Shengchen to King Ping Qin for care.
Gao Huaiyang was temporarily staying at the royal mansion and, fearing trouble for King Ping Qin, wished to move out. However, King Ping Qin had long been infatuated with Gao Huaiyang and was naturally unwilling to let her leave. Zhou Shengchen and his party went to Shouyang with Cui Feng. Xing Hua was also in the mansion. As soon as they met, the two argued repeatedly.
Zhou Shengchen stepped forward to listen to their argument and only then learned that Xing Hua wanted to return to Zhongzhou, while Cui Feng wanted to stay in Shouyang. Cui Feng was extremely unwilling to return to Zhongzhou, but Xing Hua blurted out that she was pregnant and had to return to Zhongzhou, leaving Cui Feng to decide for himself. In reality, Xing Hua was not pregnant.
It was just that Liu Zixing had sent her a letter saying that only by returning to Zhongzhou could she escape this nominal arranged marriage. She had always been thinking of Liu Zixing in her heart. The two had not had the reality of being husband and wife, so how could Cui Feng not know? However, he and Xing Hua indeed had no feelings for each other.
Seeing how determined Xing Hua was to return to Zhongzhou, Cui Feng mistakenly thought Xing Hua was truly pregnant. He went along with Xing Hua's wish, saying that he would write a letter to inform his family of the good news, that the child could only bear the surname Cui, and that in the future, Xing Hua would be in Zhongzhou while he stayed in Shouyang. If Xing Hua wanted a divorce, he would have no regrets.
Cui Feng needed to send Xing Hua back to Zhongzhou. Zhou Shengchen let Hong Xiaoyu stay in Shouyang. Thinking about leaving Shouyang, Cui Feng felt extremely reluctant in his heart. He confided in Cui Shiyi, saying that Shouyang was his second home. He and Hong Xiaoyu had lived there for three years when they first recovered Shouyang.
At the same time, he also asked Cui Shiyi to tell Hong Xiaoyu that if possible, he hoped Hong Xiaoyu would send a victory report to the Cui Mansion in Zhongzhou after the battle so that he could be at ease. Seeing how the two were so in love yet couldn't be together, Cui Shiyi felt a mix of emotions in her heart.
Cui Shiyi privately asked Zhou Shengchen what to do if two people sincerely loved each other but couldn't be together, knowing they should let go but couldn't. Zhou Shengchen honestly said that Huan Yu had once asked him if he regretted taking the oath to have no wife, concubines, or children. At the time, he didn't know how to answer. However, in the eyes of the world, regardless of whether he regretted it or not, all his choices were worthwhile.
In the Zhongzhou imperial palace, Qin Yan was guarding the Empress Dowager's palace gate. The Empress Dowager repeatedly indulged Qin Yan's subordinates in extravagant practices and made Qin Yan drink cup after cup of wine. After losing consciousness, Qin Yan woke up shocked to find that he had served in the Empress Dowager's bedchamber while drunk. This was a scandal that Qin Yan could not tell others about. He only begged the Empress Dowager to let him go. The Empress Dowager had already been watching Qin Yan for a long time, and this scheme was set up to seize the soldiers under Qin Yan's command.
Episode 14 Recap
周生辰, Cui Shiyi, and their party arrived at Qinglong Temple. Cui Shiyi had previously stored half of her dowry of Cui clan books in the temple. The tranquility here made even Xiao Yan praise it. After spending these past few days together, Feng Qiao had developed unusual feelings for Xiao Yan. Unaware of her own feelings, she asked Xiao Yan for the reason behind his insistence on becoming a monk, hoping that he could return to secular life.
Cui Shiyi played the zither in the mansion. Her playing was too heavy, so much so that even Xie Chen, the adopted son of the Military Advisor, could hear it. Although Xie Chen could not see, he was skilled at divination. He had always only performed divinations for military matters, but he made an exception for Cui Shiyi, performing a divination for her marriage fate.
Xie Chen's divinations were always accurate, but Cui Shiyi was called away by Zhou Shengchen before she could hear the result. Zhou Shengchen called Cui Shiyi because of King Ping Qin. As soon as King Ping Qin saw that Cui Shiyi could speak, he was very happy and talked incessantly about how Zhou Shengchen had previously visited famous doctors everywhere for Cui Shiyi's aphasia.
His purpose for coming this time was to bring Gao Huaiyang, the future King Ping Qin's consort, who was about to arrive. He was going to Yongcheng and it was inconvenient to take Huaiyang with him, so he could only entrust Zhou Shengchen to look after her for a few days. After King Ping Qin finished reminiscing, he left Huaiyang behind and departed.
Due to the past grievances between the Cui clan and the Gao family, it was inconvenient for Cui Shiyi to see Huaiyang. To prevent Cui Shiyi from misunderstanding, Zhou Shengchen also chose Xiao Yan to accompany him in meeting Gao Huaiyang. Xiao Yan saw through Zhou Shengchen's thoughts at a glance, but Huaiyang still wanted to talk to Zhou Shengchen alone. Zhou Shengchen simply refused.
To alleviate the awkward atmosphere, Xiao Yan only mentioned the beauty of Xizhou's scenery and had people prepare so that they could take Huaiyang on a night tour of Xizhou. The people in the mansion prepared for Huaiyang's night tour of Xizhou. Cui Shiyi somewhat defiantly sorted through the stored books. Zhou Shengchen came to find Cui Shiyi.
He had originally not planned to accompany Huaiyang but was only preparing to take Cui Shiyi alone on a night tour of Xizhou city. The night city of Xizhou was very lively. Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi went towards Chucheng Gate, which was in the opposite direction from where Huaiyang was sightseeing. After touring the city, Zhou Shengchen rode his horse and took Cui Shiyi to the Wei River. He was first seriously injured at the Wei River.
At that time, he got heavily drunk here. For so many years, although the Nanchen Royal Army had achieved countless merits, they had been guarded against by the imperial court, and the people who followed him had never been given important positions or rewards. Listening to Zhou Shengchen pour out his heart, Cui Shiyi mentioned her mother's words, "The ruler of the land often changes, but heroes last forever."
The word 'hero' was too heavy, and Zhou Shengchen did not want to bear this term, only saying that he also had selfish desires, but simply could not act upon them. The two looked into each other's eyes, and a torrential downpour began. Cui Shiyi did not want to return to the city, so Zhou Shengchen simply took her to a house to shelter from the rain and gently dried her hair.
In the old house, there were common people sheltering from the rain. To Zhou Shengchen's surprise, Yang Shao was also there. Yang Shao had killed a traitor who colluded with the enemy, but he was captured by Changsun Jie while trying to escape. Zhou Shengchen knew that Yang Shao had killed for loyalty and righteousness tonight. He did not make things difficult for Yang Shao but instead let him go.
