Heart of Loyalty resumo, enredo, sinopse

Sinopse de Heart of Loyalty

A talented young girl, Mo Yan, who is a newcomer to the Jianghu, is motivated to become the first warrior thief and come to the Kaifeng to solve the case of her fifth senior who was wrongly imprisoned.

But she got appreciated by Lord Bao for her keen insight, and became a female constable in Kaifeng Mansion, and became friends with Zhan Zhao.

They uncover layers of intrigue along the way, Mo Yan not only uncovered the mystery of her origins, but also understand the “chivalry” and “emotion” dilemma in Zhan Zhao’s heart.

Resumos de Heart of Loyalty

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Late at night, a lone crow perched on a rooftop, its caws echoing ominously. Inside the Kaifeng Relay Station, an old officer on his rounds discovered the door to a room ajar. Upon entering, he found Bai Bao Zhen, the Master Weaver of Gusu and a third-ranking official, dead at his desk, his body covered in blood. The old officer, horrified, immediately alerted the authorities.

Imperial Cat Zhan Zhao, a royal bodyguard now serving in the Kaifeng City Office and known for his upright character and handsome appearance, was dispatched by Official Bao to investigate the murder. Official Bao had secretly brought Bai Bao Zhen to the capital to thoroughly investigate a major corruption case in Jiangnan. The initial report from Ma Han indicated that Bai Bao Zhen had died from the potent Five Poisons Powder, with blood oozing from his orifices.

Zhan Zhao, after examining the scene, noticed some blood on the desk and footprints on the window. He instructed Zhang Long to wipe away the blood, an unusual command for evidence, but the action revealed a chilling message carved into the tabletop: "A deadly physician steps into the grounds of the imperial tomb. The thief in the clouds deceives the judge of the underworld."

Zhan Zhao instantly recognized the reference to The Thieving Hand, Li Xu, the fifth of the notorious Six Evils of Shuzhong. He immediately ordered Wang Chao, Ma Han, Zhang Long, and Zhao Hu to issue a city-wide warrant and seal the gates of Kaifeng to apprehend Li Xu. Meanwhile, Mo Yan, a junior martial sister to the Six Evils of Shuzhong, arrived in Kaifeng and saw Li Xu's wanted poster, noting his paltry bounty was a disgrace to their group.

She spotted Li Xu's pet crow and followed it to Jinfeng Inn. Questioning the inn's waiter, she learned that men from Sanyuan Gambling House had confronted Li Xu, and after a fight, Li Xu vanished, leaving the men unconscious. The waiter assumed Li Xu was a formidable fighter, but Mo Yan's sharp observational skills led her to a different conclusion. She noted a slash mark on the table indicating a struggle, and observed traces of chili powder.

Knowing Li Xu excelled at escape but was not a strong fighter, she deduced that he couldn't have defeated ten men easily. She questioned why there were fight marks in the main hall if Li Xu's quickest escape route was through a window or the main hall. She concluded that someone must have helped him escape or abducted him, and this person's martial arts skills were on par with her second brother's.

Finding a key dropped by Li Xu, she inquired about the most skilled martial artist at the Kaifeng City Office and was told it was Imperial Cat Zhan Zhao. Mo Yan resolved to test Zhan Zhao's legendary prowess. Back at the Kaifeng City Office, Zhan Zhao reported to Official Bao that the Ministry of Justice wanted to take over Bai Bao Zhen's murder case.

Official Bao adamantly refused, emphasizing that he had personally summoned Bai Bao Zhen to investigate the Jiangnan corruption case, and allowing the Ministry of Justice to intervene would jeopardize everything. He pressed Zhan Zhao on Li Xu's interrogation, learning that Li Xu remained silent. Zhan Zhao confirmed he had concealed his identity during Li Xu's capture. Official Bao tasked Zhan Zhao with finding a breakthrough from Li Xu and warned to be vigilant against those lurking in the shadows.

Zhan Zhao offered to search Jinfeng Inn again for missing evidence, opting out of attending Deputy Minister Liu's daughter's wedding banquet, where Official Bao would present Mr. Gongsun Ce's calligraphy as a gift. Qin Wei Wei, Ma Han’s wife, who also served as the Kaifeng City Office’s coroner and cook, playfully chided Zhan Zhao for his coldness towards Deputy Minister Liu's daughter, who had long admired him.

Zhan Zhao maintained his disinterest in romantic entanglements, stating that as the Imperial Cat, such personal matters must be set aside, a sentiment Qin Wei Wei humorously compared to her husband Ma Han before he met her. Later, Mo Yan disguised herself as a vegetable delivery person to infiltrate the Kaifeng City Office and rescue Li Xu.

Zhan Zhao, opening the door, immediately saw through her ruse, noting she was not the expected delivery person and this was not the kitchen. Mo Yan, dropping her act, acknowledged Zhan Zhao’s perceptiveness. She tried to deflect by claiming she was there to avenge Deputy Minister Liu's daughter, then attempted to escape. Her efforts were futile against Zhan Zhao's superior martial arts. He warned her that attempting to break into prison was a capital offense.

Despite her struggles and calling him a "Darn Cat," Zhan Zhao easily subdued her and bound her with cloth. She then demanded to see Official Bao, declaring she was there to seek justice for her "fifth brother," Li Xu. Mo Yan was brought before Official Bao in the main hall.

She dramatically announced herself as "The notorious Seventh Evil of Shuzhong, The Divine Dog, Mo Yan," a claim Gongsun Ce immediately scoffed at, as he had only ever heard of Six Evils, and her title sounded made up. Mo Yan, undeterred, insisted on her fame and demanded Li Xu's immediate release, asserting his innocence in Bai Bao Zhen's murder. When Li Xu was brought in, he feigned ignorance of Mo Yan.

Mo Yan, however, quickly exposed his pretense by mentioning a mole on his hand, prompting him to accidentally call her "Seven." She then argued that the carved message on the desk was a deliberate trap set by the real killer, as no true murderer would so openly implicate themselves. Zhan Zhao countered by presenting evidence of Li Xu's presence at the relay station and Bai Bao Zhen's belongings found among Li Xu's stolen goods.

Mo Yan pressed Zhan Zhao about the style of the carving, which he described as "natural, strong, and firm," indicating the carver possessed martial arts skills that Bai Bao Zhen lacked. She concluded this proved the killer had deliberately framed Li Xu. Li Xu tried to silence her, but Mo Yan stood firm. Official Bao, acknowledging the plausibility of Mo Yan's theory, reasoned that the true killer was after something Li Xu had obtained.

Mo Yan, observing her crow circling above Jinfeng Inn, deduced that Li Xu's important possession was still there. She instructed the officers to search the inn's wine cabinet, specifically for a "hundred-year-old fine wine" that would not typically be opened. There, hidden in one such wine jar, was an account book. Mo Yan presented it, expecting Li Xu's release. Official Bao, however, refused, stating the case was far from over.

He then sternly questioned Li Xu about who had ordered him to steal the account book, stressing its connection to the Jiangnan corruption case. Li Xu remained silent, much to Mo Yan's frustration, who again defended him against what she perceived as an unjust accusation. With Li Xu remanded to prison, Zhan Zhao firmly escorted Mo Yan out of the Kaifeng City Office.

She demanded to see the account book, but Zhan Zhao refused, citing it as important evidence that could only be accessed by Kaifeng City Office detectives according to the Laws of Song. Annoyed, Mo Yan impulsively declared her intention to join the Kaifeng City Office, but Zhan Zhao dismissed her, stating they did not simply accept anyone.

Inside, Gongsun Ce and Official Bao examined the account book, quickly discerning that it was a fake, clearly forged by Bai Bao Zhen to deceive them. Official Bao surmised that the person who instructed Li Xu to steal it was unaware of its true nature. To expose this mastermind, Official Bao decided to set a trap, publicly announcing that the account book was secured at the Kaifeng City Office, hoping to lure the culprit out.

That night, Mo Yan, aware of Official Bao's plan, secretly entered the Kaifeng City Office to retrieve the fake account book. She navigated through various traps, knowing that only by removing the book could the real culprit be forced to reveal themselves, as Official Bao was unwilling to risk his officers. As she secured the book, she encountered Zhan Zhao. She provocatively challenged him to catch her, then triggered more traps within the study.

When Zhan Zhao finally cornered her, she tore her own sleeve, feigning distress and accusing him of impropriety. Zhan Zhao, a man of integrity, hesitated for a moment, allowing Mo Yan to escape with the book. As she fled across the rooftops, she saw a figure in a green robe. Recognizing him as the true culprit, she confronted him, demanding to know why he framed her "fifth brother."

She engaged him in a fight, believing that capturing him would free Li Xu. However, her martial arts skills were no match for the green-robed man, who kicked her off the roof. Zhan Zhao quickly intervened, saving her. The green-robed man attempted to escape, and Zhan Zhao pursued. During the chase, Zhan Zhao was forced to dodge poisonous darts thrown by the culprit, putting him at a disadvantage.

Mo Yan, despite her injuries, valiantly rushed forward but was struck by a poisoned dart. Weakened and on the verge of falling from the roof, she was again caught by Zhan Zhao. Even in her fading consciousness, she urged him to continue the pursuit, but Zhan Zhao chose to carry the unconscious Mo Yan back to the Kaifeng City Office. Gongsun Ce swiftly treated Mo Yan, removing the Five Poisons Powder from her system.

He also discovered traces of other old poisons within her, warning that if left untreated, they could cause future health problems. Mo Yan, recovering, argued that she had helped the Kaifeng City Office draw out the true culprit and therefore deserved a favor: Li Xu's release. Official Bao refused, stating that they still needed to determine if Li Xu was an accomplice. Mo Yan, still insistent, pointed out Zhan Zhao's failure to capture the culprit.

She astutely deduced that since Bai Bao Zhen had not given the real account book to anyone, it must still be at his residence. Official Bao, impressed by her intellect, decided to agree to her request to join the Kaifeng City Office as a constable to help solve the case.

Zhan Zhao vehemently opposed it, citing her impulsive nature and emphasizing the strict discipline of public service, contrasting it with his own past as a "Southern Hero" of the martial arts world. He worried her recklessness would only bring her harm. Just then, a guard reported that Li Xu had confessed to his crimes. Mo Yan rushed to the prison to confront him.

Li Xu, distressed, urged her to leave, reminding her of their mountain's rule to "Stay away from the government." He revealed that their legendary personas as the Six Evils were merely an act, and the martial arts world was far more dangerous than she imagined. Mo Yan, however, was resolute, declaring she would join the Kaifeng City Office to find evidence and save him.

Later, Official Bao, convinced by Mo Yan's keen eye for detail, decided to utilize her talents, despite Zhan Zhao's reservations. He tasked Zhan Zhao with figuring out how to best integrate her. As Mo Yan emerged from the prison, still fuming from her conversation with Li Xu and preparing to argue with Zhan Zhao, he simply handed her a constable's badge. Zhan Zhao told her to rest and not be late the next day, setting a one-month probation period: if she performed well, she would stay; otherwise, she would be dismissed.

Wu Zi Chu, an Imperial Bodyguard, knelt before a shadowy figure, reporting that Li Xu had been arrested by the Kaifeng City Office. The figure instructed Wu Zi Chu to prevent Official Bao from finding any incriminating evidence on Li Xu, emphasizing that he must be cautious of Zhan Zhao, known as the Imperial Cat, whose martial arts skills and intelligence were unparalleled. Wu Zi Chu assured his master that he understood.

Meanwhile, Ma Han's wife, Qin Wei Wei, who also serves as the Kaifeng City Office's cook, showed Mo Yan around, explaining that a recently dissected carpenter's death seemed suspicious. She pointed out the chambers of Zhang Long, Zhao Hu, Official Gongsun, and Official Bao, as well as Officer Zhan Zhao's room. Qin Wei Wei then led Mo Yan to the backyard, a space that had once belonged to a landlord and was later requisitioned by the City Office.

She explained that it had been vacant for years because no one among the male officials bothered with gardens and Mr. Gongsun believed the feng shui was poor. Mo Yan was assigned a large room previously used for old files and books. Qin Wei Wei left a broom and supplies for Mo Yan to tidy the room, mentioning she had to cook and that Mo Yan should head to the front yard for lunch once she was done.

After cleaning her new room, Mo Yan felt hungry. At lunchtime, she observed that only Zhan Zhao’s table had empty seats. She quietly served herself and sat alone at a distant table. Zhan Zhao called her over, telling her that a constable should eat properly and join the others.

While the other constables praised Qin Wei Wei’s cooking and chatted about mundane things, Zhan Zhao and his colleagues discussed Bai Bao Zhen’s case, noting its bizarre nature and planning another visit to the crime scene. Mo Yan impulsively offered to go to the crime scene, but Zhan Zhao firmly told her that her current task was to memorize the Officer's Manual. He stated that new constables must patrol for three months before investigating cases.

Mo Yan, who had joined specifically to investigate for her fifth brother, Li Xu, vehemently protested, stating, "I'm here to investigate on my fifth brother's behalf. Why do I need to patrol? What about him?" Zhan Zhao responded that disobeying rules and acting on impulse would lead to trouble, and if she couldn't accept the regulations, she was free to leave. Determined to find clues for Li Xu, Mo Yan attempted to sneak out of the Kaifeng City Office.

Her first attempt through a back door was thwarted by a diligent guard sweeping. Her second attempt, scaling a wall, was also foiled when she landed right in front of Zhan Zhao. He confronted her, and she claimed she was just resting after sweeping. Zhan Zhao ordered her to continue sweeping, but Mo Yan instead began to berate him, accusing him of hypocrisy.

She pointed out the damp mud on his boots and a faint perfume scent, accurately deducing he had traveled far to pay respects to the dead while neglecting his duties. Zhan Zhao, without a word, pulled her into his study. Inside the study, Zhan Zhao questioned her knowledge of the Officer's Manual. Mo Yan claimed to have memorized it entirely. When pressed on a specific rule, she recited it correctly but then falsely claimed to have been on patrol.

Zhan Zhao, however, countered by noting the damp mud on her shoes, indicating she had visited the city's western district, which was too far to have patrolled in the time she claimed. He then observed her sweeping, noting how she complained about the endless falling petals and suggested waiting to sweep them all at once, arguing it was a waste of time and she should be allowed to investigate.

Zhan Zhao retorted that her lack of patience for sweeping showed she was unfit to investigate cases. As punishment, he ordered her to copy the Officer’s Manual ten times and forbade her from eating until it was done. Mo Yan initially refused but then, wanting to investigate, reluctantly complied, thinking, "This Darn Cat is as stubborn as a mule. I'll just do what he said, then work my way out."

Exhausted, she eventually fell asleep at the desk, only to be awakened by Zhan Zhao wiping her saliva. He reminded her she wouldn't eat if she didn't finish. Suddenly, Zhan Zhao was summoned to the main hall where Wu Zi Chu, an Imperial Bodyguard, had arrived. Wu Zi Chu announced that he was there on His Majesty's oral directive to transfer Li Xu to the Ministry of Justice.

Official Bao expressed his reservations, stating that the Kaifeng City Office had not received any official notice and that Li Xu was implicated in the Bai Bao Zhen corruption case, warranting further investigation by their office. Wu Zi Chu persisted, emphasizing the Emperor's command and arguing that the murder investigation fell under the Ministry of Justice, not Kaifeng City Office. Mo Yan, who had overheard, dramatically interjected, feigning support for Wu Zi Chu, much to Zhan Zhao's annoyance.

She then turned to Wu Zi Chu and demanded to see the imperial decree. When Wu Zi Chu admitted he only had an oral directive and the written decree would take a few days, Mo Yan declared that without a proper decree, they couldn't proceed.

Official Bao seized the opportunity, suggesting Wu Zi Chu stay at the Kaifeng City Office until the decree arrived, as both the Ministry of Justice and Kaifeng City Office would be in trouble if any mistakes were made. Wu Zi Chu, outmaneuvered, reluctantly agreed. Official Bao, observing Mo Yan's quick thinking, found her quite interesting. Zhan Zhao reluctantly allowed Mo Yan to accompany him to the relay station for the investigation.

The old officer there attempted to turn them away, claiming the case was no longer under Kaifeng City Office's jurisdiction due to Wu Zi Chu’s imperial directive. Mo Yan bypassed his resistance by deducing his secret affair with a local cloth shop owner, noting his expensive Shu embroidery pants and a distinctive sandalwood scent that also permeated the shop. Fearing exposure, the old officer quickly let them in.

Inside Bai Bao Zhen’s room, Mo Yan found a newly broken tile on the wall, identifying it as a trace left by Li Xu. Both she and Zhan Zhao noticed the ink pot was nearly empty, suggesting Bai Bao Zhen had maintained frequent correspondence. Mo Yan then discovered a pin-sized mark on a bookshelf that perfectly matched the poison needle that had injured her. Zhan Zhao then theorized that a green-robed man had killed Bai Bao Zhen.

Mo Yan also found an empty Gongshu Box, a complex mechanism requiring two keys to open simultaneously, but only having one. She explained that only Li Xu, known as "The Thieving Hand," possessed the unique skill to open such a box with a single key.

This led her to conclude that Li Xu had previously stolen the account book, and the green-robed man, finding it missing, killed Bai Bao Zhen and framed Li Xu, hoping to use the authorities to recover the book. Confronted again, the old officer admitted that Bai Bao Zhen had paid him five taels of silver to keep quiet, but insisted he had been too busy to notice any specific visitors on the night of the murder.

Outside, Zhan Zhao reprimanded Mo Yan for her unethical methods, reminding her that as a constable, her actions reflected on the entire Kaifeng City Office. He stated that her temperament and manipulative tactics were unbecoming of an officer and would ultimately harm herself and others. Mo Yan argued that solving cases was paramount and demanded Li Xu's release now that the green-robed man was identified as the murderer.

Zhan Zhao refused, stripping her from the case for her unauthorized investigation and public discussion of official matters. He ordered her back to copying the Officer's Manual. Mo Yan, frustrated, called him a coward, but reluctantly accepted the punishment, thinking, "I had to copy the Manual five times and sweep the yard. Seriously. He's so cocky." While sweeping, Mo Yan noticed Zhan Zhao entering a room.

She followed him and stumbled upon a dead body, triggering a traumatic memory that caused her to faint, calling out, "Don't go!" Zhan Zhao quickly revived her. Qin Wei Wei brought Mo Yan some cassia soup to calm her. Zhan Zhao then handed Mo Yan a sachet found on the corpse, asking if the scent matched the room.

Mo Yan identified it by its novice embroidery, recognizing it as a gift from Bai Bao Zhen's daughter, explaining why he carried it even to his death. The wounds on the corpse confirmed the use of a hidden weapon. Zhan Zhao revealed that such weapons were typically made in the Imperial Palace. Mo Yan immediately connected this to Wu Zi Chu, suggesting he might be a suspect.

Zhan Zhao, noting her recovery, ordered her back to copying the rules, to which she expressed annoyance at his mood swing. Worried that Zhan Zhao might sacrifice Li Xu to protect the Imperial Palace, Mo Yan secretly went to the prison to free her brother. Li Xu, surprised but seemingly in control, urged her to return to Shuzhong, citing her poor Qinggong skills as a reason she couldn't accompany him.

As Mo Yan struggled to pick the lock, Wu Zi Chu suddenly appeared in the cell, threatening her and ordering her back where she came from. Mo Yan accused him of framing Li Xu and attempting to silence him. Just as Wu Zi Chu drew his sword, Zhan Zhao arrived.

Zhan Zhao declared that as long as he was there, no one from the Kaifeng City Office would be taken away, challenging Wu Zi Chu, a fellow Imperial Bodyguard, to a duel. After a brief fight, Wu Zi Chu, realizing he was outmatched by Zhan Zhao's improved martial arts, retreated, bidding farewell. Mo Yan seized the moment to tell Li Xu loudly that she would go to Gusu to find the true account book.

Zhan Zhao immediately expelled her from the prison, scolding her. He then pressed Li Xu, asking who he was truly working for, but Li Xu scoffed, "Of course, I'd give myself to the highest bidder." After Zhan Zhao left, Wu Zi Chu sent a message to someone outside using a raven. Later, Zhan Zhao confronted Mo Yan, demanding her constable token.

Mo Yan clung to his robes, tearfully apologizing for her unruly behavior and pleading for another chance, promising to abide by the rules. Zhan Zhao, uncomfortable with her physical closeness, told her it was indecent and tried to make her let go. Mo Yan then explained her earlier actions, revealing that Li Xu’s calm demeanor when facing Wu Zi Chu and his false confession suggested he knew he would be rescued.

She surmised that Wu Zi Chu intended to protect Li Xu, while the green-robed man wanted to frame him, indicating two opposing factions. Her public mention of Gusu was a calculated move, she explained, to "lure the mastermind out." Seeing her genuine tears and intricate explanation, Zhan Zhao hesitated, eventually relenting and allowing her to keep the token, but on the condition that she would obey him and not interfere with the account book case. Mo Yan agreed, but secretly, she resolved that Kaifeng City Office was unreliable and she would obtain the real account book first, to use as leverage in future negotiations.

At the Kaifeng City Office, Zhan Zhao reported that a green-robed man had committed murder and planted evidence to steal an account book. He also noted that Wu Zi Chu and Li Xu were involved, but the identity of their true master remained unknown. Zhan Zhao emphasized the urgency of finding the real account book to prevent further bloodshed.

Official Bao believed that due to Bai Bao Zhen's suspicious nature, the real account book was likely still within the Bai's residence. He also anticipated that those who held the fake account book, including the green-robed man, would soon realize their deception and head to Gusu to claim the real one. Zhan Zhao immediately volunteered to travel to Gusu to retrieve the account book.

Mo Yan also offered to go, but Zhan Zhao expressed concern, stating he preferred to act alone and that Mo Yan still needed to complete her patrolling duties. Mo Yan insisted, highlighting her martial skills, which she claimed were only slightly inferior to his, and arguing that two people would be safer and more effective. Official Bao ultimately sided with Mo Yan, deciding that both should go to Gusu together for mutual support.

He then privately expressed his deep concern to Zhan Zhao and Mr. Gongsun about the complicated case involving Li Xu, the green-robed man, and Imperial Bodyguards, urging Zhan Zhao to be extremely careful. Zhan Zhao promised to fulfill his mission and keep Mo Yan in check, but Official Bao corrected him, saying he should "look after her."

As they prepared to depart, Mo Yan declared her confidence in successfully retrieving the account book and challenged Zhan Zhao to a race, proposing that whoever reached Gusu first and secured the account book would be its rightful keeper. Mo Yan rode ahead, but her enthusiasm waned upon reaching a desolate stretch filled with graves. Spooked, she struggled to make her horse move forward and then tried to persuade Zhan Zhao to lead the way when he caught up.