Cui Shiyi worried that letting Yang Shao go would lead to endless trouble. Zhou Shengchen, on the contrary, comforted Cui Shiyi, saying that what had happened was inevitable and there was no need to worry, and at the same time, he set up a chessboard with Cui Shiyi. The next day, Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi set off to return to Xizhou. Huaiyang came to bid farewell to Zhou Shengchen. Huaiyang frankly told Zhou Shengchen that she wanted to see the children of the Gao family.
Episode 15 Recap
Zhou Shengchen did not agree to Huaiyang's request. This child is the smartest one in the mansion; once she met Huaiyang, she would naturally detect the problem. By the time Cui Shiyi arrived, Huaiyang was just bidding farewell to Zhou Shengchen and leaving. Xie Yun injured his legs and feet in the previous battle, so he requested to go to Luyuan.
Luyuan is often attacked by foreign enemies, and Cui Shiyi disagreed with letting Xie Yun go, but Xie Yun could not be persuaded and insisted on going. He was born to be a general, to guard the border. Changsun Jie also went to the border with Xie Yun. He volunteered to follow Xie Yun to guard the border. Zhou Shengchen was very worried about Xie Yun and only entrusted Xie Yun to Changsun Jie.
Zhou Shengchen made arrows from eagle feathers as a birthday gift for Cui Shiyi for next year, and Cui Shiyi was very happy. As separation was imminent, Feng Qiao prepared knee protectors for Xie Yun to protect against the cold. Xie Yun was very touched by his junior sister's care, and he also believed that one day he would definitely return to the great army.
Xie Yun instructed his junior sister not to act impulsively in the future, as he would not be by her side to plead for her. Liu Zixing was seriously ill in bed. Liu Hui was burning with anxiety. He promised Liu Zixing that if one day the officials wanted to kill him or Liu Zixing, he would never turn against his own kin. Afterwards, Cui Feng escorted Xing Hua back to the palace.
As soon as Xing Hua entered the palace, she immediately went to visit Liu Zixing. Liu Zixing was critically ill; he could last at most three years, but he believed these three years were enough, and he would definitely reclaim what belonged to him. Cui Feng then went to visit Xie Chong, who was also seriously ill.
Xie Chong mentioned Jin Rong's rebellion to Liu Hui and tasked Cui Feng with the urgent mission of going to Jin Rong's garrison to guard it. This news was relayed by Qin Yan to the Empress Dowager's ears. The Empress Dowager prepared to act against Xie Chong, but Qin Yan had to conceal this matter for the sake of his own life. Xie Chong saw through the situation in the court.
He told Liu Hui that he must find an opportunity to imprison the Empress Dowager before Consort Jin gave birth to a child. Liu Hui couldn't bring himself to deal with the Empress Dowager, but the Empress Dowager preemptively struck. She came to accuse Xie Chong of the crime of deceiving the emperor. Xie Chong's wife was precisely the Gao clan member who had always wanted to harm Liu Hui back then.
Although this matter surprised Liu Hui, he did not blame Xie Chong. Instead, the Empress Dowager put Liu Hui under house arrest and ordered Qin Yan to guard him heavily with soldiers. Only at this point did Xie Chong also realize Qin Yan's treachery. The Empress Dowager presided over court affairs. She colluded with Liu Wei. The officials, intimidated by their power, could only submit. Liu Zixing presented a memorial, asking for a fiefdom far away from Zhongzhou.
The Empress Dowager stopped this matter. She couldn't fathom Liu Zixing's intentions and decided to hold him off for now, postponing the decision. Afterwards, the palace remained a scene of singing and dancing. With heavy troops now under her control, the Empress Dowager, to thank Liu Zixing for his rescue back then, was willing to bestow a marriage between the daughter of the Cui clan, Cui Shiyi, and Liu Zixing. Liu Hui was filled with remorse in the palace.
If he had listened to Xie Chong earlier, he would not be in this situation today. Xie Chong was currently in prison. Facing Qin Yan's admission of guilt and apology, he could only feel profound disappointment. That night, in that prison, he ended his life. In this life, he had been favored by the former emperor and had assisted him until now, never having any regrets, except for a feeling of guilt towards Zhou Shengchen alone.
News of Xie Chong's death reached Zhou Shengchen's ears ten days later. Zhou Shengchen felt very unwell deep down. He remained silent and stayed by himself. Cui Shiyi worried about him and quietly followed Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen brought up the reason why Xie Chong followed him. In fact, Xie Chong was initially an informant placed by the former emperor to guard against him.
However, after the former emperor passed away, Xie Chong told him everything truthfully, letting him choose whether to kill or keep him. At that time, he chose to keep Xie Chong and trusted him deeply. After Xie Chong left, Zhou Shengchen also mentioned that Xie Chong's wife was from the Gao clan.
Xie Chong worried that Cui Shiyi would hate him, which was why he had kept this matter a secret all along, instructing Zhou Shengchen to only be frank with Cui Shiyi about this after his death. Although she learned of this matter, Cui Shiyi did not hate Xie Chong. She distinguished between gratitude and resentment. There were thousands of people in the Gao clan; how could she hate every single one of them?
Episode 16 Recap
Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi returned to the military camp. Looking at the vast scenery, Zhou Shengchen only promised Cui Shiyi that he would take her to Yanmen Pass next spring. Cui Shiyi was very excited and looked forward to this. After returning to the military camp, Zhou Shengchen sent someone to Zhongzhou to find a way to meet Qin Yan and inquire about Xie Chong's death, as he suspected there was something strange about it.
Afterwards, Zhou Shengchen personally carried Cui Shiyi, who had sprained her ankle, back to her room. Cui Shiyi was very happy internally. Xie Yun came to see Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen told Xie Yun his true identity, that he is Xie Chong's biological son. The reason for living under a false name was the fear of retaliation from the Qi clan.
Originally, Xie Chong wanted to keep this secret from Xie Yun his whole life, but after much consideration, Zhou Shengchen decided to tell Xie Yun the truth. After hearing this, Xie Yun felt even more sadness and grief deep down. Cui Shiyi wrote a letter and sent it to Qinghe Commandery. She wanted to stay in Xizhou for the rest of her life to accompany Zhou Shengchen.
Unexpectedly, an imperial decree of bestowed marriage from the palace arrived in Qinghe Commandery, accompanied by the Cui clan's Imperial Attendant Cui. Cui Wenjun, who received this imperial decree, was very solemn. She only told Fourth Lady Cui to pack her clothes and accompany her to Xizhou. At the Nanchen Royal Mansion in Xizhou, Cui Shiyi was initially very happy about Cui Wenjun's arrival, but Cui Wenjun brought up the matter of the bestowed marriage.
Cui Shiyi was stunned and confused, and was reluctant to accept this marriage for a long time. Cui Wenjun came to Cui Shiyi's room. She knew Cui Shiyi's feelings for Zhou Shengchen, but the Cui clan and the Nanchen Royal Mansion were no ordinary entities. If the two sides were to intermarry, it would surely lead to disaster. Cui Shiyi was destined to be unable to stay with Zhou Shengchen for life.
Not for herself, but for Zhou Shengchen's safety, Cui Shiyi should let him go. Looking at the suffering Cui Shiyi before her, how could Cui Wenjun feel any better? Cui Feng had experienced this pain, and now her only daughter was also trapped in such agony. But she was powerless and could only quietly accompany Cui Shiyi. Cui Shiyi had always been sensible. She knew the situation was irreversible and only pleaded to stay for a few more days.
The Imperial Attendant Cui and the palace eunuchs were all at the post station. Cui Wenjun gave Cui Shiyi one day to say a proper farewell to the people of the Nanchen Royal Mansion. Cui Shiyi put on new clothes and dressed up properly as herself. She brought food and came to Zhou Shengchen's room, mentioning the time she first arrived at the Royal Mansion. The small dishes on the table were all made by her personally.
She fought back her sadness and drank heavily with Zhou Shengchen. Cui Shiyi could not hold her liquor. Zhou Shengchen carried her to the bed. Cui Shiyi, however, cried and hugged Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen responded to Cui Shiyi for the first time. However, separation was ultimately what they faced. Imperial Attendant Cui came to see Zhou Shengchen.
He brought the Empress Dowager's decree, requesting Zhou Shengchen to take Cui Shiyi as his adopted daughter, thus breaking the rumors among the public about a marriage alliance between the Cui clan and the Nanchen Royal Mansion. Cui Shiyi did not wish to become Zhou Shengchen's adopted daughter. Seeing Cui Shiyi so sad, Zhou Shengchen also decided to defy the decree for her sake this one time. Before parting, Cui Shiyi bade farewell to Zhou Shengchen.
She lightly stroked Zhou Shengchen's 'beauty bone', only saying that she didn't know what was so special about the bone that it could not only be praised by the world but also feared by the royal family. Cui Shiyi had been in Xizhou for many years but had never seen the whole city. Zhou Shengchen took her to explore every corner of Xizhou city. The two of them came to the Afang Palace, where he had never been before. Inside the Afang Palace, they inscribed their names. The Afang Palace had always been locked. Once they left this palace gate, this secret of theirs would forever be locked within.
Episode 17 Recap
Cui Shiyi departed back to Zhongzhou, Feng Qiao came to escort Cui Shiyi. Zhou Shengchen stood alone on the city wall watching Cui Shiyi leave. He used a squad of the Junior Prince of Nanchen's army to escort Cui Shiyi back to the capital, the purpose of which was to inform the world that Nanchen Royal Mansion would always be Cui Shiyi's strongest backing, and would always be Cui Shiyi's home.
Resting at a post station en route, Cui Shiyi looked at the first snow outside and couldn't help but think of Zhou Shengchen. She remembered the first New Year's Eve she spent with Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen had not returned to the mansion for half a year but rushed back on New Year's Eve and spent New Year's Eve with her by drinking a cup of pepper wine together. Past events were vivid in her mind.
The more Cui Shiyi thought, the less she could sleep. She got up in the middle of the night to look for Feng Qiao but unexpectedly saw Zhou Shengchen in Feng Qiao's room. It turned out that Zhou Shengchen had been secretly escorting her all along. Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi met in the room. The room was not lit. Cui Shiyi also indulged herself for once.
She mentioned that she originally wanted to stay in Xizhou permanently and accompany Zhou Shengchen forever. It was just that she was one step away. An imperial decree of bestowed marriage from the palace shattered all her dreams and severed the future for the two of them. Looking at the sad Cui Shiyi before him, Zhou Shengchen was heartbroken.
He only told her that in the future, she should still wait for good news, that he defends the city, and that they would have a chance to meet again, and then allowed Cui Shiyi to cry and hug him tightly. After a long time, Cui Shiyi bid farewell to Zhou Shengchen. She only hoped that Zhou Shengchen wouldn't come when she gets married. The next day, Cui Shiyi returned to the territory of Zhongzhou.
Zhou Shengchen stood among the army watching Cui Shiyi off. Just then, Zhou Tianxing left the city with Xie Chong's remains. The two met. Cui Shiyi bowed farewell to the military advisor, bid farewell to the Nanchen Royal Army, bid farewell to Zhou Shengchen, and entered Zhongzhou city. The news of Cui Shiyi's arrival in the capital reached Liu Zixing. Liu Zixing was greatly delighted and prepared to meet Cui Shiyi. However, Consort Jin came with generous gifts.
She hoped Liu Zixing would remember the agreement between them. The Jin clan was willing to pledge allegiance to Liu Zixing, and the position of Empress must be reserved for the Jin clan. Liu Zixing only said he had not forgotten the agreement. To reassure the Jin clan, Liu Zixing also canceled his plan to meet Cui Shiyi. In the palace, Cui Shiyi accompanied her mother to meet the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager deliberately sent Cui Sanzhe and Xinghua away, leaving Liu Zixing and Cui Shiyi alone. Liu Zixing and Cui Shiyi had not seen each other for a long time. Cui Shiyi was unwilling to even look at Liu Zixing. She treated Liu Zixing with politeness, but her tone revealed a sense of indifference. On the other side, Xinghua nearly fell. Cui Sanzhe helped Xinghua up and learned that Xinghua was faking pregnancy. After returning, she was very angry.
Upon learning that even Cui Feng didn't know about Xinghua's pregnancy, she immediately had Cui Shiyi write a letter urging Cui Feng to return to the mansion. Xie Chong passed away from illness, and the power balance in the capital was lost. Zhou Shengchen concluded that a major event would definitely occur in the court within two months. He decided to stop in Shouyang to observe the developments in the capital at any time.
Cui Feng returned to the mansion after receiving the letter. Cui Shiyi told Cui Feng about Xinghua. After Cui Feng learned about this, he breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he was not indebted to Xinghua. Cui Feng and Xinghua had long been estranged. Cui Shiyi could not bear to see Cui Feng in such pain. She came to plead with Cui Sanzhe to grant Cui Feng his wish.
One person for the marriage alliance matter is enough, referring to herself. Hearing Cui Shiyi's words, Cui Sanzhe also agreed to Cui Shiyi's request, willing to find a suitable way for Cui Feng and Xinghua to divorce peacefully. The Empress Dowager ordered the imperial physician to prescribe a labor-inducing medicine, wanting the Imperial Grandson to be born earlier so that she could make the child her new puppet emperor.
Liu Hui realized the Empress Dowager's ruthlessness and also knew that the Empress Dowager would definitely not spare him. He remembered the escape route Xie Chong had prepared for him, preparing for a final struggle with the Empress Dowager. Liu Hui came to see the Empress Dowager. He repeatedly pleaded with the Empress Dowager to spare him, saying he was willing to abdicate. The Empress Dowager did not believe Liu Hui's words.