Seeing the late hour and the unsafe path, Zhan Zhao suggested they rest for the night. Meanwhile, in a grand pavilion, a mysterious man, revealed to be Prince Ning Jin, received an update from Wu Zi Chu about Kaifeng City Office personnel heading to Gusu. Prince Ning Jin then dispatched two Imperial Bodyguards to deliver a warning to Zhan Zhao, urging him to abandon his mission.

By a campfire, Mo Yan struggled to start a fire, so Zhan Zhao invited her to share his. She asked if he heard the cicadas, recounting a superstition that their chirping meant they were vengeful ghosts crying out for justice. She questioned if he feared ghosts, having killed before. Zhan Zhao calmly stated that those who died by his hand were not innocent, so he held no fear.

Noticing her unease, Zhan Zhao skillfully flicked stones to dislodge the cicadas from the trees. Impressed, Mo Yan asked him to teach her, and he patiently guided her through several attempts. She then requested to learn some simple self-defense or escape techniques, reasoning it would prevent her from being a burden. Zhan Zhao eventually agreed and demonstrated a close-quarters move, which ended with an awkward proximity, prompting him to swiftly conclude their training for the day.

Later, Mo Yan discovered that most of her Chongyang cakes had fallen from her bag, leaving only two pieces. She offered one to Zhan Zhao, who, seeing her limited supply, gave her his grilled bun in return. Mo Yan remarked that the grilled bun tasted like one her fifth brother used to make.

She explained her family background, mentioning her five older brothers and one third sister, known as the 'Shu Six Heroes,' who were renowned warriors of the martial arts world. After their teacher's early passing, they had raised her, teaching her medicine, martial arts, feng shui, and taking her on adventures. She sadly noted that her sixth brother had died on the battlefield.

Mo Yan revealed that she had secretly left the mountain, despite her family's protection, to forge her own path in the martial arts world and become the "renowned Seventh Evil of Shuzhong." She then asked Zhan Zhao why the "Southern Hero" chose to serve in the Kaifeng City Office. He replied simply that he was there "to make up for a mistake" and refused to elaborate further.

That night, Zhan Zhao was plagued by nightmares, reliving a traumatic childhood memory of a boy named Wang Xiao Liu falling into the sea, amidst visions of numerous dead bodies. He desperately tried to save the boy but found himself falling into the water as well, watching his younger self drift away, before jolting awake.

The next morning, Mo Yan returned with wild fruits, playfully chiding Zhan Zhao for being petty, as he slept with his bag clutched tightly, preventing her from stealing his buns when she was hungry. Zhan Zhao offered to buy her noodles at a nearby tea house. While there, Mo Yan eyed some pastries for sale but declined, claiming she wasn't hungry, implying she lacked the money.

Their journey was interrupted by a sudden downpour, forcing them to take refuge in an abandoned hut. Zhan Zhao offered Mo Yan his dry outer garment to change into, standing guard at the entrance. After she changed, Mo Yan saw that Zhan Zhao was completely drenched and offered to stand guard while he changed. He refused, stating there was no shelter outside. He then told her to find food in his bag and dry her clothes by the fire.

To her surprise, Mo Yan discovered red bean cake and lardy cake inside, realizing that Zhan Zhao had discreetly bought them for her earlier at the tea house. She mused that despite his seemingly stiff demeanor, he was quite thoughtful. Upon finally reaching Gusu, Zhan Zhao detected that they were being followed.

He ensured Mo Yan was settled into one of the best guest rooms at an inn, which they had randomly chosen between Tianzi Room 1 and Tianzi Room 2. Then, he left alone to confront their tails. Two men appeared, identifying themselves as agents of Prince Ning Jin. They warned Zhan Zhao to leave Gusu immediately and cease investigating the Li Xu case, threatening severe consequences if he did not comply.

Zhan Zhao feigned agreement, stating that Official Bao had also advised caution, and acknowledging that since Prince Ning Jin was involved, it was a matter concerning the imperial family. He claimed to understand the principle of "abandoning the chariot to save the king," implying he would back down. However, Mo Yan had overheard the entire exchange. Furious, she confronted Zhan Zhao, accusing him of being a corrupt official ready to sacrifice Li Xu to protect Prince Ning Jin.

When the Imperial Bodyguards threatened Mo Yan, Zhan Zhao pulled her away, explaining that his words were merely a "stalling tactic." Mo Yan remained unconvinced, vehemently arguing that he intended to abandon her brother for "that scum Ning Jin," and went on to accuse all officials, including Official Bao, of corruption and collusion. Incensed, Zhan Zhao ordered her to "shut up" and not insult Official Bao.

Mo Yan defiantly declared she would speak her mind, even against the Emperor if he erred, and vowed that Zhan Zhao would not get his hands on the account book, storming off. Later, Mo Yan scaled a wall to observe the Bai's residence. She witnessed Bai Ying Yu playing the zither, only to be harshly interrupted by the Second Madam.

The Second Madam pressured Bai Ying Yu to marry Mr. Sima from the prominent Sima family in Jiangnan, despite Bai Ying Yu's strong refusal. Bai Ying Yu reminded her that her late father had already rejected the match and asserted she would never marry, vowing to observe filial mourning for her father.

The Second Madam scornfully dismissed Bai Ying Yu as a spoiled girl, warned her that times had changed, and threatened to "teach her a lesson," leaving Bai Ying Yu in tears. Mo Yan commented on Bai Ying Yu's perceived weakness. Suddenly, Zhan Zhao appeared, chastising Mo Yan with a proverb about minding one's own business. He attempted to discuss their earlier misunderstanding, but Mo Yan, still angry, cut him off, reiterating her intent to get the account book herself.

That night, Zhan Zhao instructed Mo Yan to rest, stating they would visit the Bai's residence together the next day. Undeterred, Mo Yan secretly planned to secure the account book herself. She approached Zhan Zhao with a bottle of "good wine" as an apology, but it was secretly laced with a sleeping drug. Zhan Zhao, however, anticipated her trick and subtly swapped his cup. Noticing the change, Mo Yan found a pretext to swap the cups back.

After Zhan Zhao drank and appeared to fall into a deep slumber, Mo Yan slipped into the Bai's residence. She located the account book hidden in a secret compartment. Just as she was about to leave, Zhan Zhao appeared, revealing that the drug had no effect on him. He admonished her for her unauthorized actions, stating the account book was not safe with her and demanding she hand it over. Mo Yan refused, and they struggled over the book.

During their tussle, they heard sounds, and Zhan Zhao pulled Mo Yan into hiding as two masked figures entered the room. The masked men, who Zhan Zhao identified as Prince Ning Jin's Imperial Bodyguards, discovered them. Zhan Zhao engaged the two masked men in combat, while Mo Yan, seizing the distraction, snatched the account book from Zhan Zhao. In the ensuing struggle, one of the masked men pursued Mo Yan, resulting in the account book being torn in half.

The commotion alerted the Bai's residence guards, forcing all four to flee. Mo Yan attempted to pursue the masked men for her half of the account book, but Zhan Zhao stopped her, emphasizing the danger of chasing them when the situation was unclear and multiple factions were involved. As they made their escape, Wu Zi Chu intercepted Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan, informing them that Prince Ning Jin wished to see them. Mo Yan insisted on accompanying Zhan Zhao.

At their meeting, Prince Ning Jin greeted Zhan Zhao, acknowledging his reputation but pointedly asking why he brought "a little girl" with him. Mo Yan immediately corrected him, stating she was a detective. Prince Ning Jin then demanded they leave the account book and depart Gusu. Mo Yan defiantly refused, stating he would have to take it "over my dead body." Prince Ning Jin called her "sharp-tongued" and summoned his guards to surround them.

Zhan Zhao apologized for Mo Yan's outspokenness, explaining her mountain upbringing and lack of formal etiquette, and reiterated his orders from Official Bao to return both Mo Yan and the account book safely. Prince Ning Jin dismissed Official Bao's authority and threatened to seize the account book by force. After a tense standoff, Prince Ning Jin changed his tactic. Acknowledging Zhan Zhao's formidable skills and the potential repercussions if he were harmed, he proposed a Go match as a wager.

He suggested that since they each held half of the account book, the winner of the game would claim both halves. Zhan Zhao objected, stating that the account book was not a trivial matter to be gambled away. Prince Ning Jin, angered by the refusal, threatened to wipe out the Kaifeng City Office with a single word. At this, Mo Yan boldly accepted the challenge. Prince Ning Jin declared that he would play against both of them simultaneously.

If either Zhan Zhao or Mo Yan lost, they would surrender their half of the account book and leave Gusu. If both managed to defeat him, he would hand over his half. As Wu Zi Chu prepared the Go boards, Prince Ning Jin offered Mo Yan the black pieces, stating he wouldn't take advantage of a woman. He then offered Zhan Zhao the black pieces for his game as well.

Before starting, he instructed Wu Zi Chu to check on the white fungus and lotus seeds soup in the kitchen, emphasizing it should be well-cooked and not gritty like a previous occasion.

Ning Jin engaged Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan in a game of Go, subtly employing moves characteristic of both his opponents, a clear tactic to stall for time. Mo Yan, growing impatient, told Ning Jin he wouldn't win and urged him to let them rest, but he insisted the game was far from over. Zhan Zhao, playing along, complimented Ning Jin's "bold offense" and "meticulous" style, humorously comparing him to a "meticulous young woman."

Mo Yan quickly countered, observing Ning Jin's game was full of defensive and deceptive moves, typical of a seasoned "hero who has wandered the martial arts world." Recognizing Ning Jin's strategy, Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan skillfully steered the game to a draw. Mo Yan declared that since Ning Jin had been using their own moves against them, there was "no win or lose," and they had effectively thwarted his "trick."

Ning Jin conceded, admitting their combined effort had "narrowly defeated" him, and handed over the promised account book. As Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan departed, they noticed a fire in the distance, originating from the Bai's residence. Moments later, they heard Ning Jin dispatching Wu Zi Chu to check on "lotus seed soup" for the second time, prompting Mo Yan's suspicion.

Mo Yan instructed Zhan Zhao to rush to the Bai's residence to investigate the fire, while she covertly returned alone to the Cold Hill Temple to eavesdrop on Ning Jin. She hid outside Ning Jin's window and then on the roof, but Wu Zi Chu discovered her. She fell from the roof and was captured and tied up. Mo Yan boldly confronted Ning Jin, accusing him of orchestrating the burning of Bai's residence.

She deduced that Ning Jin already knew the initial account book they had stolen was fake, and his chess game was merely a distraction while Wu Zi Chu burned the Bai's residence to destroy the real one, noting Wu Zi Chu still carried the "smell of smoke." Ning Jin admitted his actions, claiming that with the true account book destroyed, his objective was met, and in the end, he had won.

He then ominously stated, "The only ones that can keep a secret are the dead," chilling Mo Yan. Fearing for her life, she warned him that the "Six Evils of Shuzhong and the Kaifeng City Office" would not let him go unpunished. Ning Jin then changed his tune, teasingly suggesting he make her his "maid to warm his bed," which terrified her. At that moment, Zhan Zhao arrived.

Ning Jin expressed his exasperation with the Kaifeng City Office's "serious and invariable" approach to cases. He then explained that the Emperor himself had ordered him to discreetly handle the Bai Bao Zhen corruption case to prevent a wider scandal that could destabilize the court.

He revealed that he had ordered Li Xu to steal the account book and that when he had Wu Zi Chu burn Bai Bao Zhen's study, he ensured all the servants and Bai Ying Yu were drugged and moved to safety before setting the fire, harming no one. Mo Yan realized Ning Jin was responsible for her "fifth brother" Li Xu's imprisonment.

As Zhan Zhao prepared to leave, Ning Jin issued a final warning that other powerful factions were also pursuing the case, advising Zhan Zhao to be cautious. He also playfully reiterated his threat to Mo Yan. After leaving Ning Jin, Zhan Zhao gently applied medicine to Mo Yan's rope burns. Mo Yan apologized for having previously misunderstood him regarding her brother's arrest.

Zhan Zhao theorized that Ning Jin had burned the Bai's residence because he knew the initial account book was fake and the real one was still there. Unable to find it himself and unwilling for others to, he destroyed the evidence. This led them to conclude that another party, beyond Ning Jin and the green-robed man, was also after the true account book.

Back at the inn, Mo Yan joined Zhan Zhao in his room to discuss the case, noting the sudden rain in Gusu. She speculated that Bai Ying Yu, Bai Bao Zhen's beloved daughter, might possess the real account book. Zhan Zhao agreed, emphasizing the urgency to find Bai Ying Yu before the green-robed man did, especially given the Bai family's decline and the likelihood of Bai Ying Yu being forced into marriage with Mr. Sima by her stepmother.

Bai Ying Yu, refusing the forced marriage to Mr. Sima, fled but was pursued by Sima family servants. She encountered Xiao Chen, a blind yet skilled man who initially hesitated to intervene in what seemed like a family matter. However, when the servants disrespected him, Xiao Chen swiftly used his walking stick to slice off half a lantern, intimidating them.

He offered Bai Ying Yu an ointment for her injuries and then left, inquiring about Mo Yan, whose portrait he carried. Meanwhile, at the Bai's residence, the Second Madam harshly rebuked Bai Ying Yu and forcefully prepared her for the wedding; Bai Ying Yu, though delicate, was firm in her resolve. The Third and Fourth Madams openly squabbled over the Sima family's betrothal gifts.

Mo Yan observed this, remarking on Bai Ying Yu's gentle nature and criticizing Zhan Zhao's frugality compared to the Sima family's lavishness. Zhan Zhao, unfazed, stated he valued inner character over material wealth and only accumulated enough for basic needs, prompting Mo Yan to cheekily suggest he save for a wife. Mo Yan then proposed three plans to retrieve the account book.

Her "ideal plan" was to lure the green-robed man to terrorize Bai Ying Yu, allowing Zhan Zhao to heroically rescue her and gain her trust. Zhan Zhao rejected this, unwilling to risk Bai Ying Yu's safety. Her "moderate plan" involved sneaking into Bai Ying Yu's private room to search for the account book, which Zhan Zhao also refused, deeming it inappropriate and "surreptitious."

Finally, her "less ideal plan" suggested Zhan Zhao disguise himself as an "ill-intentioned man" to "flirt" with Bai Ying Yu, allowing Mo Yan to come to her rescue. Zhan Zhao again refused, citing inappropriate closeness. Mo Yan, determined, ultimately proposed that "she" would disguise herself as a man to "flirt" with Bai Ying Yu, and Zhan Zhao would then perform the "heroic rescue." To convince him, she presented him with thirty copies of the "Officer's Manual" she had painstakingly copied.

Zhan Zhao agreed to her modified plan. Bai Ying Yu and her maid went to buy incense for her deceased father, but the maid forgot it, leaving Bai Ying Yu alone. As Mo Yan, disguised as a man, approached Bai Ying Yu to "flirt" and demand the account book, she suddenly recognized a familiar medicinal scent on Bai Ying Yu—a scent belonging to Xiao Chen, her "Second Brother."

Just as Zhan Zhao appeared to play his part as the rescuer, Mo Yan, realizing Xiao Chen might be nearby, frantically pulled Zhan Zhao away, declaring the "plan is ruined" and they needed to "run." Back at the Bai's residence, the Second Madam continued to pressure Bai Ying Yu into the marriage. Overwhelmed by her father's death, the forced marriage, her family's callousness, and the public humiliation, a desperate Bai Ying Yu attempted to drown herself.

Xiao Chen, who had been tirelessly searching for Mo Yan by showing her portrait to people, heard the splash and rescued Bai Ying Yu. Upon regaining consciousness, Bai Ying Yu recognized Xiao Chen as the man who had given her the ointment earlier. He encouraged her not to abandon hope. As Xiao Chen escorted her back through a bamboo forest, he sensed her fear and offered her one end of his walking stick.

Bai Ying Yu confided in him, sharing her sorrow over her father's unjust reputation and her refusal to marry Mr. Sima. She found solace in the belief that fate had intervened to spare her life so she could honor her father's memory. Later, Mo Yan was visibly distracted, seemingly worried that Xiao Chen might find her. Zhan Zhao noticed her unease, but she evaded his questions.

Convinced their previous plan had failed, Mo Yan proposed a new "great plan": forging a private letter from Bai Bao Zhen to Bai Ying Yu. Zhan Zhao initially hesitated, calling it "twisting the facts." Mo Yan argued it was a "speculation" on their deep father-daughter bond, not a falsehood, and would both gain Bai Ying Yu's trust and comfort her in her grief.

Zhan Zhao was persuaded but found Mo Yan's calligraphy terribly ugly, offering to write the letter himself, much to Mo Yan's admiration for his unexpected talent. Meanwhile, Zhang Yao Zuo, the Commissioner of Fiscal Affairs, learned from his adopted son, Zhang Feng, that the account book they had was fake.

Fearing the repercussions if the truth were exposed, Zhang Yao Zuo urgently dispatched Zhang Feng to Gusu, ordering him to retrieve the "real" account book before Zhan Zhao and to "leave no survivors." Zhang Feng, confident and disdainful of Zhan Zhao, assured his adoptive father that he would comply, taking the Three Spirit Chasers with him.

Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan arrived at Bai Ying Yu's residence. Zhan Zhao apologized for their earlier intrusion, acknowledging that his subordinate Mo Yan had overstepped her bounds by frightening Miss Bai during his investigation of the Weavers' Quarters corruption case. Mo Yan further explained that her actions were solely aimed at finding the account book to uncover the true murderer of Bai Bao Zhen.

Since they had failed to locate it, they were preparing to return to Kaifeng City Office. Before leaving, Mo Yan presented Bai Ying Yu with a letter, explaining that it was a copy of one found at her father's relay station, which Zhan Zhao had specially transcribed for her as the original served as evidence in Kaifeng.

She elaborated that Bai Bao Zhen deeply loved his daughter and kept secrets from her because he was forced into wrongdoing and didn't want her involved. Bai Ying Yu was visibly moved, especially when Mo Yan mentioned details from the letter about her father's stomach issues and the stomach-nourishing tea she made for him. Mo Yan then probed whether Bai Ying Yu had considered finding her father's murderer. Bai Ying Yu naturally affirmed her desire for justice.

Mo Yan stressed that Bai Bao Zhen was merely a pawn, sacrificed by higher-ups in the Weavers' Quarters corruption case, to pin all the blame on him posthumously. She asked if Bai Ying Yu would stand by while these individuals escaped justice and defamed her father. Bai Ying Yu acknowledged the truth in their words but felt unsure how to proceed. As Zhan Zhao prepared to depart, Bai Ying Yu asked them to wait.

She revealed that her father had instructed her to seek Finance Commissioner Zhang Yao Zuo in the capital if he were imprisoned. Mo Yan immediately suspected Zhang Yao Zuo of malicious intent, though Zhan Zhao warned her against making baseless accusations. Bai Ying Yu then disclosed that her father had given her a package containing an account book for safekeeping, which she couldn't understand.

She had hidden it in the garden pond, wrapped in oilcloth with a string, after thieves broke into her study. The string had broken, and the pond was fed by flowing water from Lake Tai, making retrieval difficult. Since Zhan Zhao admitted he could not swim, Mo Yan volunteered to search for it. Mo Yan successfully retrieved the account book.

However, before they could examine it, black-feathered arrows, recognized by Zhan Zhao as belonging to the ruthless Three Spirit Chasers, rained down. Zhan Zhao instructed Mo Yan to take Bai Ying Yu and the account book to safety while he drew the assassins away. Mo Yan, with Bai Ying Yu, jumped into the lake and escaped through the waterways. Zhan Zhao, fighting single-handedly against three, was wounded on his left shoulder by an arrow.

Mo Yan brought Bai Ying Yu to a bridge and urged her to take the account book to Official Bao at Kaifeng City Office. Worried about Zhan Zhao, she returned for him. Meanwhile, Zhan Zhao, near exhaustion and injured, fell into the water to avoid capture. Mo Yan found him, stiff and suffocating, and gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. With a flicker of consciousness, Zhan Zhao was pulled ashore by the exhausted Mo Yan.

Soon after, Wu Zi Chu discovered a bewildered Bai Ying Yu near the bridge. They were brought to Ziyun Manor, also known as Ning Wang Manor, where Ning Jin provided refuge. Zhan Zhao remained unconscious. Mo Yan began to inspect Zhan Zhao's wound, but Ning Jin reminded her of the impropriety of men and women touching.

Wu Zi Chu informed Ning Jin that Zhan Zhao's arrow wound was slightly infected, but had been stabilized with royal incision ointment, and that his condition was complicated by a brief period of suffocation due to his inability to swim. Ning Jin then explained his reasons for helping: the same green-robed figures had also attacked and burned his previous manor to obtain the account book, making them common enemies.

He returned the account book to Mo Yan, who, though still cautious and suspicious it might be a decoy, accepted the ledger and conditionally thanked Ning Jin, asking him to look after Zhan Zhao should anything happen to her. Ning Jin, noting Zhan Zhao's surprising fear of water, later playfully probed Zhan Zhao about his feelings for Mo Yan once he awoke.

Zhan Zhao quickly denied any romantic interest, stating they were merely colleagues and that he had no such thoughts. Ning Jin then openly declared his own interest in Mo Yan. Mo Yan then faced her "Second Brother," Xiao Chen. She knelt as instructed, reciting the family motto to "vanquish evil, act within one's competence, and stay away from the government."

Xiao Chen chastised her for putting herself in danger and getting entangled with government affairs, stating that she would have died if he had arrived a second later at Bai Manor. Mo Yan explained she only wished to clear her Fifth Brother Li Xu's name. Xiao Chen insisted she return to Shuzhong and cease being a detective.

Zhan Zhao and Ning Jin asked Xiao Chen to let Mo Yan get up and speak, and Mo Yan persuaded him to allow her more time, asserting she had found the evidence (the account book) that would prove Li Xu's innocence upon delivery to Kaifeng City Office. Xiao Chen finally relented, on the condition that she and Li Xu return to Shuzhong after rescuing him.

When Ning Jin attempted to help Mo Yan rise, Xiao Chen curtly prevented him, declaring that he never associated with government officials. Ning Jin then offered Mo Yan the royal incision ointment for her bruised knees, but she insisted Zhan Zhao needed it more, greatly irritating Ning Jin. Zhan Zhao later quietly advised Mo Yan to use the ointment, and asked her why she returned to save him, to which she simply replied that she was worried about him.

Later that evening, during dinner, Ning Jin was overtly attentive to Mo Yan. Mo Yan, however, voiced her concern that the manor was too ostentatious and posed a security risk with enemies at large. Zhan Zhao agreed, but Ning Jin, accustomed to grand estates, considered them exaggerating. He decided they would stay one more day for Zhan Zhao to rest before departing.

Mo Yan then noticed a familiar scent, that of her second brother, on Bai Ying Yu, causing Bai Ying Yu to blush and leave the table abruptly. Ning Jin continued to tease Mo Yan, mentioning how she had tightly clutched Zhan Zhao's hand even when he was unconscious. Mo Yan explained it was out of righteousness, a principle taught by her second brother.