She only said that they hadn't dined together for a long time. The two dined together. Liu Hui poisoned the Empress Dowager's wine. This poison was the last escape route Xie Chong had left for him.
Episode 18 Recap
Liu Hui ultimately, out of kindness, stopped the Empress Dowager's cup of poisoned wine, but the Empress Dowager bestowed the poisoned wine upon Liu Hui instead. Liu Hui was ultimately killed by his own kindness, dying in the Empress Dowager's bedchamber. On the other side, although Liu Hui's child was born, his mother Consort Jiang was tragically killed by the Empress Dowager, and the Imperial Grandson also did not survive.
The Empress Dowager, however, intended to stage a "civet cat for the prince" plot. Now that the Empress Dowager had the overall situation under control, Qin Yan seized a horse and fled south, but the Empress Dowager didn't care about this insignificant person Qin Yan. She only appointed Yuan Wu as the commander of the Imperial Guard and executed the eunuchs and palace maids involved in Liu Hui's matter. Cui Feng had prepared the divorce papers.
He would give the divorce papers to Cui Shiyi. As long as Cui Sanzhe dissolved their marriage, Cui Shiyi would hand these divorce papers to Xinghua, allowing Xinghua to leave the mansion freely. Inside the Cui Mansion, Cui Sanzhe received Xie Chong's personal belongings and a letter. The letter reminded Cui Shiyi to be cautious in everything, as changes had occurred in the palace. The atmosphere inside the palace was unusual.
Cui Shiyi and Xinghua were summoned into the palace at this time. The two of them rode together in a new carriage. Xinghua only hoped that Cui Shiyi could be wholeheartedly kinder to Liu Zixing. At the palace entrance, Liu Zixing came to pick up Cui Shiyi. Currently, everyone in the palace was celebrating the newborn prince, but Liu Zixing had never seen the prince.
He wanted to step forward and assist Cui Shiyi, but Cui Shiyi somewhat avoided Liu Zixing. Liu Zixing's face darkened, and he was quite angry. The two arrived at the Empress Dowager's bedchamber. The Empress Dowager hosted a banquet with singing and dancing. At the banquet, Cui Shiyi also saw Consort Jin. She only felt that there was strangeness everywhere in the palace. The Emperor, the new prince, and Consort Jiang had not been seen.
Not until midnight did the Empress Dowager summon everyone and announce the matter of Liu Hui's demise, asking everyone to shave their heads and temporarily reside in the palace to pray for Liu Hui's soul. Consort Jin was unwilling to shave her head. She also knew that the Empress Dowager trapping her legitimately in the palace was to threaten her father.
The Empress Dowager forcibly ordered people to send her and a group of other consorts to a nunnery, leaving Cui Shiyi behind. Cui Shiyi had a special status. She did not dare to deny the Empress Dowager's words and only respectfully agreed, staying by the Empress Dowager's side. The Empress Dowager requested Cui Shiyi to write three letters for her. The first letter was to Zhou Shengchen.
She wanted Zhou Shengchen to enter the capital again to stabilize the populace and support the eldest Imperial Grandson in taking the throne. Cui Shiyi was unwilling to let her master fall into danger, and therefore was unwilling to write this letter for the Empress Dowager. Considering that Cui Guang had saved her twice, the Empress Dowager did not kill Cui Shiyi but only imprisoned Cui Shiyi and Consort Jin in the palace.
Cui Shiyi and Consort Jin recalled the matter of the Empress Dowager designing a plan to eliminate Gao Guojiu that year and were very worried that the Empress Dowager would use the two of them to eliminate their respective master and father. The Empress Dowager closed the gates of Zhongzhou city and kept waiting for the Prime Minister to arrive. However, the Prime Minister was stopped en route by Zhou Shengchen's Nanchen Royal Army.
Zhou Shengchen learned from the Prime Minister about all the changes in the palace. Since the Empress Dowager wanted to enthrone the new emperor and regain control of the court, he decided to counter her scheme with one of his own. Following Zhou Shengchen's instructions, the Prime Minister still stayed by the Empress Dowager's side, supporting the enthronement of the new emperor, and began preparing the enthronement ceremony for the Empress Dowager.
The new emperor's identity was fake, and the Empress Dowager feared the matter would be exposed. The Prime Minister mentioned the person Liu Zizhen, saying he was the bloodline closest to the imperial family, and could first be brought into the palace. Later, a suitable opportunity could be found to support Liu Zizhen in taking the throne.
Episode 19 Recap
Zhou Shengchen visits the Cui Mansion. He informs Madam Cui of his plans. He decides to enthrone a new emperor and depose the Empress Dowager, hoping the Cui family can assist him. A grand ceremony is being held in the palace. Various high-ranking officials are summoned to the palace by imperial decree. Madam Cui comes to stop everyone. She exposes the Empress Dowager's deception regarding the prince, hoping everyone will not be misled by the Empress Dowager.
In the imperial court, everyone questions the identity of the young prince and wants Cui Shiyi to step forward to testify to prove the young prince's true identity. Cui Shiyi is invited to the imperial court by the Prime Minister. Following Zhou Shengchen's order, he quickly slips a note to Cui Shiyi for a brief look, bringing Cui Shiyi to the imperial court. Cui Shiyi learns of Zhou Shengchen's plan.
She declares in front of everyone that she secretly met with Liu Hui in the palace. Liu Hui told her before he died that the prince was already dead. Cui Shiyi's words undoubtedly cause a huge uproar. All the officials believe the Cui family, not the Empress Dowager. The Prime Minister asks everyone to withdraw first as he wants to question the Empress Dowager alone about this matter.
After everyone leaves, the Prime Minister mentions that Zhou Shengchen is in Zhongzhou. Today, the Empress Dowager will definitely have no way to retreat. Zhou Shengchen hopes the Empress Dowager can enthrone Liu Zizhen as emperor. The Empress Dowager fears Zhou Shengchen. To protect the entire Qi clan, she is forced to admit the matter and immediately enthrones Liu Zizhen as emperor.
The fake prince is carried back to her room by Cui Shiyi, who is very fond of this child. Zhou Shengchen is also in the palace. Madam Cui asks Cui Shiyi to go and meet Zhou Shengchen. The two meet rarely. Zhou Shengchen feels deeply guilty about Liu Hui's death, but Cui Shiyi believes Zhou Shengchen has already done well enough.
Hong Xiaoyu comes to report to Zhou Shengchen that Feng Qiao and the reinforcements are already on their way and will arrive in Zhongzhou in a few days. As soon as she sees Hong Xiaoyu, Cui Shiyi tells her about Cui Feng. Cui Feng and Xinghua have no feelings for each other. Hearing this news, Hong Xiaoyu can't help but curl up her lips, her face full of smiles.
Zhou Shengchen still needs to stay in Zhongzhou for one or two months, and Cui Shiyi is very happy. Cui Shiyi pities the fake prince's plight and doesn't know who the child's parents are or what his future holds. Zhou Shengchen suggests taking this child back to Xizhou to raise him. Afterwards, he and Cui Shiyi come to see Liu Zizhen.
He asks Liu Zizhen to first acknowledge Cui Shiyi as his teacher, and he will find a Grand Tutor for Liu Zizhen later. At this time, Liu Zixing comes to see Cui Shiyi. Zhou Shengchen leaves the space for the two of them to be alone. Seeing Zhou Shengchen's return, Liu Zixing is eager to marry Cui Shiyi and decides to advance the wedding to next month. Liu Zixing summons Vice Minister Cui.
He points out Vice Minister Cui's idea of becoming the head of the Cui family. Yuan Wu has been brought under Liu Zixing's control. Now that Liu Zixing controls the Imperial Guard, Vice Minister Cui also decides to pledge allegiance to Liu Zixing. Liu Zizhen brings Zhou Shengchen to see Cui Shiyi. Hong Xiaoyu relays the news that Empress Dowager Qi has shaved her head.
The Empress Dowager uses shaving her head to force Zhou Shengchen to come and see her. Until this moment, the Empress Dowager still hasn't admitted her wrong, denying killing the former Emperor and even slandering Qin Yan for poisoning and killing. She begs Zhou Shengchen to spare her life, even mentioning the former Emperor's affection. The Empress Dowager's crime is unforgivable.
Although Zhou Shengchen does not kill the Empress Dowager, he merely confines her to Bai Ma Temple to pray for blessings, forbidding her from ever returning to court. There is no longer a Grand Empress Dowager at court. As for Qin Yan, being a traitor of the Nanchen Royal Army, he is Hong Xiaoyu's target. Hong Xiaoyu chases him to the ends of the earth and personally kills Qin Yan, eliminating the traitor of the Nanchen Royal Army.
Liu Zizhen learns that Cui Shiyi is getting married next month and asks Zhou Shengchen what gift would be best to give his teacher. Zhou Shengchen frankly says that Cui Shiyi likes books, and he once gave Cui Shiyi the surrender letters from the rebel army.
In her bedchamber, Cui Shiyi looks at the birthday gift Zhou Shengchen gave her in the past - the seal of the commander of the surrendered army that the Nanchen Royal Army has conquered over the years. In her heart, she has always thought of Zhou Shengchen, but she deeply knows that she and Zhou Shengchen cannot stay together for the rest of this life.
Episode 20 Recap
Zhou Shengchen is in Zhongzhou, and Feng Qiao and Xiao Yan have also led their troops to Zhongzhou. Now, only Xie Yun and Cui Feng have not arrived in Zhongzhou. Xie Yun is guarding the border and there is no worry, but Cui Feng has been slow to receive the summons and enter the capital. Zhou Shengchen is inevitably a bit worried.
Cui Shiyi decides to write a family letter to Cui Feng, urging Cui Feng to return to the capital. Although Cui Shiyi's family letter to Cui Feng only contains six characters, she believes Cui Feng can understand it and guess that this is a signal to attack Taiyuan Commandery. Liu Zizhen is young and cannot bear the heavy responsibility. Zhou Shengchen has no interest in court affairs.
After deliberation, the various ministers in the court decide to elect Liu Zixing as the Regent King. And the marriage alliance between the Regent King and the Cui family has quickly become the biggest sensation in the marketplace. The wedding date is approaching. Liu Zixing orders someone to send the wedding dress. Cui Shiyi, however, is very casual about it. She does not have a good outlook on this marriage.
On the other side, Jin Rong is preparing to raise an army and rebel. Feng Qiao stays in the palace accompanying Cui Shiyi for a night. Cui Shiyi helps Feng Qiao change into a girl's attire. To fulfill Feng Qiao's wish, Cui Shiyi takes Feng Qiao to Taiji Hall. Looking at the Taiji Hall before her, Feng Qiao is filled with emotion.
She has guarded the territory of Beichen for decades, and this is the first time she stands at the entrance of Taiji Hall. Just then, Zhou Shengchen and Xiao Yan also come to admire the moon. The four meet in front of the hall. Xiao Yan takes Feng Qiao into Taiji Hall. Looking at the Golden Luan Hall before her, Feng Qiao is not interested.
Instead, it is Xiao Yan who wants to talk about the past and present of Taiji Hall, and Feng Qiao shows a bit of interest. Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi meet again, but it is not just the simple affection of teacher and disciple. Their identities are heavy, and they can only silently care for each other. The only thing they can bring up is their past in Xizhou.
After returning from Taiji Hall, Cui Shiyi and Feng Qiao are both a bit sleepless. Cui Shiyi only says that she has someone she has always liked in her heart, but no one knows except her mother. Feng Qiao mistakenly thinks it is one of the senior brothers. She only feels regretful for Cui Shiyi. On the other side, Zhou Shengchen and Xiao Yan also stay up all night. They might as well admire the moon in the imperial palace.
The two talk about the region outside the pass. Zhou Shengchen mentions that Cui Shiyi once wanted to go outside the pass, but he never thought there would be no chance. Cui Shiyi returns the key to the library pavilion to Zhou Shengchen. Zhou Shengchen looks at the familiar key, his heart heavy. In the blink of an eye, Cui Shiyi's wedding date has arrived. She walks towards Liu Zixing wearing a big red wedding dress.
This wedding ceremony only goes according to Liu Zixing's wishes. To her, it is just a cumbersome formality. From now on, she will be confined within this deep palace. On this day, heavy snow falls in Zhongzhou City. Zhou Shengchen, as promised, does not go to observe the ceremony.
He once watched the first snow with Cui Shiyi on the roof in Xizhou, but he did not expect that the next time he saw snow, it would be as he was sending Cui Shiyi off to be married. Halfway through Cui Shiyi and Liu Zixing's wedding ceremony, Liu Zixing's attendant comes to report an important matter. Liu Zixing has no choice but to go and resolve this matter first. Zhou Tianxing also rushes to inform Zhou Shengchen.
Everyone quickly rushes to the military camp. On the other side, Yuan Wu takes Liu Zizhen and the Empress Dowager away by force. Liu Zixing orders heavy troops to guard the East Palace Gate, forbidding anyone from entering. Yang Shao is now following Jin Rong. Yuan Wu brings Liu Zizhen and the Empress Dowager to see Jin Rong. Jin Rong mentions an unwritten rule in the Liu Dynasty court: before establishing a Crown Prince, a gold statue must be cast.