Wu Zi Chu added that Mo Yan had abandoned Bai Ying Yu by the bridge to return for Zhan Zhao, and Bai Ying Yu was freezing when he found her. He then asked Mo Yan how she managed to bring both the non-swimming Zhan Zhao and Bai Ying Yu out of the water. Mo Yan said it was complicated and mentioned giving Bai Ying Yu over ten breaths.

When asked how many she gave Zhan Zhao, she stammered, prompting both her and Zhan Zhao to recall the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and awkwardly leave the table. That night, Zhan Zhao, haunted by the memory of Mo Yan giving him air, practiced his sword to calm his mind. Xiao Chen, listening to Zhan Zhao's sword practice, observed that his heart was troubled. Bai Ying Yu brought Xiao Chen food, explaining he hadn't eaten.

Xiao Chen, though blind, knew it was her by sensing her presence, stating that with a clear mind, one could make their own judgments. Mo Yan also couldn't sleep. Zhan Zhao advised her to bundle up against the cold mountain air. She lamented not being able to enjoy Gusu's scenery on this trip. Zhan Zhao then questioned her about her future, mentioning Xiao Chen's desire for her to quit being a detective.

Mo Yan affirmed her intent to return to Shuzhong after saving Li Xu, admitting her fault in violating family rules and suggesting Zhan Zhao would have fewer worries if she weren't a detective. Zhan Zhao, however, did not consider her a burden and urged her to rest. The next morning, a heavy rain began. Mo Yan suggested it was an opportune time to travel, as the rain would conceal their tracks.

Zhan Zhao concurred, agreeing that it would also allow them to get a head start, and offered to prepare the carriage with her, but Xiao Chen intervened, stating he would accompany his sister. On the carriage, Mo Yan comforted a distraught Bai Ying Yu, assuring her that Kaifeng City Office would thoroughly investigate the case. During a brief stop, Mo Yan prepared some porridge.

Ning Jin praised her cooking, jokingly suggesting she become a cook at his manor instead of a detective. Suddenly, Xiao Chen, with his keen hearing, sensed an anomaly outside. Soon, arrows struck their location, indicating the Three Spirit Chasers had found them. Realizing the danger, Zhan Zhao proposed they split into two groups to ensure the safety of both the witnesses and the evidence.

Zhan Zhao and Wu Zi Chu would take the account book to lead the chasers away, while Mo Yan, Xiao Chen, Ning Jin, and Bai Ying Yu would take an alternate route to Kaifeng City Office. The chasers continued their relentless pursuit, vowing not to stop until they recovered the account book. Along the journey, Mo Yan inquired why Ning Jin, a prince, was accompanying them, fearing for his "delicate" body. Ning Jin proudly asserted his masculine strength.

He then asked Mo Yan why she chose to be a detective, given her second brother's disapproval. Mo Yan replied it was to save Li Xu, but then paused, reflecting on her future after her mission.

Mo Yan drove the carriage, curious as to why Ning Jin, a prince, chose to get involved in their perilous journey. Ning Jin asserted that he was a man of integrity, not a pampered noble, and could endure hardship. Ning Jin then questioned if Mo Yan would return to Shuzhong after rescuing Li Xu, and Mo Yan cautioned him to be careful not to be overheard by Xiao Chen.

Ning Jin also mentioned that he had heard from Mo Yan's second brother that he disapproved of her becoming a detective. To avoid attracting unwanted attention, Mo Yan suggested they adopt new names. Based on Ning Jin's birth weight of 6. 4 catties, she nicknamed him "Liu Jin," jokingly dropping the 0. 4. Though initially surprised, Ning Jin accepted, and then asked what he should call her. She told him to call her "Seven."

Inside the carriage, a weary Bai Ying Yu rested her head on Xiao Chen's shoulder. Xiao Chen noticed but remained still. Back in Kaifeng, Bao Zheng and Gongsun Ce anxiously awaited Zhan Zhao's return. Zhan Zhao soon arrived with Wu Zi Chu, delivering the crucial account book to Bao Zheng.

When Bao Zheng inquired about his injuries, Zhan Zhao downplayed them, stating he was fine despite having encountered a Spirit Chaser on the way back and sustaining an injury to ensure the book's safety. He explained that he and Wu Zi Chu had split from Mo Yan's group, which included Ning Jin, Xiao Chen, and Bai Ying Yu, to arrive two days earlier. He reassured Bao Zheng about Mo Yan's safety, mentioning Xiao Chen's formidable martial arts skills.

However, upon hearing that Mo Yan had not yet returned, Zhan Zhao immediately tried to leave to find her. Gongsun Ce intervened, warning that Zhan Zhao's wound had worsened from constant travel and he risked losing his arm if he didn't rest. Despite the warning, Zhan Zhao insisted he was more worried about Mo Yan's group. As he attempted to depart, his injuries overwhelmed him, and he collapsed, prompting Gongsun Ce to rush to his aid.

Wu Zi Chu offered to join Zhan Zhao in the search. Meanwhile, Bai Ying Yu had dislocated her ankle during their hurried escape, and Xiao Chen expertly reset it, assuring her she would be fine. As they rested at a tea house, they overheard two patrons discussing the scandalous forced marriage between the Sima and Bai families, expressing pity for Bai Ying Yu. Noticing Bai Ying Yu's distress, Ning Jin dramatically interjected with a fabricated story.

He claimed the Sima family's third son had contracted a venereal disease from frequenting brothels and was forcing the marriage to save face and humiliate the Bai family. The patrons reacted with outrage, cursing the Sima family. Mo Yan commented on Ning Jin's facile lying, but he dismissed her, believing that spreading the rumor would sufficiently tarnish the Sima family's reputation and avenge Bai Ying Yu.

Bai Ying Yu, however, expressed resignation, believing her fate was sealed and not wishing to cause any more trouble for her companions. Wanting to impress Mo Yan, Ning Jin discretely arranged for a man to stage a robbery, intending to heroically "save" her. He provided the man with a fake knife. However, the man secretly replaced it with a real blade, intent on genuinely harming Mo Yan.

When the assailant attacked, Mo Yan swiftly disarmed and knocked him unconscious, discovering the real knife. Recognizing the man as one of their pursuers, Mo Yan quickly realized their danger and urged everyone to leave immediately. They continued their escape, eventually camping in the wilderness. Ning Jin thoughtfully prepared a comfortable sleeping mat for Mo Yan, who thanked him, noting his surprising attentiveness. He playfully suggested she had yet to discover his many virtues.

Later, Mo Yan attempted to persuade Xiao Chen about the good people at Kaifeng City Office, mentioning how Bao Zheng and Zhan Zhao had cared for her. However, Xiao Chen remained unmoved, stating that their kindness had no bearing on him and cautioning Mo Yan not to get emotionally entangled. He then reminded everyone that the Three Spirit Chasers could appear at any moment, urging them to get some rest.

As she lay down, Mo Yan's thoughts drifted to Zhan Zhao. Seeing Xiao Chen expertly knock down a cicada for Bai Ying Yu, she recalled Zhan Zhao teaching her the same technique. Ning Jin, observing her distant gaze, directly asked if she was thinking of Zhan Zhao. Mo Yan admitted she was, but quickly added that she also missed Bao Zheng, Gongsun Ce, and Wei Wei, implying it was merely a friendly remembrance.

Ning Jin pressed further, distinguishing between missing friends and yearning for a loved one. Mo Yan, however, firmly declared her feelings for Zhan Zhao were simply "missing him." Ning Jin then tried to entice her to stay in Kaifeng after the case was resolved, listing numerous local delicacies like Li family's sauteed lungs, sea cucumbers with rice wine, glutinous rice dumplings, sea cucumbers in Tahini sauce, fried quail dumplings, malt candies, dessert crepes, and plum candies.

This vivid description triggered memories for Mo Yan of Zhan Zhao buying her pastries and a rainy encounter where he gave her dry clothes and food, prompting her to acknowledge his thoughtfulness. Ning Jin promised she would taste all of Kaifeng's delights if she stayed. Mo Yan, still lost in thought, vaguely agreed before stating she was sleepy. Ning Jin covered her with a blanket.

As she drifted to sleep, Mo Yan's mind returned to a poignant memory of her and Zhan Zhao underwater. Zhan Zhao, having regained consciousness, was immediately concerned for Mo Yan. Gongsun Ce, scolding him for risking his arm, informed him that half of the Kaifeng City Office's constables had already been dispatched to escort Mo Yan's group.

Meanwhile, in the wilderness, as Ning Jin discreetly covered a sleeping Mo Yan with a blanket, Xiao Chen, ever vigilant, detected approaching sounds and quickly woke everyone. Realizing they were being pursued, Xiao Chen proposed they split up. Xiao Chen, taking Bai Ying Yu, galloped off in one direction, then jumped off his horse to block the pursuing Three Spirit Chasers.

Mo Yan, shouting that she possessed the account book, intentionally drew the remaining pursuers after her and Ning Jin, riding in another direction. During the chase, Ning Jin was wounded in the back. He urged Mo Yan to abandon him and seek help at Kaifeng, believing one of them had to survive. Mo Yan, however, refused to leave him, reminding him of his promise to introduce her to all the capital's delicacies.

Ning Jin insisted his injury would impede them both, but Mo Yan remained steadfast, fearing for his life if he were captured. Xiao Chen and Bai Ying Yu soon arrived at Kaifeng City Office. Upon learning that Mo Yan had not returned, Zhan Zhao, despite his unhealed wound, prepared to ride out to find her. Wu Zi Chu offered to find Ning Jin, and Xiao Chen also intended to search for Mo Yan.

Meanwhile, Mo Yan, after providing some basic first aid to Ning Jin, spotted the pursuers closing in. To create an escape opportunity for Ning Jin, she deliberately revealed herself, drawing the Spirit Chasers away. Shortly after, the green-robed man, Zhang Feng, discovered Ning Jin hiding in the foliage. He aggressively demanded the location of the account book. Ning Jin defiantly claimed he knew nothing, urging Zhang Feng to kill him if he dared.

Enraged, Zhang Feng lunged to kill him, but Zhan Zhao and Wu Zi Chu arrived just in time. Zhan Zhao swiftly subdued Zhang Feng and demanded to know Mo Yan's whereabouts. Zhang Feng, however, retaliated with a cunning taunt, questioning Zhan Zhao's commitment to justice, accusing him of being driven by personal desire for Mo Yan.

This momentary distraction allowed Zhang Feng to escape, but not before using an Imperial Bodyguard's secret weapon, leading Zhan Zhao to suspect he was the true killer of Bai Bao Zhen. Zhang Feng, disappearing into the distance, mockingly promised Zhan Zhao they would meet again. Zhan Zhao then pressed Ning Jin for Mo Yan's last known direction before entrusting Ning Jin to Wu Zi Chu's care.

Guided by Ning Jin, Zhan Zhao eventually found Mo Yan clinging precariously to a rock in the river, moments from falling. She was severely injured and losing a great deal of blood, with an arrow in her shoulder compressing a crucial artery in her arm. Zhan Zhao informed her that to save her arm, the arrow had to be removed immediately. Mo Yan, terrified of the pain, begged him not to touch it, explaining she hadn't received anesthetic decoction.

Zhan Zhao promised he wouldn't, assuring her they would wait for Gongsun Ce. To distract her, he then tenderly called her "Seven" and asked her to recite her favorite poem by Liu Yong, "The Sound of the Falling Rain." Mo Yan began to recite the melancholic lines: "The calls of the cicadas sound so depressing. The sun is setting behind the pavilion. The heavy rain has just stopped. The traveler is woodenly drinking inside the tent."

Zhan Zhao encouraged her to continue, clarifying the next line, "念去去" (thinking about leaving). As Mo Yan continued, immersed in the poignant imagery of "the long journey ahead, the foggy night seems so endless and full of despair," Zhan Zhao, with a heavy heart, swiftly pulled out the arrow. The searing pain caused Mo Yan to faint. As he held her, Zhan Zhao whispered, "Seven, it has passed." Three days later, Mo Yan finally woke up.

Wei Wei assured her that everyone had returned safely, including Xiao Chen and Bai Ying Yu who were unharmed, and Ning Jin who was recuperating at the palace. Despite her injuries, Mo Yan insisted on seeing Zhan Zhao, who was with Bao Zheng and Gongsun Ce. She found them discussing the case. Mo Yan, dismayed, questioned why Zhang Yao Zuo had been acquitted.

Bao Zheng explained that during the impeachment, someone had unexpectedly confessed to the crimes, leading the Emperor to pardon Bai Bao Zhen and Li Xu. While this was positive for Bai Bao Zhen and Li Xu, Mo Yan felt it was deeply unjust that Zhang Yao Zuo remained unpunished. Bai Ying Yu, also present, shared her disappointment. Bao Zheng requested Bai Ying Yu to remain at Kaifeng City Office for a longer period, promising her a just resolution.

He further elaborated that Zhang Yao Zuo's meticulous planning meant they could only act when his guard was down, requiring patience and observation. At this juncture, Gongsun Ce announced that Zhang Yao Zuo had sent an invitation for a grand banquet. While Gongsun Ce worried it was a trap designed to humiliate them, Bao Zheng saw it as a potential opportunity.

Later, at Zhang Yao Zuo's grand residence, Zhang Yao Zuo personally greeted his guests, subtly boasting of the Emperor's favor that had spared him from calamity. When Bao Zheng's entourage arrived, Zhang Yao Zuo's household staff deliberately attempted to intimidate them. Gongsun Ce sharply reminded Zhang Yao Zuo that Bao Zheng was an invited guest. Zhang Yao Zuo feigned forgetfulness and promptly welcomed Bao Zheng inside. Meanwhile, Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan presented a gift for registration.

When the registrar tried to take it, Mo Yan insisted on personally delivering it, boldly claiming it was a precious imperial manuscript from the Emperor and had to be stored in the treasury. Intimidated, the registrar reluctantly led them toward the rear courtyard. Zhan Zhao worried aloud about the authenticity of Gongsun Ce's forged calligraphy, but Mo Yan confidently dismissed his concerns, certain the registrar wouldn't detect the deception.

As they proceeded, the registrar boasted about the exclusive rear garden and its history. During the banquet, Zhang Yao Zuo raised a toast to Bao Zheng, praising his integrity and claiming that Bao Zheng's past impeachment had served as a valuable lesson on the "duties as an upright official." Despite the underlying sarcasm and disrespect, Bao Zheng calmly raised his cup in response.

At a grand banquet hosted by Zhang Yao Zuo, he attempted to humiliate Bao Zheng. Bao Zheng, however, had orchestrated a clever trap. Zhang Yao Zuo, in his arrogance, boasted that he could resolve any issues for Bao Zheng. Bao Zheng then brought up the Yellow River's repeated flooding, which had left many people homeless.

He explained that the Emperor had tasked Kaifeng City Office with raising disaster relief funds, and while they had all donated a year's salary, it was still insufficient. Bao Zheng directly challenged Zhang Yao Zuo, the wealthy Finance Commissioner, suggesting that donating 5,000 taels should not be a problem for someone so committed to helping the people. Caught off guard, Zhang Yao Zuo stammered, acknowledging it was "not a small amount."

Seizing the moment, Bao Zheng encouraged the other officials to follow Zhang Yao Zuo's example. With no dignified way to refuse, Zhang Yao Zuo was compelled to sign the donation list, and the other officials promptly followed, ensuring Bao Zheng and Gongsun Ce successfully secured the necessary relief funds. After the banquet, a servant led Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan towards the back of Zhang's residence, pointing out Official Zhang's study along the way.

As they passed it, Mo Yan feigned a sudden stomach ache, needing to go to the washroom. This was a ruse to sneak into the study and search for incriminating evidence against Zhang Yao Zuo. When the servant attempted to follow Mo Yan, Zhan Zhao intervened, emphasizing the impropriety of a man accompanying a woman to the washroom and reminding him to carefully carry the emperor's painting. Just then, Zhang Feng, Zhang Yao Zuo's godson, emerged, appearing drunk.

He greeted Zhan Zhao and, feigning an urgent need for the washroom himself, tried to take the imperial painting. Zhan Zhao subtly tripped him, and while helping him up, discreetly checked Zhang Feng for internal energy. Zhang Feng, infuriated by his fall, blamed a servant for the ruined painting. Mo Yan, returning from the study, quickly defused the situation by suggesting the painting was damaged by the wind, a story the other servants readily confirmed.

Mo Yan later confided in Zhan Zhao that her search of the study yielded no crucial evidence, as important documents would likely be well-hidden. Zhan Zhao noted that Zhang Feng's build was similar to the green-robed assailant, but he detected no internal energy. Mo Yan, however, suspected that Zhang Feng might be faking his lack of martial arts skill. Zhang Feng reported to his godfather, Zhang Yao Zuo, about the ransacked study, warning him to be cautious.

Zhang Yao Zuo, still fuming over the 5,000 tael donation, revealed that he had been an undercover agent for years, with Zhang Feng acting as his intermediary to a higher authority. Later, Zhang Feng, speaking with a subordinate, mused that if Zhang Yao Zuo needed to be eliminated, it should be done by "someone else's hand." He then instructed the subordinate to deliver a box, seemingly from Zhang Yao Zuo, to Xiao Chen.

Xiao Chen received the package and, upon opening it, discovered a bloody human head inside. Back at Kaifeng City Office, Zhan Zhao, seeing Mo Yan's disappointment from the fruitless search, affectionately promised to buy her pork trotters, making her feel cherished. He then apologized for having removed the arrow from her shoulder despite his earlier promise, to which Mo Yan replied that she didn't blame him. Zhan Zhao vowed never to lie to her again.

Their intimate moment was interrupted by Qin Wei Wei's arrival, causing a shy Mo Yan to quickly retreat. Later, Xiao Chen sternly confronted Mo Yan and Li Xu, chastising them for forgetting their house rules by becoming involved in official and political matters. He ordered them to immediately pack and return to Shuzhong. Li Xu pleaded for one more day, as it was Mid-Autumn Festival, to bid farewell to the Kaifeng City Office residents.

Xiao Chen conceded but insisted they depart by 5 AM the next day. Mo Yan then tried to persuade Xiao Chen to let her stay, defending the good people and officials in Kaifeng City Office against his long-held belief that government service was dangerous and corrupt, a belief rooted in their teacher's death by the government's hands. Xiao Chen accused her of being swayed by emotion, specifically by Zhan Zhao.

Mo Yan vehemently denied it, insisting she merely didn't want to leave the people there. Xiao Chen reminded her that their house rules meant staying away from all government affairs, including "love affairs," declaring that anyone who disobeyed would have to do so "over my dead body." Frustrated, Mo Yan stormed off, calling him unreasonable.

Bai Ying Yu confided in Mo Yan about her lingering sorrow and inability to let go of her father's murder, feeling like a "floating plant on water" without him. Mo Yan expressed regret for not bringing Zhang Yao Zuo to justice. Bai Ying Yu, understanding, urged her not to feel guilty, blaming the "injustice of the world." Mo Yan confessed her fear that Zhan Zhao would forget her after she returned to Shuzhong.

Bai Ying Yu suggested leaving him a keepsake so he would remember her. Meanwhile, Ning Jin, eager to find Mo Yan, went to a street stall making clay dolls where he discovered her attempting to craft one for Zhan Zhao. Ning Jin playfully criticized her creation as "hideous," snatching it and claiming he would keep it since "no one would want it." As they chatted, a group of orphan children stole Mo Yan's money pouch.

She and Ning Jin chased them, but Zhan Zhao intervened, already familiar with the children. They admitted to stealing for food to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Zhan Zhao, compassionate despite his strict demeanor, gave them food he had brought, and they returned Mo Yan's pouch. Mo Yan noticed his softheartedness. She then told Zhan Zhao of her impending departure and her desire to give him a gift as a memento, fearing he might forget her.

Ning Jin, fabricating an excuse about attending a palace feast, quickly left with the clay doll. Zhan Zhao, clearly saddened by her leaving, asked for her fragrant pouch, which she gave him. That evening, everyone at Kaifeng City Office celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival. Gongsun Ce presented Mo Yan with a bottle of medicine, specially prepared at Zhan Zhao's request to alleviate her pain. Mo Yan admired the "nice jade bottle," learning it was also a personal selection by Zhan Zhao.

As Mo Yan was about to toast him, Zhan Zhao was pulled away by other constables for drinks. They exchanged a meaningful glance across the festive gathering. Later, Zhan Zhao took Mo Yan for hangover soup. Mo Yan remarked on its delicious taste, expressing sadness that she wouldn't "get to drink this after I get back to Shuzhong." She then asked Zhan Zhao to look at the lanterns with her one last time.

Zhan Zhao carried her to a high rooftop, where they watched the sky lanterns. Mo Yan, holding his arm, expressed her deep enjoyment, and Zhan Zhao softly confirmed that he would miss her. Elsewhere, Ning Jin, distracted during the palace feast, accidentally dropped the clay doll Mo Yan had made into a lake while drinking alone. He frantically ordered his servants to retrieve it.

Bai Ying Yu sought out Xiao Chen, asking him to teach her how to kill so she could avenge her father. To test her resolve, Xiao Chen challenged her: if she could fill a large water tank with water by hand before dawn, he would teach her to use a dagger; otherwise, she must abandon her quest for revenge. Bai Ying Yu immediately began the arduous task.

Later, under the moonlight, Xiao Chen brought her food, insisting she eat to avoid collapsing from exhaustion. Overwhelmed with emotion, Bai Ying Yu began to cry, and Xiao Chen offered her a handkerchief. Zhang Feng informed Zhang Yao Zuo of Xiao Chen's presence in Kaifeng. Zhang Yao Zuo, recalling Li Xu's false imprisonment and fearing Xiao Chen's retaliation, ordered Zhang Feng to "get rid of him."

However, Zhang Feng secretly dispatched a subordinate to warn Xiao Chen of Zhang Yao Zuo's intent. After finishing his meal, Xiao Chen resumed his training but paused, sensing an intruder, and demanded them to "show yourself."

As Bai Ying Yu prepared to fetch more water after her meal, Xiao Chen sensed hidden figures in the courtyard and called them out. A group of assassins emerged, declaring they were sent by Official Zhang to take Xiao Chen's life. Xiao Chen swiftly dispatched several of them, then looked at a terrified Bai Ying Yu and asked if she could commit such an act.

Meanwhile, Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan, returning to Kaifeng City Office after their patrol, were also ambushed by assassins but Zhan Zhao protected Mo Yan and repelled the attackers. Upon their arrival at the office, they found Bao Zheng, Xiao Chen, and Bai Ying Yu already there. Bao Zheng informed Zhan Zhao that Miss Bai and Master Xiao had also been attacked.