Only if the gold statue is successfully cast can one become the Crown Prince. Casting a gold statue was originally the Qi clan's nonsense. Jin Rong simply lets the Empress Dowager die knowing the truth. It was him and Liu Zixing who rescued the Empress Dowager. He orders men to throw the Empress Dowager into the river to feed the fish. As for Liu Zizhen, he keeps him for his own use.
A few days after the wedding, Cui Shiyi finally gets to see Liu Zixing. Liu Zixing only says that Jin Rong has attacked Henei. Zhou Shengchen has raised troops to suppress the rebellion. Liu Zizhen has been kidnapped by the Qi clan. Although Cui Feng has left Taiyuan Commandery, his whereabouts are currently unknown. And General Zhou of the Nanchen Royal Mansion is injured. Hearing that her second senior brother is injured, Cui Shiyi feels anxious in her heart. She prepares to get up and go see her second senior brother.
Episode 21 Recap
Liu Zixing kept coughing, so Cui Shiyi had to help Liu Zixing go rest first. However, Liu Zixing just held Cui Shiyi's hand tightly, unwilling to let her leave. Cui Shiyi stayed with Liu Zixing the whole time. She fell asleep by the bed. When she woke up and saw that Liu Zixing was fine, she just saluted him and left. Cui Shizhong came to see Liu Zixing.
Liu Zixing planned to spread the news of the Emperor's death to Zhongzhou within three days. Cui Shizhong believed that Zhou Shengchen was a major threat and must be eliminated. At this time, Zhou Shengchen had pursued them outside the city. He mistakenly thought that both Liu Zizhen and the Empress Dowager had been drowned in the lake and that there must have been a change in the palace.
While he was grieving for Liu Zizhen's death, he also asked Hong Xiaoyu to lead a team of scouts to enter Zhongzhou first. Consort Jin came to see Liu Zixing. She warned Liu Zixing that the Jin family's army was fighting for Liu Zixing at the front line.
As long as Liu Zixing had not ascended to the throne and she had not ascended to the position of Empress, Liu Zixing could not be husband and wife with Cui Shiyi for a single day. Forced by the Jin family's army fighting for him, Liu Zixing had no choice but to agree to Consort Jin. Afterward, Liu Zixing came to see Cui Shiyi. He told Cui Shiyi the news that Liu Zizhen was dead.
Cui Shizhong wanted him to ascend the throne as Emperor, and he wanted to hear Cui Shiyi's opinion. Cui Shiyi believed that Liu Zixing was not suitable to ascend the throne. Because of this, Liu Zixing said a few harsh words to Cui Shiyi. He believed that all Cui Shiyi cared about was only Zhou Shengchen, so he decided to temporarily postpone their marriage. The Qi clan suffered heavy punishment. Cui Sanniang and Liu Zixing saved Xinghua.
Xinghua was unwilling to see her family suffer, so she came to beg Liu Zixing, hoping he could spare her family. Liu Zixing was unwilling to see Xinghua. He could not save the Qi clan members, only Xinghua alone. Xinghua cried bitterly with tears, realizing that Liu Zixing wanted to pave his way to the throne with the blood of the Qi clan. But those were her parents, how could she ignore them?
However, the downfall of the Qi clan was already a foregone conclusion, and Xinghua's strength alone could not save her entire family. Zhou Shengchen conquered Taiyuan Commandery, and a victory report returned. The King's army was stationed outside Zhongzhou City. Feng Qiao missed Cui Shiyi. She talked to Xie Chen about Cui Shiyi's marriage fortune-telling. Xie Chen only said that his fortune-telling was not accurate and that the reading showed Cui Shiyi had no fate of marriage.
The news of the King's army returning with victory reached Cui Shiyi's ears. Cui Shiyi was greatly delighted. Prince Ping Qin brought his troops to Zhongzhou City, but instead went around to the city gate to humiliate the imperial guards, and then returned to the Nanchen Royal Mansion Army's camp. This time, Prince Ping Qin heard that Cui Shiyi was getting married.
He looked at Zhou Shengchen with disappointment, truly not understanding why Zhou Shengchen would just hand Cui Shiyi over to someone else. He couldn't understand why Zhou Shengchen, having already given up his royal surname, would still make concessions for the imperial family. Zhou Shengchen was not only his sworn brother but also his mentor. He didn't want Zhou Shengchen to have any regrets in this life. Zhou Shengchen's King's army was to set off first.
He wanted Prince Ping Qin to stay and guard the city. At the same time, he also summoned the allied armies of feudal lords from various regions to Zhongzhou City, making all preparations for the campaign. This expedition was full of dangers. Prince Ping Qin asked Zhou Shengchen to come and see Cui Shiyi. As their identities made it inconvenient for them to meet alone now, Prince Ping Qin brought Feng Qiao and Xiao Yan with him.
The four of them came to see Cui Shiyi together, using this opportunity for Cui Shiyi and Zhou Shengchen to also meet. After meeting, Cui Shiyi watched Zhou Shengchen and his group leave, just like she had watched Zhou Shengchen set off from Xizhou back then. For this journey, her only wish was for Zhou Shengchen and his disciples/senior and junior siblings to return victoriously and safely.
Zhou Shengchen led his troops out of the city amidst the farewells of the common people. Cui Shiyi went to White Horse Temple to pray for blessings. Consort Jin also came to see Cui Shiyi. She wanted to know who would win this war. Cui Shiyi was absolutely certain that the Nanchen Royal Mansion Army had never been defeated. And indeed, this was the case.
Since Jin Rong raised troops, the Nanchen Royal Mansion Army had not suffered a single defeat, and Zhou Tianxing had also woken up, but there had been no news from Cui Feng. Jin Rong was defeated. Liu Zixing came to see Consort Jin. He wanted to send Consort Jin to Taiyuan Commandery to persuade Jin Rong to surrender. Consort Jin knew well that her father would rather die than surrender.
Liu Zixing only said that only by surrendering could there be a way to survive. In Taiyuan Commandery, Jin Rong secretly ambushed Cui Feng who was returning to the capital. He wanted to use Cui Feng to force Zhou Shengchen to retreat. This time, it was Hong Xiaoyu who was leading the troops at the front line. Hong Xiaoyu heard that Cui Feng was with Jin Rong, so she only brought a team of scouts forward. Jin Rong's intention this time was precisely to use Cui Feng to force Hong Xiaoyu to retreat.
Episode 22 Recap
Cui Feng mentioned the Battle of Shouyang to Hong Xiaoyu. In that battle, they relied on each other and promised each other that in all matters, they must prioritize the King's army's campaign and the common people. If one was captured, the other only needed to consider the other dead and must not let it disrupt their formation. Their promises were vivid in her mind.
Hong Xiaoyu knew Cui Feng's pride, and she feared that Cui Feng would be tortured by Jin Rong. With tears in her eyes, she picked up her bow and arrow, preparing to send Cui Feng off, vowing to avenge him in the future. Hong Xiaoyu's arrow was already released, but it was blocked by Zhou Shengchen with another arrow.