Zhan Zhao quickly shielded Mo Yan from the sight of the assassins' bodies that Qin Wei Wei was preparing to move to the morgue. Mo Yan confirmed that she and Zhan Zhao had also encountered assassins on their patrol but were unharmed. One of Bao Zheng's subordinates reported that the assassins claimed to be acting on Official Zhang's orders. Zhan Zhao expressed disbelief, questioning why Zhang Yao Zuo would target them.

Observing the bodies, Zhan Zhao noticed a distinct dark flower embroidery on their night clothes. Mo Yan immediately recalled seeing the same embroidery on the clothing of the green-robed men they had previously encountered. Shortly after, news arrived that Zhang Yao Zuo himself was dead. To ensure a thorough investigation and prevent anyone involved from escaping, Bao Zheng immediately ordered a city-wide lockdown, prohibiting all entry and exit.

This development meant Xiao Chen and his companions could not leave Kaifeng, a fact that secretly pleased Zhan Zhao, Mo Yan, and Bai Ying Yu. The next morning, at breakfast, Li Xu questioned Xiao Chen about the previous night's assassination attempt, but Xiao Chen vaguely dismissed it as a minor incident common in the martial arts world.

Mo Yan was relieved they couldn't leave, remarking that Zhan Zhao had told her not to believe in superstitions regarding Zhang Yao Zuo's death, which was being rumored as divine wrath. Li Xu teased Mo Yan, implying her happiness was due to being able to stay with Zhan Zhao longer, causing Mo Yan to blush and leave to investigate the case.

At Zhang's residence, the death of Zhang Yao Zuo quickly fueled rumors of divine wrath across the city, with many celebrating his demise. Madam Zhang vehemently resisted the Kaifeng City Office's investigation, accusing them of murdering her husband and Bao Zheng of corruption. Zhan Zhao sternly reminded her not to obstruct official duties. Zhang Feng, feigning deep sorrow, approached Zhan Zhao, urging him to investigate Zhang Yao Zuo's death and dispel the rumors of heavenly punishment.

Zhan Zhao, reaffirming his disbelief in superstitions, promised a thorough investigation. After Zhang Feng left, Zhan Zhao instructed his subordinates to begin their work, but then paused, seemingly waiting for Mo Yan. Mo Yan soon arrived, noting Zhan Zhao's wait with a warm smile, and the two headed to the crime scene together. At the crime scene, Zhan Zhao suggested Mo Yan wait outside, concerned she might be frightened by the sight of Zhang Yao Zuo's body.

Mo Yan, however, displayed the jade pot Zhan Zhao had given her, confidently stating it made her brave enough to face anything, as she aspired to be a detective. Stepping inside, Zhan Zhao pointed out bloodstains at the doorway and, reaching the body, gently covered Mo Yan's eyes, urging her not to look. He instructed her to turn away, promising to describe the scene to her.

He noted leftover dishes and a wine cup on the table, indicating Zhang Yao Zuo was dining when the murderer arrived. Zhan Zhao described the charred remains of Zhang Yao Zuo, observing that while the body was severely burnt, the surrounding furniture remained largely intact, and, most strangely, Zhang Yao Zuo's feet were completely unharmed. He also pointed out a peculiar yellow substance beneath the body.

Mo Yan suggested it might be vomit, but Zhan Zhao dismissed the idea, stating an experienced killer would not react that way, and the substance didn't resemble vomit. Unable to resist her curiosity, Mo Yan turned to look at the gruesome scene, immediately feeling dizzy and nearly fainting. Zhan Zhao swiftly caught her, and Mo Yan, recovering, apologized for not heeding his warning.

At her father's tombstone, Bai Ying Yu mourned not being able to personally bring Zhang Yao Zuo to justice. With his death, she felt her mission was complete and, having no other ties, attempted to end her own life. Xiao Chen intervened just in time, stopping her before she collapsed into his arms from exhaustion. Back at the Kaifeng City Office, a recovered Mo Yan eagerly sought updates on the case from Qin Wei Wei.

Qin Wei Wei reported that Zhang Yao Zuo had a sharp weapon wound on his chest, and while his body surface was severely burned, the deeper layers showed no signs of charring, as if the fire only affected the exterior. Mo Yan immediately connected this to the "wick" phenomenon and, with Zhan Zhao, went to Gongsun Ce's study to research historical records. After diligent searching, Mo Yan presented her findings to Bao Zheng, Gongsun Ce, Zhan Zhao, and the others.

She revealed that Zhang Yao Zuo's unusual death, initially attributed to divine wrath, was a rare but explainable phenomenon. Citing a historical account from Official Gongsun's books about a concubine who spontaneously combusted, Mo Yan explained that a deeply intoxicated, obese individual, whose clothes were soaked in alcohol and then ignited, would essentially become a human candle. His clothing acted as a wick, and his abundant subcutaneous fat served as the wax, continuously fueling the fire until completely consumed.

This process produced heavy black smoke, blackening the ceiling and walls, while melted fat without a wick would collect on the floor without igniting, explaining the yellow substance. Crucially, because Zhang Yao Zuo was drunk and not wearing shoes or socks, his feet remained unburnt. The killer, expecting the entire room to burn, likely left in haste, inadvertently creating the "divine wrath" illusion.

Mo Yan demonstrated this with a roasted piglet, showing how the pig burned while its surrounding support remained untouched, proving the theory. Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan then questioned Zhang Feng about any suspicious activity at the residence the previous night. Zhang Feng, still feigning grief, claimed there was nothing unusual. After Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan departed, Zhang Feng's demeanor shifted. He confronted an injured assassin who had escaped from the earlier attack on Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan.

The assassin, fearful, assured Zhang Feng that his face was covered during the ambush, so Zhan Zhao wouldn't recognize him. Zhang Feng, satisfied, gave him an apple, then ordered him to take advantage of the Kaifeng City Office's preoccupation with the current case to transport a large sum of silver from the Feifeng Courtesan House.

He suggested killing everyone involved to ensure secrecy, and the assassin, vowing to complete the mission, accepted the task, knowing his family's fate depended on it. Zhang Feng reveled in the fear his subordinates held for him. At the Feifeng Courtesan House, Ning Jin and Li Xu were engaged in a gambling game, with Li Xu consistently winning.

Li Xu also spoke extensively about Mo Yan, describing her stubborn but expressive personality and how she always lost their childhood gambling games but never gave up. He playfully teased Ning Jin, urging him to learn better gambling skills if he wanted to impress Mo Yan. Their conversation was interrupted when a waiter asked them to move, as their private room had been reserved by three imposing, armed men.

Despite Ning Jin's initial annoyance, they conceded the room, noting the unusual and suspicious behavior. Later, after being moved to another room, Li Xu revealed he had secretly checked the guesthouse records and discovered that Zhang Feng was the most frequent visitor, connecting Zhang's family to the suspicious activities at the Feifeng Courtesan House. Ning Jin decided they needed to investigate further.

Shortly after, an assassin reported to Zhang Feng that a separate batch of goods had been successfully placed in the Feifeng Courtesan House. Zhang Feng, calling the assassin closer to whisper instructions, then mercilessly killed him to ensure his silence, shocking the unsuspecting subordinate. Despite solving the mystery of Zhang Yao Zuo's peculiar death, a breakthrough in identifying the killer remained elusive.

Mo Yan pondered the unusual circumstances: the victim's silent death despite the presence of guards, and his act of removing his shoes and socks. She theorized that Zhang Yao Zuo might have been attempting a feint against a killer who couldn't see, suggesting a highly skilled blind assailant. Zhan Zhao acknowledged her theory lacked concrete proof and left to check on the status of Zhang Yao Zuo's body at the morgue, promising to share any new leads.

Left alone, Mo Yan’s thoughts drifted to Xiao Chen, wondering if her Second Brother could have entered Zhang's residence unnoticed. Meanwhile, Xiao Chen paid his respects at a memorial for his fallen brothers, stating that they could now rest in peace with Zhang Yao Zuo's demise. Zhan Zhao then confronted Xiao Chen, directly accusing him of Zhang Yao Zuo's murder, citing the earlier assassination attempt on Xiao Chen by Zhang Yao Zuo's men.

Xiao Chen recounted how Zhang Yao Zuo had repeatedly tried to recruit him, but he consistently refused, preferring to remain independent. He also mentioned receiving a box containing a human head, which he understood as a warning. Xiao Chen explained that Zhang Yao Zuo, fearing exposure of his secret plan to recruit martial artists for an organization called "Anhua," had begun eliminating those aware of it.

Mo Yan, who had rejoined them, immediately connected this "Anhua" to the dark flower embroidery seen on the assassins' clothes, realizing it was their symbol of communication. Xiao Chen expressed his sorrow for the innocent martial artists who had died and his determination to prevent further bloodshed. Feeling he needed to speak with Zhan Zhao privately, Xiao Chen asked Mo Yan to leave.

Mo Yan, concerned about the accusations against her brother, reluctantly agreed only after Zhan Zhao promised not to arrest Xiao Chen until the truth was fully uncovered. After Mo Yan left, Xiao Chen directly confronted Zhan Zhao about his feelings for Mo Yan. He cautioned Zhan Zhao against allowing selfish desires to keep Mo Yan in the dangerous Kaifeng City Office, emphasizing that Mo Yan was still young and innocent, while Zhan Zhao, as a seasoned officer, should know better.

Xiao Chen reminded him of Zhan Zhao's unstable emotions during sword practice at Ningjin Manor, clearly discerning Zhan Zhao's emotional entanglement. Zhan Zhao, chastened, admitted his oversight and promised to reconsider the matter carefully. Later, Bai Ying Yu visited Xiao Chen, thanking him for saving her life and expressing her concern for his well-being after seeing Zhan Zhao leave his room.

She subtly referenced Zhang Yao Zuo's death being attributed to divine wrath, hinting at her suspicion of Xiao Chen's involvement. Xiao Chen, however, advised her to simply live and not to dwell on past foolish acts like attempting suicide, reminding her that self-harm was unfilial. Bai Ying Yu, acknowledging his words, returned her knife to him as a keepsake before taking her leave.

Zhan Zhao wrestled with Xiao Chen's words, concluding internally that for Mo Yan's safety, he should indeed let her leave Kaifeng. As Mo Yan was about to depart, making Zhan Zhao feel a profound sense of loss, she approached him for a final conversation. Their talk was abruptly interrupted by the loud, urgent beating of the drum of grievances at the Kaifeng City Office's main gate, revealing Bai Ying Yu as the one seeking justice.

Ning Jin and Li Xu ventured into the Feifeng Courtesan House at night, seeking to uncover the origins of the foreigners. They found a room that was latched from the inside but mysteriously empty. Ning Jin commented on how strange and miraculous it was. Li Xu, a skilled 'cloud-seeking hand', cleverly found a secret chamber within the room and opened its mechanism.

As Ning Jin urged him on, they discovered a second, even more curious secret chamber inside the first one. They quietly slipped inside. Later that night, Bao Zheng convened court after Bai Ying Yu sounded the drum, not for justice, but to confess to a grave sin. She admitted to murdering the corrupt official Zhang Yao Zuo, claiming it was an act of vengeance because Zhang Yao Zuo had killed her father.

She described killing him while he was drunk and then setting the fire. When Bao Zheng asked Zhan Zhao if the crime scene evidence matched her account, Zhan Zhao confirmed that it did. Bai Ying Yu steadfastly reiterated her confession, stating her father’s death was a deep personal loss she had to avenge.

Mo Yan, unable to believe Bai Ying Yu was truly guilty, attempted to intercede, but Bao Zheng firmly reminded her that the law must be upheld without emotional interference, ordering Bai Ying Yu to the dungeon to await her trial. Zhan Zhao, though sympathetic to Mo Yan, could do nothing. From the rooftop, Xiao Chen called out to Mo Yan, announcing that with the case seemingly concluded, it was time to return to Shuzhong.

Mo Yan questioned leaving so soon, expressing her disbelief in Bai Ying Yu’s guilt due to the suspicious clues. She pleaded with Xiao Chen to find a way to clear Bai Ying Yu's name. Xiao Chen, however, pointed out that if even the Kaifeng City Office had convicted her, and Bai Ying Yu herself insisted on her confession, there was nothing he could do.

He then handed Mo Yan a knife, which Bai Ying Yu had given him, asking her to return it to Bai Ying Yu. But Mo Yan realized it was impossible to bring a weapon into the jail. She went to Bai Ying Yu in the dungeon, asserting that Bai Ying Yu was lying, questioning how a woman without martial arts could possibly infiltrate Zhang Yao Zuo’s residence and kill him.

Bai Ying Yu maintained her confession, stating she had nothing to hide and acted for revenge. Zhan Zhao, present in the dungeon, discreetly advised Mo Yan to stop pressing the issue, as Bai Ying Yu seemed resolute. Ning Jin and Li Xu reported their findings from Feifeng Courtesan House to Bao Zheng, detailing the discovery of a secret chamber and seeing people in foreign attire involved in suspicious activities.

Ning Jin announced his and Li Xu's intention to revisit the place for a more thorough investigation. Bao Zheng thanked Ning Jin and Li Xu for their efforts in uncovering the corruption linked to Zhang Yao Zuo, promising to work with the Emperor to eradicate the masterminds. Li Xu clarified that his involvement was for Mo Yan, his sister, and boasted that only he could have opened the complex mechanisms of the secret chamber.

As Mo Yan's departure loomed, Zhan Zhao drank alone, visibly distressed. Gongsun Ce, observing his friend, advised Zhan Zhao on the nature of being constrained, comparing it to seeing only a square of sky from a confined space. He suggested that if the "person in the prison" (referring to Bai Ying Yu and perhaps Zhan Zhao's own feelings) did not wish to be free, then perhaps "letting go of those outside" (Mo Yan) would be the wiser choice.

Mo Yan, still determined, approached Zhan Zhao, explaining her desire to convince her Second Brother, Xiao Chen, to let her stay and continue investigating the case. Zhan Zhao, however, told her to leave, assuring her he would handle the case himself and that Official Bao would assign him more assistance. Mo Yan felt hurt, perceiving herself as just another 'manpower' to him.

To sever her ties completely and encourage her departure, Zhan Zhao delivered a harsh assessment, stating that her willful nature made her unsuitable for public service and the rigorous rules of the government. Tears welled in Mo Yan's eyes as she retorted that she had never truly desired to be a detective in Kaifeng City Office, having only come for her Fifth Brother’s case.

She invited him, with a hint of defiance, to visit her in Shuzhong if he ever missed her, promising to treat him well. She then declared she needed to rest. The next morning, Xiao Chen, Li Xu, and Mo Yan prepared to leave Kaifeng, bidding farewell to Bao Zheng and Gongsun Ce. Gongsun Ce gave Mo Yan a medicine flask and wished her well.

Qin Wei Wei presented Mo Yan with a carefully prepared meal of her favorite dishes, including mutton in lotus leaves, dried meat, and walnut flatbread, urging her to eat well and not get sick, and tearfully expressing her fondness. Mo Yan thanked them all, specifically noting Zhan Zhao's absence, which Qin Wei Wei attributed to his busy caseload. As they departed, Mo Yan repeatedly glanced back, hoping for a glimpse of Zhan Zhao, who watched her from a hidden spot.

Later, while dining in Kaifeng, Qin Wei Wei, recalling Mo Yan’s culinary skills, expressed how much she missed the girl, noting how only Mo Yan truly understood her cooking with Dahurian angelica and almonds. This thought, reinforcing Mo Yan's absence, made Zhan Zhao, deep in thought and missing Mo Yan, lose his appetite. Xiao Chen, Mo Yan, and Li Xu, along with Ning Jin, settled into an inn.

That evening, Mo Yan observed Xiao Chen returning to the city alone, deducing he was planning to break Bai Ying Yu out of jail. She pointed out that Xiao Chen had cunningly left his Bamboo Sword behind, creating a plausible excuse for his return if he were caught or discovered. Li Xu, realizing Mo Yan was also returning to Kaifeng, surmised she was doing so for Zhan Zhao. Ning Jin, overhearing this, became crestfallen.

Anticipating Xiao Chen’s return, Zhan Zhao waited outside Kaifeng City Office. He confronted Xiao Chen, questioning if he was merely returning for his forgotten sword, then pressed him on the severe consequences of a prison break and whether he truly wished to subject Bai Ying Yu to a life of perpetual wandering. Xiao Chen, resolute, engaged Zhan Zhao in a fierce but evenly matched duel.

Inside, Xiao Chen admitted to Bao Zheng that he was the one who killed Zhang Yao Zuo. Bai Ying Yu, upon hearing this, immediately tried to recant her earlier confession, insisting she was the killer. Mo Yan, who had just arrived at the scene and was initially barred entry before Bao Zheng allowed her in, then presented her evidence.

She pointed out that Zhang Yao Zuo’s charred body had unburnt feet because he hadn't been wearing shoes, contradicting Bai Ying Yu’s statement that he was going to bed. Furthermore, the presence of golden threads on his body indicated he was wearing an elaborate outer robe, not simple underwear, suggesting he wasn't preparing for bed but was dressed.

The footprint on the door frame and the nearby discarded shoes indicated Zhang Yao Zuo was attempting to escape and silence his footsteps when he was killed. Mo Yan concluded that Bai Ying Yu’s confession was a lie to protect Xiao Chen; she had burned the body to destroy evidence for him, not for revenge, but out of love.

Bai Ying Yu then admitted her actions were indeed out of love for Xiao Chen, who, in turn, expressed that he would regret it if he didn't return for her. Bao Zheng then formally charged Bai Ying Yu with destroying the crime scene and obstructing the investigation, to which she pleaded guilty. He then charged Xiao Chen with murder and attempted prison break. Xiao Chen also pleaded guilty. Bao Zheng initially sentenced Xiao Chen to execution the following day.

Mo Yan desperately pleaded for leniency, arguing that Zhang Yao Zuo, a truly wicked man, deserved to be punished by the law. Even Zhan Zhao, breaking from his usual strict adherence to law, implored Bao Zheng to consider the mitigating circumstances and show mercy, stating that Xiao Chen’s crime, while serious, was justifiable. Bao Zheng, however, remained firm. Just then, an officer reported that the person previously bribed to confess to Zhang Yao Zuo’s embezzlement had committed suicide.

The Emperor, learning of Zhang Yao Zuo's massive corruption, then ordered a lighter sentence for Xiao Chen, influencing the outcome. Consequently, Bao Zheng revised the sentence, exiling both Xiao Chen for murder and Bai Ying Yu for destroying evidence, to 2000 li away. Mo Yan, Zhan Zhao, and the others gathered to see off Xiao Chen and Bai Ying Yu. Mo Yan asked Xiao Chen if he regretted his choices, but he responded that he was content with his decision.

She then urged him to take good care of Bai Ying Yu on their journey. In turn, Xiao Chen entrusted Mo Yan to Zhan Zhao’s care, warning him that he would "pay" if anything happened to her. Zhan Zhao solemnly vowed to protect Mo Yan with his life.

An official declaration then confirmed that Xiao Chen and Bai Ying Yu, though guilty of obstructing justice, had been spared execution by the Emperor's mercy and were instead sentenced to exile 2000 li away. Mo Yan remained at the Kaifeng City Office and was well looked after by everyone.

One evening, Qin Wei Wei brought her supper, affectionately remarking on how thin Mo Yan looked, and tried to prepare more food, but Mo Yan assured her the current meal was excellent. As the other officers, feigning sleepiness, discreetly left, Zhan Zhao approached Mo Yan, who was still upset with him. She tried to retreat to her room with her food, but Zhan Zhao stopped her. He stumbled through an attempt to explain his actions, admitting he had overthought things.

Mo Yan cut him off, demanding a proper apology. He sincerely apologized for chasing her away, hurting her feelings, making decisions for her, and, most importantly, for not following his own heart. Mo Yan, her anger appeased, forgave him. Driven to uncover the secrets of the foreigners at Feifeng Courtesan House, Li Xu ventured alone into the inner secret chamber. Ning Jin and Wu Zi Chu waited anxiously outside.

Ning Jin expressed his worry about Li Xu being in there so long and recalled Li Xu's instruction not to enter, as only Li Xu could open the specific "box" they were after, and they might hinder him. When Li Xu finally emerged, he was injured, having been hit by a hidden weapon. He revealed that Zhang Feng was indeed the mysterious green-robed man and that Feifeng Courtesan House was their secret base.

Li Xu had witnessed Zhang Feng conducting a secret transaction with individuals wearing "odd clothing." Despite his injuries, he had managed to seize a crucial box, which he almost forgot to hand over, stating he risked his life for it. Before he could explain what the box contained, Li Xu collapsed.

When Mo Yan was a child, her village suffered a plague, and she was wrongly accused of being a jinx. Soldiers locked her in a room with infected villagers and set it ablaze. Fortunately, her master and Xiao Chen happened to pass by and rescued her. However, Mo Yan inhaled a large amount of corpse poison, leaving her with a recurring illness that causes her to collapse whenever she sees a dead body.

Before departing, Xiao Chen conveyed this to Zhan Zhao, emphasizing that he must take good care of Mo Yan while she remains at Kaifeng City Office. Mo Yan later found her letter of resignation burned by Zhan Zhao, indicating she could stay. She thanked him, noting, "This isn't like you at all. You've changed." Ning Jin then arrived with a secret imperial order, which he read aloud.

The Emperor expressed satisfaction with Kaifeng City Office's investigation into the Jiangnan corruption case but stressed the need to secretly recover the substantial stolen money without alarming anyone. Ning Jin presented Bao Zheng with a personal token from the Emperor. Zhan Zhao interpreted the secret order, realizing that if Kaifeng City Office's clandestine investigation was discovered, the Emperor would not intervene, potentially leaving them accused of "handling cases above the authority" and "not obeying the law."

Mo Yan questioned why the highly visible Kaifeng City Office was entrusted with such a secret mission. Ning Jin explained that Bao Zheng was the only official the Emperor truly trusted in the entire imperial court. Bao Zheng accepted the weighty responsibility, vowing to uncover the truth for the Emperor and the Song empire. Bao Zheng inquired about the Feifeng Courtesan House. Ning Jin revealed that Zhang Feng was indeed the leader of Anhua, the mysterious green-robed man.

He also confirmed that there was a secret chamber in the courtesan house's basement, serving as Anhua's secret hideout. Ning Jin mentioned that Li Xu had retrieved a box from this secret chamber, which contained items Zhang Feng used for transactions. Mo Yan, concerned for her brother, questioned why Li Xu was involved, to which Bao Zheng admitted he had personally requested Li Xu's assistance.

When Ning Jin offered to bring the box to Kaifeng City Office, Bao Zheng advised against it, citing the presence of "secret forces" observing Kaifeng City Office and deeming Ning Jin's residence a safer location. Mo Yan suggested that she and Zhan Zhao should visit Zhang Feng's residence first, believing he would hold crucial clues.

After Mo Yan and Zhan Zhao left, Ning Jin privately informed Bao Zheng that Li Xu had been injured while retrieving the box, having been hit by Zhang Feng's hidden weapon, and Gongsun Ce was treating him. When Mo Yan and Zhan Zhao arrived at Zhang's residence, Zhang Yao Zuo's madam angrily rebuffed them. A servant discreetly informed them that Zhang Feng was Zhang Yao Zuo's adopted son and not his biological child.

Despite tight security, Zhang Feng had a volatile temper and was not particularly close to Zhang Yao Zuo. Crucially, on the night of Zhang Yao Zuo's death, Zhang Feng had "summoned many of the guards" from the residence, creating an opportunity for the murderer. Mo Yan and Zhan Zhao exchanged knowing glances, concluding that Zhang Feng had intentionally cleared the way for Xiao Chen to assassinate Zhang Yao Zuo, effectively using him as a "pawn."

Mo Yan suspected Zhang Feng's motive was financial, leading to a deadly family feud. Zhan Zhao began to suggest reporting their findings to Bao Zheng, but Mo Yan anticipated his words, finishing his sentence and reaffirming that she truly understood him. News spread that Duan Qing Yi, known as the "best heroine," had arrived in Kaifeng. Mo Yan was curious about her. Later, Duan Qing Yi appeared at Kaifeng City Office, directly addressing Zhan Zhao.

She told him that Zhang Feng was the very person he was investigating. She then reminded him of an "eight-year-old promise" involving a jade pendant, stating that when he saw it, he would owe her an "unconditional favor." Duan Qing Yi asked him to meet her at the Feifeng Courtesan House's Chunyu Room the following noon to discuss her request. Mo Yan, witnessing this exchange, grew visibly jealous.

She confronted Zhan Zhao, asking if she was merely "a little lady" to him, and if he only called her "cute" because she wasn't beautiful. Zhan Zhao patiently explained that he owed Duan Qing Yi an unconditional favor. Meanwhile, Li Xu's injury from Zhang Feng's hidden weapon caused him to suffer from a poison similar to Mo Yan's childhood illness. Gongsun Ce had treated him and advised him to rest.

The retrieved box proved to be impenetrable, even for Li Xu, the "Thieving Hand." He deduced that it was crafted by his old rival, Tan Zhang, an inheritor of the Mo family's machinery. They realized that finding Tan Zhang was crucial to unlocking the secrets of the stolen money. To avoid worrying Mo Yan, Li Xu, Ning Jin, and Gongsun Ce agreed to keep Li Xu's injury and the difficulty of opening the box a secret from her.

That evening, Qin Weiwei told Zhan Zhao that Mo Yan had prepared his favorite carp dish. Mo Yan attempted to speak with Zhan Zhao, but Ning Jin arrived unexpectedly, eager to drink and praising the fish. Annoyed by the interruption, Mo Yan abruptly left for her room, claiming she was tired. Zhan Zhao and Ning Jin then playfully argued over who got to eat the fish Mo Yan had made.

Later that night, Mo Yan, unable to sleep, asked Zhan Zhao if he was still going to Feifeng Courtesan House and insisted on joining him, declaring she was going to investigate the case, not with him. Zhan Zhao firmly refused, stating it was "not a place for ladies" and that it was "an order" for her to stay. Undeterred, Mo Yan secretly resolved to go.

Meanwhile, Zhang Feng was enraged by the theft of the box, which he valued at "over 60 carts of treasure." Despite his calm demeanor, his subordinates were terrified. They deduced that Li Xu, known as the "Thieving Hand," was the thief and that the box might be at Prince Ning's residence due to Ning Jin's recent frequent visits to Kaifeng City Office. Zhang Feng threatened his subordinates with death if they failed to retrieve it.

At Feifeng Courtesan House, Zhan Zhao encountered Zhang Feng, who immediately grew suspicious of his presence in a courtesan house. Duan Qing Yi, disguised as a courtesan named Ying, smoothly intervened, claiming Zhan Zhao was her guest. In the Chunyu Room, Duan Qing Yi revealed that her senior, Tan Zhang, an inheritor of the Mo family's machinery, had been abducted by Zhang Feng six months prior and forced to build Feifeng Courtesan House.

She believed Tan Zhang was held in a secret chamber within the courtesan house, and the entrance was in their current room, identifiable by a unique "coin symbol" Tan Zhang incorporated into all his mechanisms. She sought Zhan Zhao's help to rescue her senior. As she playfully tried to return the jade pendant, she asked if he was afraid of his "little lady" getting jealous. Just then, Zhang Feng unexpectedly burst in.

Zhan Zhao quickly embraced Duan Qing Yi to maintain their disguise. Mo Yan, who had followed Zhan Zhao, witnessed this. Outside, Mo Yan angrily confronted Zhan Zhao about the embrace and Duan Qing Yi's "indecent outfit." Zhan Zhao explained that it was "an emergency" and "to deceive the public" while they searched for a hidden passage to the secret chamber where Tan Zhang was held.

He refused Mo Yan's demand to join the investigation, arguing that her presence would "attract attention," and sent her back, promising to return soon. Zhan Zhao returned around "5 AM," much to Mo Yan's anger. She accused him of lying and being hypocritical after his previous advice on propriety during investigations.

Zhan Zhao reiterated his explanation about Tan Zhang and Duan Qing Yi saving his life and owing them a favor, clarifying that Tan Zhang was not only Duan Qing Yi's senior but also her husband, and the jade pendant was a symbol of this favor. Mo Yan, relieved that there was "nothing between" Zhan Zhao and Duan Qing Yi beyond "old acquaintances," eventually accepted his explanation and dismissed him for the night, still a little sulky.

The next day, six ministries jointly impeached Ning Jin for "extravagance," leading the Emperor to order a search of his manor. Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan quickly decided to move the box from Ning Jin's residence to prevent it from being discovered by the Emperor's search party. It was then that Mo Yan learned Li Xu was injured. She confronted Li Xu, accusing him of lying about being fine.

Despite his protests, she insisted he return to Shuzhong for his safety, revealing her maturity. Li Xu, touched, agreed to leave but playfully revealed he had "long recovered" and had merely been feigning injury to have Ning Jin wait on him. As Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan transported the box, Zhang Feng's men ambushed them, separating Mo Yan from Zhan Zhao and capturing her along with the box in a carriage.

Zhan Zhao, searching frantically, discovered Mo Yan's signature pills scattered on the ground, indicating her path. Zhang Feng, holding Mo Yan captive, mocked her "despicable" tactic of dropping pills, revealing that his men had already intercepted Ning Jin and Kaifeng City Office, leaving her without allies. Meanwhile, Li Xu's crow returned to him with one of Mo Yan's pills, signaling her danger. Li Xu immediately sent the crow to notify Ning Jin.

However, Ning Jin was blocked by imperial guards who cited the Emperor's decree and the allegations of "extravagance," preventing him from leaving his manor to help. Undeterred, Li Xu rushed to intercept Zhang Feng's carriage. Mo Yan, seeing his injury, pleaded with him to leave, but Li Xu refused, vowing to protect her. He fought Zhang Feng, but despite his bravery, he was outmatched. Just as he was struggling, Zhan Zhao arrived with reinforcements and apprehended Zhang Feng.

Mo Yan rushed to Li Xu, relieved to see him seemingly fine, but suddenly, Li Xu coughed up blood and collapsed. Zhan Zhao furiously demanded the antidote from Zhang Feng. Zhang Feng, in a fit of deranged laughter, confessed that because Gongsun Ce had previously neutralized all his poisons, he had developed a new, "unsolvable" poison. Li Xu bled profusely from his mouth, and Mo Yan tearfully begged him to hold on, but Li Xu, holding her hand, succumbed to the poison and died.

Zhang Feng, cornered, goaded Zhan Zhao to kill him, demanding, "Officer Zhan, I'll give you one last chance. Kill me right now." Despite his rage, Zhan Zhao, adhering strictly to the Laws of Song, did not yield. Zhang Feng then taunted, "I still couldn't hide this from you." Beside them, Li Xu coughed up blood, with Mo Yan holding him, tears streaming down her face. Li Xu urged, "Fifth Brother, hang in there.

We'll look for Official Gongsun once we reach Kaifeng City Office." He then added, "Listen to me. I won't be able to return to Shuzhong." He revealed he had saved money for her dowry with Bao Zheng, advising her to retrieve it quickly lest "it will be bad if he takes it for himself." With his last breaths, he told her, "My little sister is all grown up now. You must take good care of yourself."

Mo Yan, refusing to believe her beloved Fifth Brother was truly leaving, cried out, "Fifth Brother, don't deceive me! Please don't deceive me! Please don't die! Let's drop the act! Please wake up!" Li Xu then passed away in her arms.

Zhan Zhao tried to offer comfort, but Mo Yan, still clinging to Li Xu, asked him to take Zhang Feng to Kaifeng City Office first, saying, "I wish to stay alone with my brother for a moment," and assured him, "I'm fine. Zhan Zhao, you don't need to mind me." Zhan Zhao reluctantly complied, taking Zhang Feng away. Mo Yan then slowly carried Li Xu's lifeless body back to Kaifeng City Office.

Wu Zi Chu wanted to help, but Ning Jin stopped him, understanding Mo Yan's need to endure this journey alone, remarking, "She can travel this path by herself." As they reached the office, Mo Yan thought, "He didn't need to die in the first place."

In the grand hall of Kaifeng City Office, Bao Zheng presided over Zhang Feng's interrogation, accusing him of heinous crimes, including establishing the Anhua assassination organization within Feifeng Courtesan House's secret chamber, demanding a full confession. Zhang Feng feigned ignorance, claiming his visits to Feifeng Courtesan House were merely "to drink and flirt with the courtesans. Is that illegal?"

He brazenly suggested Bao Zheng was also interested in such places and even implicated Zhan Zhao, saying, "Officer Zhan is a regular customer of Feifeng Courtesan House as well. We even drank together back then. Do you still remember?" Bao Zheng, angered by Zhang Feng's insolence, ordered ten strokes. Mo Yan, overcome with a murderous impulse, was restrained by Zhan Zhao. Zhang Feng remained defiant, mocking, "I only killed Li Xu. I've eliminated a public scourge."

Bao Zheng declared that under the Laws of Song, Zhang Feng's disregard for human life and the murder of Li Xu warranted immediate execution. Zhang Feng continued to taunt, suggesting Bao Zheng wouldn't dare execute him because the stolen money remained unrecovered, and challenged him to use the "Tiger Head Guillotine." Unfazed, Bao Zheng ordered the "Dog Head Guillotine" instead, which finally rattled Zhang Feng. Panicked, he cried, "Wait! I confess!"

He agreed to disclose Tan Zhang's captivity location and the secret chamber's map, requesting paper and pen. Bao Zheng ordered Zhang Feng's imprisonment, with the trial to resume another day. Zhan Zhao approached Mo Yan, who remained sorrowful, attempting to console her, "Seven, I know you're very upset. You just need to take good care of yourself. Leave the rest to me, okay?" Mo Yan, feigning strength, replied, "I'm doing pretty well. I'm not upset at all.

I will take good care of myself." She then urged Zhan Zhao not to inform her Second Brother of Li Xu's death, fearing, "If he knows about it, I'm sure he'll kill everyone who was involved." Meanwhile, outside the Emperor's chambers, court officials sought an audience to impeach Bao Zheng for his private investigation. Ning Jin forced his way in, demanding an explanation from the Emperor for obstructing him, which he believed led to Li Xu's death.

The Emperor explained that he had acted to protect Ning Jin, as several officials had jointly memorialized complaints about his extravagant spending and suspected misuse of treasury funds, a ploy by the mastermind to divert him. The Emperor had seized this opportunity to "ensure your safety." Ning Jin retorted, "Ensure my safety? But Li Xu is dead!" The Emperor acknowledged his own selfish desires and offered to posthumously honor Li Xu by burying him under the title of Imperial Bodyguard.

The protesting officials continued to demand the case be transferred to the Ministry of Justice, accusing Bao Zheng of being "too unruly" and "deceiving" the Emperor, and specifically highlighting Mo Yan as "the little sister of The Six Evils of Shuzhong," raising concerns about the integrity of Kaifeng City Office. The Emperor then implicitly instructed Ning Jin on how to handle the situation, noting the officials' unrest and stating, "You know what to do."

Deeply grieving, Mo Yan had lost her appetite. Ning Jin brought her "hairy crabs from Zhuangyuan Restaurant," boasting that he had "selected all of them personally," ensuring each had crab roe. He shared an anecdote about overeating crabs and getting sick, advising her to "take care of your body." Mo Yan ate mechanically without a word, and Ning Jin eventually left, telling her to "rest early."

Later, Zhan Zhao, having learned Mo Yan hadn't eaten, prepared a bowl of chicken noodle soup for her. Finding her eating the crabs, he started to leave, saying, "I made some noodles for you since you didn't have your dinner. Since you've taken your dinner, I'll return now." Mo Yan stopped him, claiming, "I haven't had my fill yet," and eagerly ate the noodles, complimenting the taste and her favorite "chicken drumstick."

Zhan Zhao then told her to rest, confirming that Bao Zheng had approved the investigation into Feifeng Courtesan House, saying, "In the future, investigating Feifeng Courtesan House will be our priority. You don't need to worry anymore." That night, Zhan Zhao prepared to secretly investigate Feifeng Courtesan House, but Ning Jin intercepted him in his carriage. Ning Jin announced his intention to join, stating he had dismissed Wu Zi Chu and that they were "going to investigate Feifeng Courtesan House."

Zhan Zhao voiced concern about Ning Jin's safety due to his lack of martial arts, but Ning Jin insisted his intelligence was crucial, asserting, "Without me as your cover, you'll only alert them when you go inside." He declared his motivation, "for that brat's and Li Xu's sake, I need to search Feifeng Courtesan House no matter what." Just then, Mo Yan appeared, also insisting on joining.

Ning Jin tried to stop her, but Mo Yan stated, "I came to the Kaifeng City Office because of Fifth Brother in the first place. Now, I'm trying to find out the truth for Fifth Brother's sake. If I don't find out the mastermind, I will never give up." Zhan Zhao agreed they had no right to stop her, and Ning Jin relented.

Ning Jin entered Feifeng Courtesan House through the front, making a grand show of booking "the entire second floor" for himself to drink, clearing out other patrons and staff. Meanwhile, Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan used their agility to secretly enter the second floor, where they met Qing Yi.

Qing Yi expressed doubt about the map Zhang Feng had provided, noting her senior had designed the secret chamber to be "very complex" and capable of trapping hundreds, and without a proper map, "we have no idea how to get down." Mo Yan emphasized the urgency, arguing, "If the members of Anhua knew that Zhang Feng was captured, it would be disadvantageous for us to give them time. And, your senior will be in huge danger."

Ning Jin led them to the secret chamber, where Mo Yan observed that Zhang Feng's map showed four entrances, making it look like a maze, and suspected Zhang Feng was "hiding something from us. He didn't tell us the entire truth." To expedite their search for Tan Zhang, they decided to split up.

Mo Yan gave Ning Jin some "Ruochong San" (Nymph Powder), explaining her brother had taught her to make it, and that "If someone inhales it, they'll descend into a coma immediately. We can use this during dangerous moments," but advised him to run if necessary. While exploring alone, Ning Jin nearly stumbled upon Anhua assassins, but Mo Yan pulled him to safety. She realized, "All of these paths are connected.

This is a huge maze," and deduced, "They lured us in so that they could kill us easier. We need to be careful." She promised, "I'll protect you." In another part of the maze, Qing Yi swiftly defeated two assassins. Zhan Zhao, in an open area, was ambushed by assassins but fought them off, with Qing Yi joining him to finish them. Zhan Zhao realized Zhang Feng had deliberately led them into the maze, intending to trap and eliminate them.

He also concluded that since the Anhua organization was still active despite Zhang Feng's capture, there was a hidden mastermind behind everything. He urged Qing Yi that they "need to meet up with Seven and His Highness as soon as possible." Zhan Zhao and Qing Yi soon found a weakened Tan Zhang in a stone room, and shortly after, reunited with Mo Yan and Ning Jin. As assassins fired arrows from outside, they took refuge in a room.

Zhan Zhao prepared to fight their way out, but Mo Yan discovered critical clues about the stolen money on a wall. She hastily scanned the information as the stone chamber began to collapse, quickly realizing the corruption case was linked to Liao. At the last possible moment, Zhan Zhao grabbed Mo Yan and led everyone out of the collapsing secret chamber to safety. After recovering, Tan Zhang opened the treasure chest Li Xu had stolen. Inside was a "Jianxian Rock."

Tan Zhang explained that when crushed into powder and inhaled, it "will numb your pain receptors and render you painless. It'll also make you excited." Mo Yan questioned its connection to the stolen money, but Tan Zhang was unsure. Just then, a report came: Zhang Feng had feigned death and taken Qin Wei Wei, the coroner, hostage when she came to examine him. Zhan Zhao rushed to the prison, ordering Ma Han to remain calm.

Inside, Zhang Feng held a broken piece of porcelain to Qin Wei Wei's neck. Zhan Zhao attempted to negotiate, but Qin Wei Wei fiercely rejected the idea, telling Zhan Zhao, "you mustn't negotiate with a person like him." With no escape route, Zhang Feng grew increasingly desperate and frenzied, challenging Zhan Zhao to a deadly duel of speed, stating, "I want to compete with you to see which of us is faster." As Zhan Zhao prepared to draw his Juque Sword, Zhang Feng made a sudden, brutal move toward Qin Wei Wei.

Zhan Zhao confronted Zhang Feng, who, in a fit of rage, declared his life had been over since he left the Imperial City and challenged Zhan Zhao to a speed contest. Zhang Feng then defiantly stated that the Kaifeng City Office could "dream on" if they hoped to investigate the case. In a swift move, Zhan Zhao pierced Zhang Feng's heart with his sword. Simultaneously, Zhang Feng, using a porcelain shard, fatally cut Qin Wei Wei’s artery.

As Qin Wei Wei gasped her last breaths, she whispered that she couldn't bear to leave Ma Han, whose anguished cries echoed from the dungeon. The sight of their bodies caused Mo Yan to collapse. Zhan Zhao spent the night by Mo Yan's side, watching over her.

When she awoke, Mo Yan expressed concern that Zhan Zhao might be troubled by Zhang Feng's death, but he asserted that while Zhang Feng deserved to die, his punishment should have been carried out according to the Laws of Song. A wave of impeachments against Bao Zheng by numerous court officials led to Ning Jin arriving at the Kaifeng City Office with an imperial decree. Mo Yan attempted to intercede with Ning Jin, but Bao Zheng stopped her.

The decree stripped Bao Zheng of his position as Kaifeng City Office head, demoting him to Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Revenue, and ordered him to hand over all evidence related to the corruption case. Zhan Zhao was also relieved of his duties as a fourth-rank Imperial Sworded Bodyguard and temporarily detained in the dungeon of the Kaifeng City Office to await trial. Mo Yan, distraught that the truth was so close, knelt on the ground.

She wanted to confront the Emperor, feeling that they were always one step behind due to rigid rules and lamenting that they should have killed Zhang Feng when he was caught to prevent further deaths. However, Bao Zheng explained that Zhang Feng's death meant the loss of crucial leads, making their inability to solve the case a failure of the Kaifeng City Office. He declared that he was responsible for the demotion.

Worried about Zhan Zhao’s indefinite imprisonment, Bao Zheng decided to seek an audience with the Emperor. During the Empress's birthday celebrations, a defiant Bao Zheng presented his official robes, accepting his demotion but firmly stating his refusal to abandon the investigation or surrender any evidence. He declared he would see the case through.

The Emperor, enraged, smashed a tea bowl and personally instructed Ning Jin to lead men to the Kaifeng City Office to retrieve all physical evidence and transfer it to the Ministry of Justice. Meanwhile, Ma Han, preparing food for Zhan Zhao, was lost in bittersweet memories of Qin Wei Wei, his eyes welling with tears. Mo Yan noticed his profound sadness. Later, Mo Yan visited Zhan Zhao in the dungeon.

He reassured her, saying the imperial decree was fine and urged her not to be upset. Mo Yan, however, felt frustrated that adherence to official rules consistently put them a step behind, lamenting that they should have killed Zhang Feng when he was caught to prevent further deaths. Zhan Zhao then shared his personal story, explaining how he transitioned from a wandering martial artist to an Imperial Sworded Bodyguard.

Years ago, he rescued a family of four from mountain bandits, and the young son expressed admiration for Zhan Zhao, wanting to be a hero like him. Zhan Zhao left the family at a village, but upon returning days later, he found the entire village massacred by the very same bandits he had spared, and the young boy had been drowned in the river, leaving Zhan Zhao with a deep fear of water.

Consumed by anger, Zhan Zhao single-handedly annihilated the bandit sect, but recognized that his private vengeance could not undo the tragedy. It was this realization, coupled with Bao Zheng’s guidance, that led him to join the Kaifeng City Office. He sought to use the power of the law to uphold justice, believing that only by following regulations and bringing the true masterminds to justice could lasting peace be achieved.

Mo Yan, understanding his resolve, declared her commitment to pursuing the investigation. As Ning Jin prepared to collect the evidence, Mo Yan intervened, insisting that the Jianxian Rock remain at the Kaifeng City Office. Ning Jin argued that taking the rock was precisely to prevent the Kaifeng City Office from becoming a target. Mo Yan proposed that the Kaifeng City Office personally escort the Jianxian Rock to the Ministry of Justice.

When Ning Jin hesitated, citing the danger, Ma Han stepped forward, offering to be the escort and declaring his intent to avenge Qin Wei Wei and act as bait. Ning Jin, seeing their determination, reluctantly left without the evidence. Back at the palace, the Emperor was furious at Ning Jin’s failure to bring back the evidence and ordered him confined to his residence.

Qing Yi visited Zhan Zhao in his cell, informing him of Mo Yan’s plan to use the Jianxian Rock as bait to lure out the culprits. She also mentioned that Official Bao seemed to have his own separate plan. Worried for Mo Yan, Zhan Zhao seized an opportunity to escape. Ma Han openly transported the Jianxian Rock, serving as the bait, with Mo Yan providing hidden protection.

Zhan Zhao suddenly appeared, causing Mo Yan concern that his escape would worsen his situation. Soon after, a group of armed men ambushed Ma Han, stealing the Jianxian Rock. Thanks to his armor, Ma Han sustained only superficial wounds. Mo Yan and Zhan Zhao quickly pursued the robbers to a dye workshop. Mo Yan, with her keen eye, immediately identified some of the assailants, and Zhan Zhao recognized them as notorious figures from various martial arts sects.

Realizing they were exposed, the men attacked. After a fierce skirmish, Mo Yan managed to capture one of the leaders. She pressed him for the mastermind’s identity, and the man, fearing for his life, agreed to lead them to the Baiyi Pavilion for a meeting with the mastermind. Before they departed, Zhan Zhao discreetly left a note, instructing Qing Yi to inform Official Bao to come quickly to the Baiyi Pavilion.