Zhou Shengchen brought Consort Jin and asked Jin Rong to reconsider the matter of Cui Feng, stating that killing Cui Feng would be of no benefit to them. Consort Jin's arrival eased the situation, and Cui Feng was released. He was able to return to the Nanchen Royal Mansion Army and also met Hong Xiaoyu. This time, both of them held each other tightly without any reservations, promising to return to Shouyang together after the matters in Zhongzhou were settled.
Cui Feng brought back Jin Rong's letter of surrender. Liu Zixing decided to perform a sacrifice to heaven and then ascend the throne at Pingyin Temporary Palace, appeasing the late Emperor with the blood of the Jin clan. Meanwhile, Zhou Shengchen saw pomegranates on the street. He suddenly remembered Cui Shiyi, who loved to eat pomegranates. At that time, he had bought three thousand baskets of pomegranates for Cui Shiyi.
Now, Zhou Shengchen also bought all the pomegranates in Hong Xiaoyu's name and had her send them into the palace. Xie Chen was seriously ill. When he woke up and saw Zhou Shengchen returning victoriously, he felt a sense of relief, only thinking that he had miscalculated the fortune. At night, Zhou Shengchen brought his disciples to attend the banquet at the temporary palace. After this banquet, they would set off to return to Xizhou.
Little did they know, this banquet was fraught with danger. Liu Zixing ascended to the throne as Emperor, and descendants of the Liu clan gathered together. Everyone was sighing over how fortunate Beichen was to have Zhou Shengchen. Liu Zixing's gaze towards Zhou Shengchen couldn't help but become a bit colder and sharper. The princes and court officials were in the main hall, while a group of generals remained outside.
After drinking a few cups of wine, Zhou Shengchen wanted to leave the banquet, but Liu Zixing ordered the palace gates locked and heavily guarded, preparing to arrest Zhou Shengchen under the pretense that he was attempting to assassinate the Regent. Zhou Shengchen and his disciples were surrounded by the large army. As soon as he made a move to resist, it was labelled as rebellion.
Liu Zixing threatened him with the lives of the still-living Liu Zizhen and important court officials, forcing Zhou Shengchen to lay down his weapons and surrender. To break through the encirclement and save Zhou Shengchen, Hong Xiaoyu blocked a sword strike for Feng Qiao and died under the large army's assault.
She died in Cui Feng's arms, her dying wish only that Cui Feng would not forget her, acknowledging that she had been the one to fall in love with Cui Feng first, from beginning to end. Xiao Yan brought the King's army to rescue Zhou Shengchen. They already knew about the collusion between Jin Rong and Liu Zixing and the ambush they had set. Zhou Shengchen endured immense pain and ordered Cui Feng to take Hong Xiaoyu away.
Before Zhou Shengchen could leave, Jin Rong and Liu Zixing threatened him with the lives of Liu Zizhen and the Liu clan relatives. Zhou Shengchen had no choice but to withdraw his army and surrender, but he demanded that Jin Rong and Liu Zixing release Liu Zizhen and allow Feng Qiao and the others to escort him away. The King's army was framed for rebellion.
Prince Ping Qin asked Zhou Tianxing to leave first and promised that he would find a way to rescue Cui Shiyi. However, Liu Zixing ordered the city gates sealed, so Zhou Tianxing had to leave the city with the help of the Cui family. Cui Shiyi was unaware of all this news. She mistakenly thought the King's army had set off on campaign and went to White Horse Temple to pray for blessings.
Liu Zixing feared that Cui Shiyi might notice something amiss, so he only sent people to the temple to impersonate eminent monks. Cui Shiyi was intelligent. She saw through the deception in the temple at a glance, and only prayed for Zhou Shengchen's safety.
Episode 23 Recap
Zhou Shengchen was imprisoned. Yang Shao learned that Zhou Shengchen was captured and came to see him in advance. He claimed he had wronged Zhou Shengchen. Liu Zixing convicted Zhou Shengchen overnight. All loyal ministers at court were willing to die with Zhou Shengchen, but Zhou Shengchen only thought that these lords did not need to die with him. He endured the pain of having his wrist bones cut, but did not cry out.
Meanwhile, Shiyi also woke up from a nightmare, feeling unbearable pain all over her body. Just after Zhou Shengchen's death, Jin Rong ordered all loyal ministers at court killed. Liu Zixing witnessed this cruel execution with his own eyes. Although his hands were not stained with blood, he took the lives of countless loyal and good people. The Nanchen Royal Mansion Army wanted to retrieve Zhou Shengchen's body from Liu Zixing.
Xiao Yan learned that the rebel forces previously defeated by the Nanchen Royal Mansion Army would all become enemies of the Nanchen Royal Mansion Army. He advised Feng Qiao and the other generals to withdraw. Only by withdrawing could they seek revenge in the future. But if the Nanchen Royal Mansion Army could not retrieve Zhou Shengchen's remains, how could they withdraw and leave?
To protect the Nanchen Royal Mansion Army, Xiao Yan decided to go himself to request Zhou Shengchen's remains. Liu Zixing was originally unwilling to hand over Zhou Shengchen's bones. Xiao Yan, in his capacity as the Second Prince of Nanxiao, forcibly demanded Zhou Shengchen's bones back. Only then did he discover that Zhou Shengchen had been subjected to the bone-scraping punishment. Meanwhile, Shiyi was trapped in the Eastern Palace at this time.
All the palace maids around her were replaced, and she was unaware of this matter concerning Zhou Shengchen. Even Prince Ping Qin could not enter the palace to see Shiyi. Yang Shao had previously owed Shiyi two lives. He told Prince Ping Qin not to act impulsively and just wait for his news in two days. If Prince Ping Qin did not trust him, he would save Shiyi himself.
Yang Shao secretly killed Yuan Wuchu and attributed the matter of letting Zhou Tianxing go to him. Jin Rong was furious. The entire Nanchen Royal Mansion Army tearfully paid respects to Zhou Shengchen. Yang Shao tried to rescue Shiyi in the palace. Liu Zixing had become the master of the realm. He ascended the throne as Emperor in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Consort Jin was then conferred as Empress. Afterward, Yang Shao came to see Cui Sanniang.
He pleaded with Cui Sanniang for help, claiming he was entrusted by Zhou Shengchen. Cui Sanniang handed the key to the Wushui Room to Cui Wenji, asking Cui Wenji to take the entire Cui family south. Originally, she had sacrificed Shiyi's father for the Cui clan. Now, she absolutely could not abandon her own daughter again. Shiyi was conferred as Noble Consort. Liu Zixing wanted to confer her with the rites of conferring an Empress. Consort Jin only pitied Shiyi.