Qing Yi delivered Zhan Zhao's note to Bao Zheng, who promptly mobilized the Kaifeng City Office to converge on the Baiyi Pavilion. Inside, Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan found themselves surrounded. The captured assailant handed the Jianxian Rock to a figure in the shadows. Mo Yan noticed a distinctive jade ring on the mastermind's hand. Zhan Zhao fought off the attackers. Just then, Bao Zheng and his forces arrived, sealing off the Baiyi Pavilion.

As Mo Yan urged Bao Zheng to search the premises, Grand Preceptor Pang emerged from within, a corrupt official whom Bao Zheng had long sought to expose but without sufficient evidence. Grand Preceptor Pang calmly stated he was at the pavilion to take precepts when he encountered the "villain" who tried to threaten him, leading his men to kill the intruder. He then "discovered" the Jianxian Rock on the body.

Mo Yan immediately recognized the jade ring on Grand Preceptor Pang's hand, confirming his identity as the mastermind. To further obfuscate his involvement and eliminate the evidence, Grand Preceptor Pang dramatically smashed the Jianxian Rock in front of everyone, declaring it a harmful item that should be destroyed for the sake of the people. Grand Preceptor Pang made a grand exit. Mo Yan, enraged by his impunity, tried to pursue and kill him to avenge Li Xu.

Zhan Zhao restrained her, reminding her not to succumb to personal vengeance. Overwhelmed by exhaustion and grief, Mo Yan fainted. Bao Zheng later visited Mo Yan, revealing that his demotion and argument with the Emperor were all part of an elaborate plan to lure out the true mastermind. He explained that Grand Preceptor Pang, fearing exposure, had manipulated the Liao delegation into proposing marriage to Princess Zhao Yu during the Empress's birthday celebrations.

Unwilling to marry into Liao, Princess Zhao Yu had subsequently fled the palace. Bao Zheng tasked Zhan Zhao with immediately finding the missing princess. At Qin Wei Wei's memorial, a somber atmosphere prevailed. Deeply moved, Mo Yan vowed to become a dedicated detective, committed to protecting the innocent. Zhan Zhao stood silently behind her, offering his unwavering support.

As Qing Yi and her husband prepared to depart, Qing Yi subtly commented on Zhan Zhao’s feelings for Mo Yan, advising him not to miss his chance. When Mo Yan asked when they would meet again, Qing Yi playfully remarked that she would return for their wedding, causing Mo Yan to blush and smile shyly. Later, Mo Yan painstakingly reassembled the shattered Jianxian Rock, discovering that it was hollow inside. Zhan Zhao theorized that Grand Preceptor Pang must have hidden something valuable within, which he had likely already retrieved before publicly destroying the rock.

Mo Yan was on patrol when Princess Zhao Yu, disguised as a man, had her money pouch stolen. Mo Yan chased after and retrieved the pouch, immediately noticing the exquisite and valuable royal items inside, which she felt shouldn't be circulating among commoners. Cornered, Zhao Yu quickly denied ownership of the pouch to hide her identity and slipped away.

Soon after, Zhan Zhao appeared, having thoughtfully brought Mo Yan her favorite buns from a restaurant on the west side of the city. While they were eating, Mo Yan shared her suspicion that the person she encountered earlier was actually the princess. Mo Yan's mood soured slightly when Zhan Zhao revealed a surprising familiarity with the princess's habits, including her frequent visits to gambling houses, opera houses, and academies while disguised.

Zhan Zhao wanted to explain, but their conversation was cut short when a messenger arrived, summoning them to Bao Zheng's study. In Bao Zheng’s study, Mo Yan confidently asserted that the individual she met on the street was indeed the princess. She detailed her observations: the princess's high-quality male attire, a faint, rare agarwood scent, the lingering marks of removed jewelry, and a distinct, uncommon type of rouge.

Bao Zheng expressed his dismay at a princess frequenting the marketplace in such an undignified manner. Concerned about her safety, Zhan Zhao suggested that Princess Zhao Yu, known to be close to Prince Ning since childhood, might have sought refuge at his manor. Mo Yan, her jealousy evident, urged Zhan Zhao to find her, remarking that he was the only one who truly understood her.

Bao Zheng quickly interjected, clarifying that Zhan Zhao's familiarity stemmed from years of repeatedly catching the princess after she frequently snuck out of the palace, and that she only ever listened to him. Reassured, Mo Yan’s spirits lifted. Bao Zheng then presented Mo Yan with a sum of money, explaining it was the dowry Li Xu had left for her.

Mo Yan, feeling she had no immediate use for it, asked Bao Zheng to keep it safe until she found a person she could truly entrust herself to, someone who could bring her peace and stay by her side for the rest of her life.

Just as Zhan Zhao was about to explain his history with Princess Zhao Yu to Mo Yan, Prince Ning interrupted, revealing that Zhan Zhao and Zhao Yu had been childhood sweethearts and even playfully engaged to be married. Zhan Zhao quickly dismissed this as mere childish antics. Knowing of Princess Zhao Yu's close bond with Prince Ning, Zhan Zhao tried to ascertain her whereabouts from him.

Mo Yan stepped in, offering to fulfill three of Prince Ning’s requests in exchange for the information. Prince Ning’s first request was for Mo Yan to buy a long list of snacks, which were actually all Mo Yan's favorite treats. Zhan Zhao accompanied Mo Yan as she bought the items. Despite her cravings, Mo Yan steadfastly refused to taste any of the snacks, wary of being indebted to Prince Ning and asserting that Kaifeng City Office maintained impartiality.

Amused by her stubbornness, Prince Ning eventually relented and agreed to lead them to the princess. However, just as they were about to depart, a subordinate rushed in with alarming news: Princess Zhao Yu had been kidnapped on her way to Kaifeng City Office, with the bandits demanding a ransom of 100,000 taels of gold for her safe return.

Zhan Zhao immediately set off for the outskirts of the city, while Prince Ning hurried to Kaifeng City Office to arrange for reinforcements and the ransom. Unbeknownst to Zhan Zhao, Mo Yan discreetly followed him. In the forest, Zhao Yu, tied to a tree, was overjoyed to see Zhan Zhao arrive. Zhan Zhao swiftly defeated the bandits. As Zhan Zhao engaged the remaining assailants, Mo Yan seized the opportunity, stealthily throwing a dagger that severed Zhao Yu's ropes, freeing her.

Zhao Yu then dramatically feigned weakness and collapsed, intentionally leaning into Zhan Zhao. Displeased by this display, Mo Yan quickly intervened, taking Zhao Yu’s arm and supporting her herself when Zhan Zhao shifted away. Back at Prince Ning’s manor, Mo Yan again prevented Zhao Yu from embracing Zhan Zhao. An indignant Zhao Yu lashed out, deeming Mo Yan unworthy to speak to her. Prince Ning reprimanded Zhao Yu for her headstrong behavior.

Mo Yan, however, directly accused Zhao Yu of staging her own kidnapping, citing several undeniable inconsistencies: only the Emperor, Kaifeng City Office, and Prince Ning knew of her secret departure, making it impossible for bandits to know her identity or location. She also pointed out Zhao Yu’s immaculately clean shoes, suggesting she traveled by carriage, and the suspiciously loose ropes used to tie her. Unable to counter Mo Yan's evidence, Zhao Yu still tried to cling to Zhan Zhao.

Mo Yan pulled Zhan Zhao away, insisting they return to report to Bao Zheng. Caught between the two women, Zhan Zhao appealed to Prince Ning for assistance. Prince Ning acknowledged that Zhao Yu vehemently opposed her impending marriage to Liao and understood her desperation, but admitted his own helplessness in the matter. Mo Yan firmly told Zhan Zhao to distance himself from Princess Zhao Yu’s affairs. Suddenly, a distressed shout from Prince Ning echoed from a nearby room.

Rushing back, Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan found Zhao Yu seemingly hanged. The sight overwhelmed Mo Yan, who collapsed unconscious. However, Zhao Yu then stirred, revealing the hanging was merely a cruel prank. Giving Zhao Yu a sharp, disapproving look, Zhan Zhao carefully carried the unconscious Mo Yan back to Kaifeng City Office. Gongsun Ce attended to Mo Yan, who was suffering from a high fever.

He later informed Zhan Zhao that Mo Yan’s pulse was weak and her condition, a long-standing affliction of corpse poison, had significantly worsened since her arrival at Kaifeng. He warned that her illness would only progress, potentially endangering her life, and that the only cure was the incredibly rare seven-leaf sophora flower, a treasure found exclusively within the Imperial Palace. Zhan Zhao reported Princess Zhao Yu’s safe return to Bao Zheng, then immediately went to tend to Mo Yan.

As he comforted her, Mo Yan’s grip on his hand tightened, and she gradually found a sense of peace. Meanwhile, Prince Ning severely chastised Zhao Yu for her dangerous prank, which had terrified Mo Yan. Zhao Yu felt unjustly targeted, perceiving that both Zhan Zhao and Prince Ning were siding with Mo Yan.

Later, as Zhan Zhao escorted Zhao Yu back to the palace, the Emperor, pleased with his successful retrieval of the princess, offered to reinstate Zhan Zhao to his former post and further tasked him with escorting Zhao Yu to Liao, ensuring her safety until she was settled. Seizing this opportunity, Zhan Zhao proposed a condition: he would undertake the mission if the Emperor granted him the seven-leaf sophora flower, emphasizing its importance over his official position.

The Emperor, surprised, asked Zhan Zhao to consider his request and return with a final decision. In another part of the palace, the Empress was overseeing the preparations for Zhao Yu’s dowry. A defiant Zhao Yu, determined to avoid marriage to Yelv Hongji, angrily swept the dowry items to the floor, stating she would rather die. The Empress tried to console her, but Zhao Yu retorted by accusing her father of weakness, which prompted the Empress to slap her.

Zhan Zhao later found a sorrowful Zhao Yu, sitting alone outside. She apologized for scaring Mo Yan and asked Zhan Zhao to accompany her to a tea house to listen to stories, a familiar request from their childhood. He reluctantly agreed. Mo Yan, upon regaining consciousness, was disheartened to find Zhan Zhao absent. Prince Ning, trying to cheer her up, took her out for a stroll. Coincidentally, they encountered Zhan Zhao and Zhao Yu together.

Concerned about Mo Yan’s potential misunderstanding, Zhan Zhao gently took Mo Yan's hand and invited her to join them for the storytelling. Mo Yan's heart swelled with happiness, but Zhao Yu, seeing their interaction, felt a pang of jealousy and immediately demanded that Zhan Zhao escort her back to the palace. That night, Mo Yan was tormented by a recurring nightmare of the great fire and charred bodies, causing her to fall from her bed.

Zhan Zhao, hearing the commotion, entered her room, finding her distressed on the floor. Embarrassed by her vulnerability, Mo Yan quickly urged him to leave. Zhan Zhao quietly retreated to the courtyard, his mind burdened by Gongsun Ce's grim prognosis of Mo Yan's worsening condition. He then made a firm decision: he would escort Princess Zhao Yu to Liao, if it meant securing the seven-leaf sophora flower that could save Mo Yan.

However, Princess Zhao Yu suddenly appeared before the Emperor, boldly declaring that she not only wanted Zhan Zhao to escort her to Liao but also to remain there with her forever.

Zhan Zhao knelt before the Emperor, volunteering to escort Princess Zhao Yu to Liao for her wedding alliance. Zhao Yu then appeared, kneeling and asking the Emperor not only to allow Zhan Zhao to escort her but also to permit him to remain in Liao with her forever. Feeling a sense of guilt towards Zhao Yu, the Emperor readily agreed. News of this decision soon reached the Kaifeng City Office.

While Bao Zheng felt a pang of reluctance, he recognized that Zhan Zhao's journey to Liao presented a crucial opportunity. He could continue investigating the embezzlement case and potentially recover the stolen money and account ledgers. Gongsun Ce inquired if they should inform Zhan Zhao about the Gyrfalcon, a long-term Song informant in Liao who had previously helped acquire the Jianxian Rock.

Considering the Gyrfalcon's safety, Bao Zheng decided he would discreetly inform the Gyrfalcon of Zhan Zhao's arrival in Liao, allowing the informant to decide the appropriate time and method to make contact. Gongsun Ce agreed, affirming Zhan Zhao's calm, logical, and wise nature, making him a trustworthy individual for such a sensitive task. He also expressed sympathy, acknowledging the hardship this mission would bring Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan.

Later, Zhan Zhao handed a seven-leaf sophora flower to Gongsun Ce, requesting him to quickly prepare medicine for Mo Yan. He also pleaded with Gongsun Ce and Bao Zheng not to reveal the flower's purpose to Mo Yan. However, Gongsun Ce advised Zhan Zhao to tell Mo Yan about his impending departure soon, so she could prepare herself.

Zhan Zhao then met with Bao Zheng, who formally entrusted him with the mission to discreetly assist the Gyrfalcon in recovering the embezzled funds and account books in Liao. Zhan Zhao understood that his main role would be the princess's bodyguard, while secretly aiding the informant. Bao Zheng further explained that due to the Gyrfalcon's safety and years of covert work, his identity would not be revealed to Zhan Zhao, but he would make contact when necessary.

Zhan Zhao assured Bao Zheng he understood. That evening, Mo Yan was joyfully picking jasmine flowers, planning to make pastries and tea, when Zhan Zhao approached. He conveyed the gravity of his mission to Liao, explaining that he would be escorting Princess Zhao Yu and might have to remain there for the rest of his life, perhaps never returning. Mo Yan, ever optimistic, immediately declared her intention to accompany him, fearing he would be lonely alone.

She envisioned them keeping each other company daily. Mo Yan then suggested Zhan Zhao tell Bao Zheng that the princess desired both of them to escort her, and she would simply blend into the entourage. She was confident that once in Liao, the princess couldn't send her back. Zhan Zhao, however, stated the matter required discussion and promised to give her an answer the following morning.

Mo Yan then went to Bao Zheng, requesting the dowry her brother, Li Xu, had left for her. Bao Zheng, misinterpreting her intentions, believed she was considering Ning Jin as her future husband. He expressed that while Li Xu wished for her happiness, he hoped she would choose carefully and not let her brother's death influence her decision. Mo Yan quickly denied her interest in Ning Jin but refrained from naming the man she truly loved.

That night, Mo Yan delightedly counted her abundant dowry. Meanwhile, Zhan Zhao, seeing Mo Yan's room lights extinguished, decided not to disturb her. He spent the night sitting in the courtyard, troubled by Xiao Chen's earlier words about whether he could truly protect Mo Yan, concluding that bringing her to the desolate and dangerous lands of Liao would only expose her to greater peril. He resolved not to let his own desires endanger her.

The next morning, Mo Yan found Zhan Zhao practicing his sword in the courtyard. She excitedly showed him her dowry, outlining her plans to buy a house and land in Liao so they could live comfortably. However, Zhan Zhao's expression turned serious. He told her that while Bao Zheng had agreed to her accompanying him, he personally felt it was inappropriate.

When Mo Yan pressed for a reason, Zhan Zhao bluntly stated that Liao was a harsh and barbaric land unsuitable for her. He added that her martial arts skills were poor and her actions reckless, implying she would be of no use to him there. Mo Yan, recalling similar dismissive remarks from Zhan Zhao in the past, became infuriated, believing he was merely creating excuses to abandon her. She angrily turned and went back inside.

Determined, Mo Yan sought out Ning Jin, asking him to intercede with Princess Zhao Yu on her behalf. Ning Jin, however, felt that Zhao Yu's wilful nature made it unlikely she would agree. He then suggested an alternative: finding Zhan Zhao a wife from the Liao envoy. He described a general's daughter, a skilled, beautiful woman from a prestigious family, who was currently seeking a husband in Song. Mo Yan vehemently disagreed with the idea.

Ning Jin then challenged her to a bet: if Zhan Zhao married the Liao woman, Mo Yan would have to marry him. Though initially reluctant, Mo Yan accepted, eager to prove Zhan Zhao's unwavering loyalty to her. At lunchtime, a guard informed Zhan Zhao that Ning Jin urgently requested his presence at the Prince Ning's manor. Mo Yan, suspecting Ning Jin's intentions, secretly followed Zhan Zhao.

At the manor, Ning Jin offered Zhan Zhao Liao tea mixed with horse milk and began subtly probing his marital intentions. Ning Jin then introduced the idea of a marriage alliance with the Liao general's daughter. Zhan Zhao, asserting that his dangerous life serving the government made marriage unwise, initially refused. However, Ning Jin pressed the issue, fabricating a story that he had already accepted on Zhan Zhao's behalf and that refusing now would make him appear untrustworthy.

Reluctantly, to save Ning Jin's reputation, Zhan Zhao agreed to an arranged meeting the following day. Mo Yan, who had been secretly listening, was distraught. Upon returning to Kaifeng, Zhan Zhao attempted to explain the situation to Mo Yan, but she refused to open her door, declaring that their relationship would end once he left for Liao and that she was not important enough for him to explain himself to.

Through the closed door, Mo Yan sternly warned Zhan Zhao not to make promises to anyone easily, and he vowed he would not. The next morning, Mo Yan decided she couldn't let Ning Jin force Zhan Zhao into marriage. She intercepted the actual Liao general's daughter at the manor gates, mischievously claiming to also be there for an arranged meeting.

She informed the Liao woman that in Song, men often took multiple wives, and if they both married Zhan Zhao, she would be the fourteenth and the Liao woman the fifteenth concubine. Horrified, the Liao woman feigned a sudden stomachache and fled, leaving her veil behind. Mo Yan then donned the veil and, disguised as the Liao woman, met Zhan Zhao.

Unaware of her identity, Zhan Zhao politely rejected her advances, explaining that he already had a woman in his heart. He then affectionately described his beloved, "Seven," as the smartest, kindest, and bravest person he knew, albeit prone to gluttony and occasional tantrums, adding, "she is one-of-a-kind in my heart." Mo Yan, still veiled, asked if he would take his beloved to Liao.

Zhan Zhao replied that he couldn't, as Liao was a foreign land, and her dream was to savor all of Song's delicacies. He did not wish for her to endure hardship. Mo Yan pressed, asking what if she didn't mind the hardship, to which Zhan Zhao replied, "I mind." He then sincerely apologized, taking full responsibility for the misunderstanding, and promised to explain everything to Ning Jin before departing.

As Zhan Zhao left, Ning Jin confronted him, asking about the marriage, to which Zhan Zhao replied he had unfortunately disappointed him. Ning Jin then saw Mo Yan emerge, still wearing the veil, and realized the deception. Mo Yan playfully boasted that she knew Zhan Zhao wouldn't agree, and Ning Jin, realizing he had been tricked, jokingly chased an attendant with a broom. Mo Yan's demeanor towards Zhan Zhao noticeably softened after the incident.

Zhan Zhao, surprised by her acceptance of not going to Liao, asked if she was no longer upset. Mo Yan confirmed she understood he was acting out of consideration for her. As the Flower Lantern Festival approached, Zhan Zhao invited her to attend. However, Mo Yan's face swelled due to an erupting wisdom tooth, making her self-conscious and reluctant to be seen. Zhan Zhao, sensing her distress, returned with a delicate veil he had purchased for her.

Donning the veil, Mo Yan joined Zhan Zhao by the waterside to watch the enchanting fireworks. Zhan Zhao gave her the medicine prepared by Gongsun Ce, assuring her it would prevent further flare-ups of her illness, and urged her to take good care of herself. Mo Yan then confessed that her true wish was not merely to taste all of Song's cuisine, but to accompany him to Liao.

Zhan Zhao then recognized her as the woman he had met behind the white tent that day, which Mo Yan confirmed. She reiterated her unwavering resolve, stating that as long as she was with him, no hardship would deter her. Looking deeply into her eyes, Zhan Zhao asked if she truly believed he was the one she could entrust her life to. Mo Yan's resolute "Yes" deeply moved him.

He asked if she would spend her life with him until they grew old. She again confirmed with a "Yes." Overcome with emotion, Zhan Zhao tenderly kissed her forehead, and Mo Yan, through her veil, kissed his cheek in return. Zhan Zhao then promised that once Princess Zhao Yu was wed in Liao, they would settle down and marry there. Mo Yan was overjoyed.

With Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan now planning to go to Liao, Ning Jin decided to volunteer as well, reasoning that his presence would safeguard Zhao Yu's feelings and uphold the dignity of Song. The Emperor, pleased with Ning Jin's newfound maturity, readily granted his request. Before their departure, Bao Zheng privately cautioned Zhan Zhao to be wary of Grand Preceptor Pang, who had been a strong proponent of the marriage alliance, suspecting his hidden motives.

He advised Zhan Zhao to remain calm and avoid inciting any trouble. As they prepared to leave, Bao Zheng and Gongsun Ce bid farewell to Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan, urging them to take care of themselves and each other, and to send word of their safe arrival. Mo Yan playfully recited the rules Zhan Zhao had laid out for her on the journey, emphasizing that he was responsible for her care, much to everyone's amusement.

Bao Zheng then wistfully remarked that the Kaifeng City Office would return to its usual quiet without them. The escort party traveled day and night, eventually reaching Bazhou, the final stop within Song territory before crossing into Liao. Li Hu, the prefect of Bazhou and son-in-law to Grand Preceptor Pang, greeted them. Li Hu informed Ning Jin that the Emperor had specifically instructed his wife, Madam Pang, to provide Princess Zhao Yu with further etiquette lessons before she entered Liao.

Zhao Yu, however, was immediately defiant, questioning Madam Pang's authority to instruct her. Ning Jin gently reminded Zhao Yu that Madam Pang, as Li Hu's wife, was technically her aunt. Ning Jin then suggested they postpone the etiquette discussion until after dinner. At dinner, Zhao Yu found the food unappetizing, complaining that the cuisine at Jingyang City Office, being on the Song-Liao border, was unfamiliar and unpalatable.

She refused to eat and, noticing Mo Yan sitting at the table, demanded that she, as a mere personal bodyguard, not dine with them. In response, Zhan Zhao quietly set down his chopsticks, stating that since the princess's room was ready, he and Mo Yan would go patrol outside, leaving Ning Jin and Zhao Yu to their meal. This visibly displeased Zhao Yu.

A guard then announced that Madam Pang was waiting for Zhao Yu in the hall for the etiquette lesson. Zhao Yu, annoyed by the interruption, initially told the guard to make Madam Pang wait, but then changed her mind and left to meet her. Concerned that Zhao Yu hadn't eaten and disliked the local food, Ning Jin went to ask Li Hu to prepare dishes more to her taste.

Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan remained in the dining hall, awaiting the princess's return. When Zhao Yu met Madam Pang, she was impatient, demanding that the lessons proceed quickly as she was tired. Madam Pang dismissed her attendants and tried to be sympathetic, claiming she was merely following the Emperor's orders and that she empathized with the princess. Zhao Yu, however, saw through this.