Liu Zixing killed everyone around Shiyi, yet he wanted to compensate Shiyi with these empty rites. If she were Shiyi, she would only wish to kill Liu Zixing. Liu Zixing was afraid that Shiyi would find out about these things, so he only ordered people to guard Shiyi closely, not leaving her side. Now Shiyi's aphasia recurred. She could not speak. She asked about Zhou Shengchen's whereabouts.
Liu Zixing only claimed that Zhou Shengchen had traveled far beyond the passes and could not return. He mostly avoided the topic. With Zhou Shengchen's death, the borders between Nanxiao and Beichen were all defeated by Nanxiao. The borders had no heavy troops guarding them. The noble families were also not submissive to Liu Zixing. To win over the noble families holding heavy troops, Liu Zixing wanted Cui Sanniang to help him. Cui Sanniang was thus able to see Shiyi.
When Cui Sanniang saw Shiyi, she told Shiyi the news that Zhou Shengchen had raised troops to rebel. Zhou Shengchen was sentenced to the bone-scraping punishment, and the execution lasted three hours. Zhou Shengchen did not cry out once and refused to regret. Shiyi knew very well who Zhou Shengchen was. Hearing this news, she completely broke down. She could not cry out. She only wept incessantly and fainted from the pain. After Shiyi woke up, Cui Sanniang could not stay in the palace for long. She only instructed Shiyi to take good care of herself before leaving the Royal Palace.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Before Cui Sanniang left, she secretly gave a blood letter to Shiyi. This blood letter was personally written by Zhou Shengchen, and every word stated that in his life he had not failed the world, only failed Shiyi alone. Looking at this blood letter, Shiyi again wept bitterly, her heart aching unbearably. On the other side, Cui Feng prepared to raise troops to clear the name of the Nanchen Royal Mansion Army.
He abandoned the Cui surname and took the Junior Prince of Nanchen's surname, joining the Junior Prince of Nanchen's army and raising troops in Shouyang. Cui Sanniang learned of Cui Feng's choice and did not say much, only chose to support his decision. Shiyi stayed awake all night, refusing to eat or drink.
Liu Zixing mentioned that the Gao clan was exterminated because of one person and the Qi clan was ruined because of one person, hoping Shiyi would not let the Cui clan follow suit. Now Shiyi's emotions were extreme; she injured her own hand. Cui Sanniang mentioned the Yang clan and the Changsun clan, stating that if Liu Zixing still wanted the assistance of these two clans, he should no longer provoke Shiyi.
Liu Zixing was helpless and could only agree to Cui Sanniang's request, allowing Shiyi to move to a side hall to live, believing Shiyi would slowly come to her senses. Shiyi lived in the side hall. She stood on the rooftop watching the falling snow, no longer able to wait for Zhou Shengchen's figure. She did not understand why, even though the Royal Mansion Army had all returned, Zhou Shengchen insisted on staying in Pingyin.
He had no wife or children in his life; what was it all for? This world ultimately failed Zhou Shengchen. Shiyi returned to the side hall and burned all the victory reports Zhou Shengchen had sent her in the past. Finally, she also burned the blood letter Zhou Shengchen left for her, no longer leaving any memento for herself. Consort Jin came to see Shiyi.
She mentioned the news that the Wushui Room had quietly moved south and was trapped within the borders by her father's troops. No one knew about this matter except for her and Liu Zixing. Shiyi did not understand why Consort Jin wanted to tell her this news and also expressed her thanks to Consort Jin. The next day, Shiyi was about to undergo the enfeoffment ceremony to be conferred as Guipin. Cui Sanniang came to see Shiyi.
She admitted her mistake to Shiyi, only saying she had done wrong, and today she had also prepared an escape plan for Shiyi. Huan Yu was waiting for her in Nanxiao. Once she reached the south, Shiyi did not need to look back. Shiyi, tearfully, bid farewell to Cui Sanniang. She got into the carriage prepared by Liu Zixing and arrived at the palace. Yang Shao took this opportunity to come to Shiyi's side.
He told Shiyi that Prince Ping Qin was waiting behind the literati, telling Shiyi to just run along the small path, not needing to look back, and that he would surely carve out a path to survival for Shiyi today. Unexpectedly, Shiyi, however, did not want to implicate Prince Ping Qin and his group. She, dressed alone in a red wedding dress, ascended the palace gate. She knew that Cui Sanniang wanted to exchange her own life for hers.
She did not want to escape and even less did she want to implicate thousands of clan members. Amidst the falling snow, Shiyi ascended the palace gate step by step. Since entering the Nanchen Royal Mansion, she had received care from her master and protection from her senior brothers and sisters. But her master had died tragically at the hands of Liu Zixing. There was absolutely no possibility of her marrying her enemy.
Today she was no longer Cui Shiyi, daughter of the Cui clan; she was merely Eleven of the Nanchen Royal Mansion. She also believed that there would eventually be a day when the world would clear the name of her Nanchen Royal Mansion Army. Shiyi ascended the palace gate. She looked at the falling snow and only let out a light laugh, saying she had come to marry Zhou Shengchen.
If there was an afterlife, she only hoped that it would be Zhou Shengchen who came to marry her first. Dressed in red, she leapt down from the palace gate. Shiyi jumped from the palace gate and died. Liu Zixing desperately clung but could not hold onto Shiyi's clothes and only cried out loudly on the palace gate.
He had painstakingly schemed only to gain Shiyi but still lost everything, watching with his own eyes as Shiyi died because of him. Cui Sanniang learned of Shiyi's death; she wept sadly in the Cui mansion. Cui Feng also wept during his march. Xie Yun was far away in Luyuan and likewise collapsed in pain.
The following year, Liu Zixing used Consort Jin's child as a pretext to lure Jin Rong into the palace, set up an ambush, and killed him. Jin Rong ultimately died at the hands of Yang Shao. Liu Zixing's time was also short. When his end was near, only Xinghua had been taking care of him. To show goodwill to Nanxiao, Xinghua also volunteered to marry south.
Not long after, uprisings occurred in various places, Zhongzhou was isolated and without aid, and Liu Zixing also died of illness in Zhongzhou, leaving no heir. Three years later, Grand General Changsun Jie and Yang Shao negotiated peace, supported Liu Zizhen as emperor, and established the capital in Zhongzhou. Xizhou, Feng Qiao led the Nanchen Royal Mansion Army to send Xiao Yan off. Now Xiao Yan had put down his knot of anxiety and decided to return to Nanxiao.
Decades later, Xie Yun came to Qinglong Temple to offer incense. Now several of his senior brothers and sisters in Xizhou had left. Before he left, he also thought of coming to offer a stick of incense. Time flashed back to his youth. At that time, the Junior Prince of Nanchen brought several of his disciples to select a site for Qinglong Temple. But unexpectedly, now things were different and people were gone; a generation of heroes had left.