She pointed out that Madam Pang had chosen the wrong person to curry favor with, as Zhao Yu would soon be married into Liao and unable to assist Li Hu with his career advancement, suggesting Madam Pang should approach Ning Jin instead. Madam Pang conceded that her husband's career was ultimately for the Emperor to decide, but then lamented that she and Zhao Yu were "fellow sufferers" in their circumstances.

While waiting for Princess Zhao Yu, Mo Yan and Zhan Zhao discussed the investigation of stolen funds. Mo Yan, lamenting that she had no right to eat when the princess hadn't, reflected on Zhao Yu's predicament of being married off to Liao, expressing deep sympathy for her. Zhan Zhao acknowledged that individuals of the imperial family often have no control over their own destinies.

Mo Yan then questioned Zhan Zhao about their plans to investigate the whereabouts of the stolen money in Liao. Zhan Zhao reiterated their primary duty was to protect the princess, and subtly implied he did not want Mo Yan involved in the investigation. He then asked Mo Yan if Official Bao had assigned her any secret missions, to which she replied no. Mo Yan insisted they would have ample time for investigation after the princess's wedding.

She also pointed out the disrespect shown by Prefect Li's wife, Madam Pang, who, despite being Grand Preceptor Pang's daughter and the princess's aunt, did not personally invite Zhao Yu to her residence. Mo Yan found it curious that Grand Preceptor Pang, a cunning man, would marry his youngest daughter to Li Hu, the prefect of Jinyang, when his other daughters held high positions.

Zhan Zhao clarified that the Emperor himself had betrothed Madam Pang to Prefect Li, recognizing Li Hu's talent. Zhan Zhao suspected Grand Preceptor Pang, being cunning and crafty, had ulterior motives for arranging Zhao Yu's marriage to Liao, and Mo Yan wondered if it was connected to the stolen money. Mo Yan lamented Zhao Yu's lack of choice in marrying for the sake of the Song empire, and Zhan Zhao gently comforted her by stroking her hair, understanding her sadness.

Later, Madam Pang visited Zhao Yu, sharing her own longing for her family and homeland, separated by thousands of miles, and her sorrow at never truly being understood or able to share her past experiences. She spoke of her own arranged marriage, instigated by the Emperor's admiration for her husband, and how she was reminded of herself when she saw Zhao Yu.

She then subtly encouraged Zhao Yu to escape, saying Zhao Yu was too young to suffer a lifetime of loneliness like her. As night fell, Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan, along with Ning Jin who arrived with dinner, discovered Zhao Yu was missing from her room.

Mo Yan feared Zhao Yu had attempted to flee her marriage, prompting Zhan Zhao to worry about her safety in the bustling, diverse city of Jinyang, a mixed bag of people due to the cross-border market. Ning Jin immediately ordered a search. Zhao Yu, contemplating her escape from the back gate, was met by Madam Pang.

While Madam Pang ostensibly advised her to accept her fate, she deliberately opened the gate, allowing Zhao Yu to slip away upon hearing the approaching guards. Madam Pang then falsely told the searching guards that she had not seen the princess. To aid the search, Li Hu closed the cross-border market in Jinyang, claiming his foster sister was missing, which angered Liao merchants.

Some openly speculated that the Song princess, meant to marry the Liao crown prince, was the one missing, perhaps fleeing due to her perceived ugliness. Ning Jin furiously defended the Song empire against the Liao merchants' insults, but Zhan Zhao intervened, calmly suggesting that Li Hu's public charade might distract Zhao Yu and buy them time. Zhan Zhao then proposed they split up to cover more ground, with him taking one route and Mo Yan accompanying Ning Jin.

Mo Yan uncharacteristically chose to go with Ning Jin, stating they would be faster, while Ning Jin boasted of his own cleverness and speed compared to Zhan Zhao. Meanwhile, Zhao Yu, having found and donned a Liao woman's attire left by Xiao Guan Yin, managed to evade the searchers. She witnessed Liao men bullying a Song bookseller. When she tried to intervene, Yelv Hongji, who was traveling incognito, stepped in and skillfully subdued the aggressors.

Yelv Hongji, carrying a portrait, then asked Zhao Yu if she had seen the woman in the picture, noting she wore the same outfit. Zhao Yu, after confirming his honorable intentions and his genuine affection for the woman in the portrait whom he called his beloved and promising not to force her if she didn't reciprocate, revealed that she found the clothes in a discarded basket and had not seen the person.

She concluded that the woman in the portrait must be Yelv Hongji's beloved. With limited funds, Zhao Yu tried to purchase the cheapest horse available. Mo Yan and Ning Jin eventually located her at the horse market. Ning Jin attempted to reason with Zhao Yu, urging her to return for the sake of their lives and the diplomatic consequences. Zhao Yu defiantly stated she would not marry a stranger she did not love, regardless of his qualities.

Mo Yan, deeply empathetic to Zhao Yu’s feelings, offered her money to buy a faster horse and make her escape, jokingly attributing it to "promoting friendship between the two countries." However, Zhan Zhao arrived with soldiers, insisting Zhao Yu return. He harshly reprimanded Mo Yan for putting individual feelings above national affairs, arguing about the dangers of her escape and the implications for the Song people.

Mo Yan, feeling that her concerns for Zhao Yu’s personal happiness were being dismissed, retorted that forcing someone into a loveless marriage was more painful than death. When Zhan Zhao raised his voice, Mo Yan was deeply hurt, questioning if he would also send her to Liao if she were the one to be married. Meanwhile, Xiao Guan Yin, having switched into Song attire, found Yelv Hongji and confessed her feelings to him, but he gave no definitive answer.

Zhao Yu finally arrived in Liao, but her reception was notably cold, with no one to greet her outside the camp. The masked Yelv Pusanu, the cold but trusted deputy envoy to Yelv Chongguang, the Ruler of the South, watched her from the city walls. Yelv Pusanu informed Zhao Yu that Yelv Hongji was hosting a welcoming banquet and demanded her attendance.

Zhao Yu, exhausted, initially resisted, but Yelv Pusanu abruptly left after delivering the message, stating his role was only to inform. Moments later, she was horrified to witness him summarily execute a captured deserter. At the welcoming banquet, Empress Dowager Xiao immediately began making disrespectful comments about Song and its contributions, asking if the Song princess felt at home with the Song porcelains that were tributes to Liao.

While Zhao Yu silently fumed, Xiao Guan Yin performed an impressive dance for Yelv Hongji. Afterward, Xiao Guan Yin provocatively challenged Zhao Yu to a dance, proposing that the winner would receive a prize from the loser. Empress Dowager Xiao supported Xiao Guan Yin's challenge. Ning Jin, unaware that Zhao Yu had never learned to dance (as her little royal uncle often took her out to play soccer instead of attending dance lessons), accepted on her behalf.

To save Zhao Yu from embarrassment, Mo Yan volunteered to compete. Mo Yan playfully boasted of her dancing skills, claiming she was "second to none in Shuzhong," but her dance was an unconventional and simple performance, which Yelv Hongji charitably described as courageous but "not quite suitable for the occasion" and "unsatisfactory," resulting in her losing to Xiao Guan Yin. As her prize, Xiao Guan Yin took Zhao Yu's beautiful jade hairpin.

To reclaim the hairpin, Ning Jin challenged Xiao Guan Yin's brother, Xiao Xin, to a literary competition, the theme being "love." Xiao Xin added a condition: if he won, Mo Yan would become his personal servant. Ning Jin struggled initially, seemingly lost in thought, but Mo Yan's urgent whispers and presence inspired him. Xiao Xin recited his ornate poem first. Then Ning Jin, looking at Mo Yan, delivered a deeply emotional and eloquent poem.

Yelv Hongji, impressed by the genuine emotion, declared Ning Jin the winner. Xiao Guan Yin, reluctant to return the hairpin, deliberately dropped and shattered it on the floor, offering only a single cup of wine as an apology. When Zhao Yu indignantly tried to confront her, Empress Dowager Xiao intervened by offering Zhao Yu a toast, further pressing her.

When Ning Jin offered to drink on Zhao Yu's behalf, stating the princess suffered from a stomach illness and couldn't drink, Xiao Guan Yin mocked Song women for being petty. Empress Dowager Xiao continued the insult, suggesting that Zhao Yu's inability to hold her liquor made her worthless and questioning how she could marry into Liao.

Infuriated, Zhao Yu smashed her wine cup, declared that she would not marry, stating that Yelv Hongji already had a beloved, and then, pointing directly at Zhan Zhao, announced that he was her own heart's desire.

During a banquet, Queen Dowager Xiao berated Zhao Yu for attempting to publicly annul her arranged marriage to Yelv Hongji, accusing her of disrespecting the alliance between Song and Liao. Zhao Yu countered by revealing that Yelv Hongji had disguised himself as a Song citizen in Bazhou, searching for a beloved woman, and accused him of hypocrisy.

Yelv Hongji vehemently denied this, claiming he had never left his post, which deeply saddened Xiao Guan Yin, who secretly harbored feelings for him. Zhao Yu, finding Yelv Hongji to be a coward, reiterated her demand to break off the engagement. To de-escalate the tension, Ning Jin explained that Zhao Yu's wish to annul the marriage was a fit of pique.

She had felt humiliated by the lack of welcome upon entering Liao territory and by the queen's heirloom hairpin being broken during the banquet. He clarified that her claim of affection for Zhan Zhao was merely a desperate attempt to deflect, as she mistakenly believed Yelv Hongji already had a lover. Zhan Zhao confirmed that he, too, had a fiancée.

Yelv Hongji then stated that he did not mind Zhao Yu's feelings and was willing to build a relationship with her over time. Xiao Guan Yin mocked Song, suggesting that its weakness forced Zhao Yu into a marriage alliance for stability. Infuriated by the insult, Mo Yan challenged them to a martial arts contest. Zhan Zhao stepped forward, proposing that the Gyrfalcon be the prize for victory, and pledged Song's Ten-Thousand-Year Turtle if he lost.

Yelv Hongji agreed, and Yelv Pusanu, a masked Deputy Commissioner who had suffered facial burns in a fire, accepted the challenge on behalf of Liao, proposing an archery contest. Mo Yan protested, arguing that archery was a Liao strength, but Zhan Zhao readily agreed to the archery contest and invited Yelv Pusanu to shoot first. The challenge involved shooting the wicks of 16 floating sky lanterns, extinguishing their flames to make them fall, with each participant having eight arrows.

Both displayed exceptional skill, felling several lanterns. On his final shot, Zhan Zhao’s bowstring broke. Seeing this, Yelv Pusanu intentionally shot wide, resulting in a draw. Xiao Guan Yin angrily criticized Yelv Pusanu, known as Liao's top warrior, for his performance, but Yelv Hongji, impressed by Zhan Zhao's skill, still gifted him the Gyrfalcon. To further cement goodwill, Ning Jin offered the Ten-Thousand-Year Turtle to Yelv Hongji, who suggested it would be more beneficial for Queen Dowager Xiao's longevity.

Later that night, after Zhao Yu had retired, Zhan Zhao found Mo Yan and apologized for yelling at her earlier, promising never to do so again. Mo Yan, appeased, prepared fried tofu and, with rice provided by the Song maids, shared a meal with Zhan Zhao. As they shared the meal, Mo Yan gazed at the moon, confessing a pang of homesickness, which Zhan Zhao gently acknowledged. Mo Yan then questioned Zhan Zhao about intentionally losing the archery match.

He explained that in Liao, it was crucial to restrain their capabilities and maintain a careful balance to avoid unnecessary conflict. Mo Yan found his reasoning and demeanor charming. She then playfully probed his feelings for Princess Zhao Yu, to which Zhan Zhao earnestly declared that his heart and eyes were solely for Mo Yan. As they leaned in closer, Zhao Yu suddenly appeared, asking Zhan Zhao to accompany her to deliver the Ten-Thousand-Year Turtle to Queen Dowager Xiao.

Meanwhile, Yelv Hongji questioned Yelv Pusanu during his night patrol, asking why he had intentionally held back during the archery contest. Yelv Pusanu insisted he was simply outmatched, denying any intentional concession. As Zhan Zhao escorted Zhao Yu to deliver the turtle, Zhao Yu reflected on her life as a princess. She confessed that while she appeared to have everything, she lacked true freedom.

The recent events had led her to decide to embrace her role as a true princess, fulfilling her duties to Song. She asked Zhan Zhao if he regretted accompanying her to Liao, and he replied that it was his official duty, and he had no regrets. Zhao Yu then acknowledged that her declared feelings for Zhan Zhao were not true love, admitting that she had only viewed him as an "exquisite accessory" and desired him simply because he was unattainable.

She recognized that in just two days, she was no longer the same person, understanding that some things, like freedom and Zhan Zhao, might not be meant for her. Zhan Zhao saw Zhao Yu safely back to her tent. Elsewhere, Ning Jin approached Mo Yan and confessed that the poem he recited at the banquet was written for her. Taken aback and at a loss for words, Mo Yan did not know how to respond.

Ning Jin, visibly flustered, quickly dismissed his words, telling her not to take him seriously before making a hasty exit. Mo Yan, understanding his intentions, smiled. Later, Ning Jin was found drinking alone by a river. Zhan Zhao joined him. Ning Jin lamented his perceived inferiority to Zhan Zhao, wondering why Mo Yan chose him. Zhan Zhao humbly stated that he was burdened by responsibilities, unlike Ning Jin, who lived a more carefree life.

Ning Jin jokingly retorted that apart from his free spirit, he couldn't compare to Zhan Zhao in any other aspect. Zhan Zhao expressed his admiration for Ning Jin, a prince who was willing to assist the Kaifeng City Office in investigating corruption. Ning Jin urged Zhan Zhao to treat Mo Yan well, warning that he would "snatch her back" if he failed to do so. Zhan Zhao promised to protect Mo Yan with his life.

Ning Jin also revealed that he had released the Gyrfalcon. The following morning, Queen Dowager Xiao was found deceased. Xiao Guan Yin immediately suspected foul play, believing the Ten-Thousand-Year Turtle gifted by Zhao Yu was poisoned. Yelv Hongji convened everyone in the grand tent for questioning. Yelv Chongguang, though still recovering from a cough, arrived and advised Yelv Hongji to handle the matter cautiously to avoid damaging the relations between Song and Liao.

Yelv Pusanu reported that Queen Dowager Xiao had indeed been poisoned by the turtle. Mo Yan vehemently denied Song's involvement, insisting that Song acted honorably and would not resort to such despicable acts, especially given their purpose for peace and marriage. Zhao Yu, to prove their sincerity, volunteered to remain as a hostage. Yelv Hongji granted them two hours to investigate.

Zhan Zhao instructed Wu Zi Chu to stay outside with Mo Yan, knowing she couldn't tolerate dead bodies, while he and Ning Jin entered Queen Dowager Xiao's tent to investigate. In the tent where Zhao Yu was held, Xiao Guan Yin, consumed by grief and rage, attempted to whip Zhao Yu but was swiftly stopped by Yelv Pusanu.

While Zhao Yu was held hostage in the tent, Xiao Guan Yin attempted to lash out at her with a whip. Yelv Pusanu, however, swiftly intervened and stopped the whip. Annoyed, Xiao Guan Yin remarked, "Darned lackey, let go of her!" She continued, "Don't think that you can do whatever you want just because Yelv Chongguang has your back. You're just a lackey." Yelv Pusanu responded, "I suggest you stay calm, Princess.

Otherwise, you won't be able to face His Royal Highness." He added, "No need for you to remind me, Princess." Xiao Guan Yin left in a huff. Yelv Pusanu then left a meal box for Zhao Yu, telling her, "Eat now." Zhao Yu, in turn, challenged Yelv Pusanu about his mask, saying, "Deputy Commissioner, although you are thorough in your etiquette, you have never taken off your mask."

Yelv Pusanu replied, "My appearance is just like a Yaksha from the Song empire. If I take off my mask, Princess, are you sure you won't be afraid of me?" Zhao Yu retorted, "If so, I wish to see how hideous you look beneath the mask." Yelv Pusanu avoided her attempt to remove his mask, telling her, "Don't starve to death in my place."

Inside the meal box, Zhao Yu discovered the jade hairpin that Xiao Guan Yin had broken, now meticulously repaired with gold. Zhan Zhao and Ning Jin investigated Queen Dowager Xiao's body, and Zhan Zhao concluded she had died from poison, observing the state of her neck and lips, and a festered wound on her right index finger. He stated, "Judging from her neck and lips, I think she died from poison. Her right hand is swollen and purplish.

The index finger of her right hand has a festered wound. I think she was poisoned due to the infection. And, it attacked her heart." Mo Yan, waiting outside, asked Zhan Zhao if the Ten-Thousand-Year Turtle was still alive. The turtle was indeed alive but had a white spot on its snout. Ning Jin, curious, reached out to touch it but was stopped by Zhan Zhao who warned, "Don't touch!"

Zhan Zhao deduced that the poison had been applied to the turtle, with the white spot serving as a lure for Queen Dowager Xiao to touch it. Ning Jin realized he almost got poisoned, but Zhan Zhao clarified that the poison was harmless to the turtle. Mo Yan concluded that the culprit had orchestrated the poisoning to frame them, suggesting the killer had been disguised as a servant, operating unnoticed within the tent.

Their attempt to find the duty rosters was futile, as the records had been burned, and the person in charge was found dead in the Baigou Canal, leaving no witnesses or evidence. With all leads exhausted, Mo Yan decided that since they couldn't find the culprit, they should provoke the killer to strike again. As Yelv Hongji's deadline expired, Mo Yan was brought into the tent, bound.

Ning Jin, executing their plan, falsely accused Mo Yan of being a Western Xia scout. He claimed she used "Guisuishou" poison, derived from turtles that specifically consume poisonous insects in the northernmost region, which is harmless to turtles but fatal to humans, to assassinate Queen Dowager Xiao and thus disrupt the Song-Liao alliance for Western Xia's benefit. Yelv Hongji, though initially suspicious, conceded that Ning Jin's explanation of Western Xia's motive for sowing discord between Song and Liao had merit.

Yelv Hongji ordered Mo Yan's execution the next day, and Ning Jin, to maintain the deception, charged Zhan Zhao with negligence and had him imprisoned alongside Mo Yan, to be executed on the same day. Later, Ning Jin explained their true plan to Yelv Hongji. He revealed that their earlier ploy was to shift the blame to Western Xia, and because the culprit's goal to sabotage the marriage alliance had not yet succeeded, they would certainly attempt another assassination.

He reasoned that the next target would be a high-ranking Liao official, not ordinary people or Song envoys, to ensure maximum impact and instigate war. He predicted the targets would be from the Xiao clan, specifically Xiao Guan Yin or Xiao Xin, recommending Yelv Hongji protect Xiao Guan Yin to narrow down the target.

Yelv Hongji agreed to their strategy but set a condition: Ning Jin must help him eliminate Yelv Chongguang, his uncle, to secure his ascension to the throne. Ning Jin hesitated, stating he needed time to consider the grave matter. Yelv Hongji then ordered Xiao Guan Yin to be brought in, regardless of her willingness. During dinner, Xiao Xin was approached by a servant girl who attempted to drug his wine with Bone-Melting Powder.

Zhan Zhao, who had been hiding nearby, intervened just as Xiao Xin was falling unconscious. The servant girl fought Zhan Zhao, trying to throw a potent poison at him. Zhan Zhao skillfully kicked the poison container, causing its contents to spill onto the servant girl, killing her instantly. Yelv Pusanu, arriving at the scene, identified the deceased servant as Queen Dowager Xiao's personal attendant for the past three years.

Yelv Hongji ordered the Court of Judicial Review to thoroughly investigate her true identity and her instigator. Smiling, Yelv Chongguang suggested that the wedding could now proceed on schedule. However, Yelv Hongji, expressing his filial piety, announced a year of mourning for Queen Dowager Xiao, postponing the marriage with Zhao Yu until after his mourning period. Zhao Yu gracefully accepted the new terms. Yelv Hongji praised Mo Yan for her intelligence and offered her a reward.

Mo Yan proudly introduced herself as Mo Yan, the "Divine Dog," the seventh disciple of The Six Evils of Shuzhong, which visibly startled Yelv Pusanu. Yelv Chongguang noticed Yelv Pusanu's unusual reaction. Ning Jin declined Yelv Hongji's offer of a reward, requesting instead that Yelv Hongji publicly declare their innocence in Queen Dowager Xiao's death.

Yelv Hongji complied, issuing a decree stating that Queen Dowager Xiao's death was caused by a rogue agent aiming to disrupt Song-Liao relations, and warned that any future attempts to trouble Song envoys would be met with severe punishment. With matters resolved, the entourage prepared to return to the capital. Upon their arrival at the Liao palace, Mo Yan expressed her hunger, wishing for pork trotters.

Zhan Zhao offered to have them prepared, but Mo Yan remembered she still needed to prepare Zhao Yu's bathwater. Later, Zhao Yu, who had been struggling to eat, offered Mo Yan a chicken drumstick. Mo Yan playfully pretended to be poisoned after a bite, causing Zhao Yu to panic and call for help. Mo Yan's prank broke Zhao Yu's somber mood, and she finally found an appetite.

They shared the chicken drumsticks, bonding over complaints about Xiao Guan Yin's fiery temper and Yelv Pusanu's perpetually sour expression. Zhao Yu, feeling more comfortable, asked Mo Yan to share tales of Shuzhong, finding them far more engaging than her palace life. Meanwhile, Zhan Zhao met with Su Zui, who revealed his true identity as "Gyrfalcon" and was actually Yelv Pusanu, a Song informant who had been undercover in Liao for ten years, the sole survivor of a dozen agents.

Su Zui warned Zhan Zhao about Yelv Chongguang's collusion with Song traitors, specifically Pang Ji, to provoke war between the two nations. Su Zui informed Zhan Zhao that Yelv Chongguang had hidden the leader of Anhua, making him unreachable even for Su Zui. Zhan Zhao offered to arrange Su Zui's return to Song, but Su Zui declined, expressing his commitment to continue serving Song in Liao while he still could.

Before parting, Su Zui removed his mask to reveal his face to Zhan Zhao, to avoid future misunderstandings between them. Ning Jin confided in Mo Yan about Yelv Hongji's demand to eliminate Yelv Chongguang, a condition he felt compelled to accept to avoid creating another enemy for them in Liao. At Queen Dowager Xiao's funeral, Mo Yan was horrified to learn that many servant girls were to be buried alive with her.

During the ceremony, Anhua assassins, acting on Yelv Chongguang's orders, attempted to assassinate Zhao Yu, but Su Zui intervened and eliminated them all. The gruesome sight caused Mo Yan to faint. Zhan Zhao was deeply worried about Mo Yan. Ning Jin explained that while the seven-leaf sophora flower could detoxify the ptomaine, Mo Yan's recurring fainting spells were due to psychological trauma, which she would need to overcome herself.

When Mo Yan awoke, she confirmed that the assassins were indeed from Anhua, realizing Pang Ji's influence now extended to Liao. Ning Jin advised caution with the Xiao clan to avoid exacerbating their already precarious situation. Soon after, Xiao Guan Yin visited Zhao Yu, presenting her with a drink of Tianshan Snow Camel blood, sent by Chala. Despite their revulsion, Ning Jin and Zhao Yu, pressured by Xiao Guan Yin's intimidating presence, forced themselves to drink it.

They both vomited once Xiao Guan Yin departed. Mo Yan sensed Zhan Zhao was hiding something, but when she gently probed, he remained evasive, insisting he was fine. Seeking advice, Mo Yan confided in Zhao Yu, who suggested discreetly following Zhan Zhao to uncover the truth, though Mo Yan initially resisted the idea, valuing the trust between them.

Separately, Yelv Chongguang was seen enjoying a bowl of gyrfalcon soup, a bird that had been gifted to Ning Jin by Yelv Hongji, then released by Ning Jin, only to be recaptured by Yelv Chongguang. He questioned Su Zui (Yelv Pusanu) about why he had killed the Anhua assassins who attacked Zhao Yu (referring to the maidservant who tried to drug Xiao Xin).

Su Zui explained that he had acted to prevent them from being captured and potentially revealing Yelv Chongguang's involvement. Yelv Chongguang then tasked Su Zui with identifying the Song informant within his inner circle, hinting that Zhan Zhao might be the contact. He also revealed the location of Anhua's hidden leader to Su Zui and specified that Anhua's contact point was located in Zhongjing's The Classics Pavilion, instructing Su Zui to ensure Zhan Zhao never found it. He ominously commented on the nourishing qualities of gyrfalcon, subtly threatening Su Zui (Gyrfalcon) and demonstrating his control.

Ning Jin wanted to take Zhan Zhao to the Huanyi Courtesan House. Zhan Zhao was hesitant, but Xiao Xin appeared, urging them to enter quickly, so Zhan Zhao reluctantly followed him inside. Mo Yan, observing from a distance, witnessed the entire scene. Later, Mo Yan waited for Zhan Zhao to return. When they did, Ning Jin tried to deceive Mo Yan, claiming they had been at Prince Xiao's residence. Mo Yan, knowing this was a lie, observed them intently.

She then approached Zhan Zhao, offering him a shoulder massage, which was actually a subtle form of punishment. She believed Zhan Zhao was deceiving her and withholding information, not being honest. Zhan Zhao attempted to explain himself, stating he was there purely for official business and did nothing inappropriate, but Mo Yan accused him of keeping secrets, drinking, and seeking out other women.

She told him to continue having fun with Ning Jin and not to bother her anymore, then turned and left, leaving Zhan Zhao at a loss for words. The next morning, Zhan Zhao tried to speak with Mo Yan again, but she ignored him, pulling Zhao Yu away to go shopping. Zhan Zhao then joined Ning Jin to continue their investigation. Ning Jin instructed Wu Zi Chu to accompany and protect Mo Yan and Zhao Yu.

Wu Zi Chu ended up carrying their shopping bags. Zhao Yu observed Mo Yan's choices at various embroidery and cloth workshops, realizing that despite her anger, all the fabrics Mo Yan bought were intended for Zhan Zhao. While buying milk tea, Mo Yan spotted Xiao Xin emerging from the Jinsi Embroidery Workshop. Xiao Xin noticed her and tried to invite her to explore Zhongjing with him.

Zhao Yu, however, stepped in, gracefully declining the invitation on Mo Yan's behalf and suggesting that Xiao Xin arrange a suitable time for a joint tour in the future, including herself. As Xiao Xin departed, Mo Yan noticed an Anhua mark on his robe. To investigate Xiao Xin's connection to Anhua, Mo Yan accepted his invitation to his residence as a guest.

At dinner, Xiao Xin spoke frivolously, and Mo Yan tried to subtly inquire about the origin of the Anhua mark on his clothes, but he evaded her questions. Seeing no further opportunity, Mo Yan attempted to leave, but she had consumed drugged wine and collapsed at the door. Xiao Xin then ordered his servants to carry Mo Yan to his bedroom.

Later, Ning Jin questioned Zhan Zhao about his whereabouts the previous night, revealing that Wu Zi Chu, who had been on patrol, had not seen him. Zhan Zhao was forced to confess that he had met with Su Zui, a Song informant disguised as a Liao official named Yelv Pusanu, who was embedded in Liao. Their meeting concerned the investigation into embezzled funds.

Zhan Zhao explained that he had kept this a secret from Mo Yan to protect her from danger. Ning Jin assured Zhan Zhao of his support and capacity to help both him and Su Zui. Meanwhile, Su Zui urgently tried to pass information to Zhan Zhao. However, Zhan Zhao was being tracked by Yelv Chongguang's men, who surrounded their meeting place in a small hut, determined to capture the Song informant.

Zhan Zhao emerged from the hut, attempting to leverage Song's authority against Yelv Chongguang. Yelv Chongguang promised he only wanted the informant and would not harm Zhan Zhao. Zhan Zhao then spotted Ning Jin, cleverly disguised as a Liao soldier, among Yelv Chongguang's entourage. Yelv Chongguang ordered the disguised Ning Jin to search the hut. Inside, Ning Jin quickly exchanged clothes with Su Zui.

As Yelv Chongguang was about to force his way in, Ning Jin emerged, loudly pretending to be Prince Ning of Song, deeply engrossed in chanting the Kshitigarbha Sutra for Empress Dowager Xiao, and accusing Yelv Chongguang of disrespectful intrusion. Faced with potentially offending Prince Ning, Yelv Chongguang had no choice but to retreat with his men. Upon returning to their residence, Ning Jin and Zhan Zhao learned from Zhao Yu that Mo Yan was missing.

Ning Jin recalled seeing Xiao Xin's men looking for Mo Yan earlier, suggesting she had been taken by him. Worried for Mo Yan's safety, Zhan Zhao immediately rushed to Prince Xiao's residence. Mo Yan, having awakened, was desperately trying to fend off Xiao Xin, who intended to violate her. Zhan Zhao burst in, incapacitated Xiao Xin, and blinded him in one eye as a severe warning before carrying Mo Yan away.

Mo Yan, feeling like a constant source of trouble, expressed her desire to return to Song. Zhan Zhao, however, gently but firmly told her not to leave, reminding her that they hadn't even married yet, and promised to protect her from any further harm. Unseen, Su Zui watched the couple, a look of recognition on his face as he observed Mo Yan.

To further his schemes, Yelv Chongguang publicly executed a Liao soldier, falsely claiming he was the Song spy, thereby protecting Su Zui. He then gave a secret letter to Madam Fang, the owner of the Jinsi Embroidery Workshop, instructing her to deliver it to her master, Grand Tutor Pang, revealing Madam Fang as his crucial contact in Song.

Yelv Chongguang outlined his plan to eliminate Ning Jin's group by dividing them: he would assign Wu Zi Chu to the Calvary Camp to "exchange martial arts" with Liao soldiers, create an opportunity for Zhan Zhao to pursue Madam Fang, and arrange for Zhao Yu, Ning Jin, and Mo Yan to participate in a hunting expedition. The next morning, Mo Yan presented Zhan Zhao with a new, handmade outfit. He tried it on, finding a needle left in the fabric.

Mo Yan quickly bit off the thread, creating an intimate moment between them before Zhan Zhao departed. Later, Mo Yan learned that Yelv Hongji had arranged for Zhao Yu to select horses at the riding hall for the hunting party, so she accompanied Zhao Yu. At the riding hall, Xiao Guan Yin attempted to claim the horse Zhao Yu had chosen.

However, a messenger from Yelv Hongji arrived, summoning Xiao Guan Yin to a banquet and effectively preventing her from joining the hunt. Xiao Xin, still enraged by his injured eye, eagerly volunteered to lead Zhao Yu, Ning Jin, and Mo Yan in the outer hunting areas, seeking an opportunity for revenge against the Song visitors. Yelv Hongji, anticipating Yelv Chongguang's malicious intentions, decided to personally hunt a fierce tiger, inviting Yelv Chongguang to join him.

This strategic move aimed to draw Yelv Chongguang away from Zhao Yu's group and disrupt his plans. Xiao Xin led Zhao Yu, Ning Jin, and Mo Yan deep into the forest. After some time, Ning Jin suggested they rest due to Zhao Yu's fatigue. Mo Yan discovered tiger fur, confirming the presence of dangerous predators in the area, and Ning Jin went to ask Xiao Xin about returning to camp before nightfall.

While they were resting, Mo Yan and Zhao Yu noticed Xiao Guan Yin hiding nearby. Initially reluctant to explain her presence, Xiao Guan Yin eventually admitted she was there to protect Zhao Yu, albeit maintaining a disdainful attitude towards the Song people. Zhao Yu playfully threatened to inform Yelv Hongji about Xiao Guan Yin's unauthorized presence. Startled and fearing her brother's displeasure, Xiao Guan Yin fled but accidentally slipped and fell off a cliff.

Zhao Yu instinctively grabbed her hand, refusing to let go as Xiao Guan Yin slid further. Mo Yan quickly secured Zhao Yu with a vine and exerted all her strength to pull both women to safety.

Zhan Zhao staked out a wine shop near a needlework shop. When Madam Fang emerged, he followed her to a bamboo forest, where she met a young, masked lady who had just exited a carriage. As Madam Fang presented a letter, Zhan Zhao struck it down. Madam Fang hastily urged the young lady to leave. Zhan Zhao then revealed himself and confronted Madam Fang, who launched her Torrential Pear Blossom Needle.

Zhan Zhao managed to kill her with a single sword stroke, but he was also struck by a poisoned needle. With her dying breath, Madam Fang declared that Zhan Zhao's end was near. Zhan Zhao opened the letter, only to find it blank, realizing he had been tricked. Just then, Yelv Pusanu and his men surrounded him.

Zhan Zhao declared himself "Zhan Zhao of Kaifeng City Office" and challenged them to battle, stating, "Since you and I serve different masters, there's no need to hesitate. Let us battle each other." Yelv Pusanu (Su Zui in disguise) accepted, saying, "That's my intention," and ordered his men not to intervene. During their confrontation, Su Zui urged Zhan Zhao, "Kill me. You better stay alive. My sister is waiting to marry you. The Song empire mustn't lose you!

Xiao Qi can never lose another brother again!" Zhan Zhao, torn, said, "My mission is to die on the battlefield." Su Zui insisted, "My sister is sincere towards you. Go back!" To ensure Su Zui's undercover identity remained secret, Zhan Zhao intentionally allowed Su Zui to injure him, making it appear as if Su Zui had defeated him, and then fell off a cliff.

Yelv Pusanu's men wanted to confirm Zhan Zhao’s death, but Su Zui protected Zhan Zhao’s dignity, saying, "He's a warrior. Don't make things difficult for him. I'll leave the rest to you guys." Meanwhile, Mo Yan and Zhao Yu successfully pulled Xiao Guan Yin from the cliff. Xiao Guan Yin gratefully thanked them. Spotting people searching nearby, Zhao Yu quickly told Xiao Guan Yin to hide, promising, "I won't tell His Royal Highness about this.

It's rare to find someone who yearns for you. You better find an opportunity and return to them." Xiao Guan Yin thanked her again. Soon after, Xiao Xin found Zhao Yu and Mo Yan and rendezvoused with Ning Jin. On the return journey, Xiao Xin's men deliberately spooked Mo Yan's horse, causing both Mo Yan and Ning Jin to fall into a deep pit. Zhao Yu was injured in the chaos.

Xiao Xin attempted to attack Zhao Yu, but Xiao Guan Yin bravely intervened, pleading with her brother, "Brother, are you out of your mind? If His Royal Highness knows about this and reports this to His Majesty, I will surely be punished! If you kill her, you'll be executed!" Seizing the opportunity, Zhao Yu managed to escape.

Xiao Xin, in a panic, asked his sister what to do, then ordered his men to pull up Mo Yan and Ning Jin while he went to find Xiao Guan Yin. Mo Yan soon regained consciousness in the deep cave and roused a groaning Ning Jin, who complained of a dislocated arm. Mo Yan deftly reset his arm, though Ning Jin jokingly chided her, "Can you tell me before you do it next time?"

The initial entry point was too steep to climb, so they decided to search for another exit. Ning Jin, using a torch he had forgotten he carried, remarked that the cave resembled an abandoned mine. He also expressed certainty that Xiao Xin's actions were part of a larger ambush, but reassured Mo Yan that he had "bribed all sects in Liao" to prevent Xiao Xin from getting reinforcements.

Mo Yan then recalled Zhao Yu was still above ground, but Ning Jin assured her, "It's fine. Xiao Guan Yin is there as well." In a stone chamber, Ning Jin discovered numerous dead bodies, some clad in prisoner's clothes, bearing marks of being "devoured by beasts," confirming his suspicions about Xiao Xin's deadly trap. Mo Yan instinctively turned away from the gruesome sight. An unsettling sound prompted Ning Jin to exclaim, "It's a tiger! Run! Hurry!"

They frantically fled towards a distant light, stumbling upon an exit. They sought refuge in a small wooden house, where Mo Yan found a Jianxian Stone and a burned manuscript discussing its properties to numb pain, along with a slot for a tiger tally. Ning Jin immediately suspected that this was a clandestine workshop for creating tiger tallies and a transfer point for stolen money.

He deduced that Grand Preceptor Pang was preparing for rebellion by amassing wealth and counterfeiting military tallies, and he suspected Yelv Chongguang was involved, using the tiger attack as part of his plan. As the tiger continued to ram the wooden door, Mo Yan, putting aside her fear, decided to jump out a window to distract the beast and protect Ning Jin. She landed in a nearby body of water, successfully evading the tiger.

Later, on shore, she found the bodies of dead assassins and a severely poisoned, unconscious Zhan Zhao. Conquering her aversion to corpses, she managed to carry Zhan Zhao away. Meanwhile, Ning Jin, accompanied by Su Zui, found the injured Zhao Yu, whose ribs were broken. Su Zui expertly set Zhao Yu's ribs, causing her to faint from the excruciating pain. Ning Jin, mindful of Zhao Yu's reputation, implored Su Zui to keep her treatment a secret.

Deciding to split up, Ning Jin carried Zhao Yu away to rest in a nearby town, while Su Zui continued his search for Mo Yan. He eventually returned, bringing both the poisoned Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan to safety. The group found lodging in a secluded house in Yanxie Town. After Su Zui treated Zhan Zhao, he regained consciousness. Zhan Zhao revealed Su Zui's true identity as an informant for the Song empire, code-named Gyrfalcon.

Su Zui then removed his mask, revealing himself as Mo Yan's sixth brother, "the Hell Cheater," who was thought to have died in battle years ago while infiltrating Liao. Mo Yan, overjoyed, embraced her long-lost brother. Recalling her brother as plump in childhood, she playfully asked why he was so thin. Su Zui joked about the terrible food in Liao. Zhan Zhao expressed gratitude to everyone for their help and Mo Yan made him some soup.

After the recent dangers, Mo Yan, feeling vulnerable yet resolute, proposed marriage to Zhan Zhao. He happily agreed, comforting her by saying that a marriage now would help her "rest at ease" amidst the growing dangers. The next morning, Zhan Zhao approached Su Zui, asking for his blessing to marry Mo Yan. Su Zui, acting as Mo Yan's elder brother, gave his consent. Zhan Zhao then discussed the discovery of the tiger tally manufacturing site with Su Zui.

They concluded that Grand Preceptor Pang and Yelv Chongguang were indeed collaborating, intending to ignite a war between the Song and Liao empires, allowing Yelv Chongguang to seize the Liao throne and Grand Preceptor Pang to usurp the Song throne. Realizing the urgency of the situation and the need for Su Zui to return to Yelv Chongguang's side as Yelv Pusanu to avoid suspicion, Zhan Zhao and Su Zui decided to hold the wedding quickly.

Su Zui warned Zhan Zhao that he had controlled the poison in his body and opened his heart meridian, but he must never use his internal energy, as doing so would cause the poison to attack his heart and render any treatment impossible. Zhan Zhao promised to remember, and Su Zui made him swear to treat Mo Yan well, stating, "I will never let her down."

Mo Yan, eager for the wedding, bought food for the banquet, which Zhan Zhao and Su Zui cooked together. Zhao Yu, wanting Mo Yan to have a beautiful wedding, pawned some of her cherished accessories to buy wedding clothes for the couple, much to Mo Yan's emotional appreciation. Zhao Yu, bringing Zhan Zhao's wedding attire to the kitchen, was overcome by smoke and began coughing, prompting Su Zui to help her.

That evening, dressed in their new clothes, Mo Yan and Zhan Zhao held a simple yet heartfelt wedding ceremony, expressing profound gratitude to Ning Jin, Zhao Yu, and Su Zui for their support. In the bridal chamber, Zhan Zhao lifted Mo Yan's veil. As they gazed at each other, Ning Jin burst in, attempting to tease them, but Zhao Yu quickly intercepted him. Mo Yan playfully blew out the candles, and the newlyweds drew closer.

The next day, Su Zui led Ning Jin to Yelv Chongguang. Ning Jin, feigning distress, exaggeratedly claimed they had been ambushed by Xiao Xin and begged Yelv Chongguang for aid, even offering to kneel. Su Zui explained his own delay by claiming he was helping Ning Jin search for Zhao Yu, who was in danger. Ning Jin accused Xiao Xin of setting them up and asked Yelv Chongguang not to punish Su Zui.

Su Zui updated Yelv Chongguang on Zhan Zhao's condition, stating that he was gravely injured and poisoned, making it seem he would "won't be able to use martial arts again." Yelv Chongguang, though suspicious of Ning Jin's choice to seek him over Yelv Hongji, listened to Ning Jin's explanation that Yelv Hongji's affection for Xiao Guan Yin would prevent him from punishing Xiao Xin. Yelv Chongguang, feigning impartiality, said he would consider intervention.

Later, in private, Yelv Chongguang expressed annoyance that Zhan Zhao was still alive, to which Su Zui reiterated that Zhan Zhao was incapacitated by poison and unaware that Su Zui was his attacker. Su Zui then convinced Yelv Chongguang that, by using the pretense of protecting Zhao Yu, they could safely move against Xiao Xin. An urgent report confirmed Xiao Xin was indeed consolidating troops and planned to attack Yanxie Town the next morning to avenge his failure.

Seizing the opportunity, Yelv Chongguang declared, "They're delivering themselves to our doorstep. It would be a waste if I don't grab this opportunity." He immediately ordered his men to inform Ning Jin that they would depart the next day.

Mo Yan, now with her hair styled in a married woman's bun, woke to Zhan Zhao informing her of their plan. Yelv Chongguang was accompanying Prince Ning to Yanxie Town to retrieve Zhao Yu. As they arrived at a small courtyard, Zhao Yu rushed out, crying for help, claiming Xiao Xin wanted to kill them. Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan suddenly appeared, leading Xiao Xin's men to surround Yelv Chongguang. Mo Yan reassured Zhao Yu, "Your Highness, fear not.

We've come to your rescue." Prince Ning then confronted Yelv Chongguang, stating, "Yelv Chongguang, you've been exposed." He added that their testimonies, along with Prince Xiao's and the soldiers', were "enough to convict you." Yelv Chongguang realized that Prince Xiao had allied with them. Prince Ning further explained Yelv Chongguang's scheme: he had put a tiger in a cave to frame Xiao Xin and shift all blame.

Prince Ning highlighted two reasons for Xiao Xin's cooperation: they would forgive Xiao Xin for trying to harm them during the hunt, and the Xiao family owed them a favor because Zhao Yu had risked her life to save Xiao Guan Yin from falling. Yelv Chongguang then revealed he had brought more men, shouting, "Attack! All of you! Leave no survivor!" Zhan Zhao swiftly took Yelv Chongguang hostage, his sword at his neck.

Zhan Zhao urged Prince Ning, "Your Highness, take them with you. If you don't go now, none of us is going anywhere. You need to return and testify against Yelv Chongguang." Prince Ning, understanding the urgency, agreed and led Zhao Yu and the others away. Mo Yan, however, refused to leave Zhan Zhao, who was visibly weakened by poison. " Your poison has entered your bloodstream. How long more can you hang in there?" she asked.

Yelv Chongguang defiantly claimed he wouldn't care about his life for "the sake of our great cause," but Zhan Zhao countered, "It's okay. They care." Su Zui, who was among Yelv Chongguang's men but secretly working with Zhan Zhao, ordered his soldiers not to move. Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan managed to escape into the dense, miasma-filled forest. Yelv Chongguang's men halted at the forest's edge, aware that no one could survive for long within the toxic air.

Deep in the miasma forest, Zhan Zhao felt his strength failing. " Seven, I'm feeling a little tired," he admitted. He told Mo Yan to leave him and save herself, blaming himself for her predicament. Mo Yan refused adamantly, declaring, "I won't leave you here. Without you, I won't live on as well." Zhan Zhao insisted she had to "live on," but Mo Yan rejoined, "We'll both live on. I'll get you out of here."

Despite her determination, both eventually collapsed from the poison and miasma. Meanwhile, Prince Ning and Zhao Yu returned to their camp, where they were ambushed by an assassin. Xiao Guan Yin bravely intervened, saving Prince Ning and stating, "I don't owe you anything now." Yelv Hongji, informed of the events, expressed concern for Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan, promising to send more men to find them.

Zhao Yu questioned Yelv Hongji's ability to convict Yelv Chongguang, who was known for his cunning. Yelv Hongji admitted his uncle could find a scapegoat but vowed to strip him of his power. Zhao Yu empathized with Yelv Hongji's efforts to protect his family by hiding his true strength. She urged him to openly acknowledge his feelings for Xiao Guan Yin, pointing out his apparent indifference despite his clear concern for her. "

She doesn't want anything," Zhao Yu explained, "The position as the empress means nothing to her. What she really wants is for you to tell her that you like her." Overhearing their conversation, Xiao Guan Yin was moved to tears. Yelv Hongji then embraced her tightly and confessed, "I like you."

Unbeknownst to them, two brothers, who had been craftsmen for Yelv Chongguang and narrowly escaped his massacre by fleeing into the miasma forest, found and rescued the unconscious Mo Yan and Zhan Zhao. Mo Yan cooked pastries for their saviors, whom the brothers referred to as "Mrs. Zhan," and in return, the brothers explained Yelv Chongguang's cruel act. Mo Yan promised they would avenge them. Zhan Zhao eventually awoke, coughing violently and discovering he was coughing blood.

When Mo Yan entered, he reassured her he was fine, and she expressed hope that they could return home soon. Knowing his time was limited, Zhan Zhao spent his remaining days teaching Mo Yan martial arts, subtly preparing her to protect herself. One evening, as they shared a drink, Zhan Zhao intentionally got Mo Yan drunk.

He tenderly told her he was going on a "far away trip," left his Juque Sword by her side, and departed silently, believing she would be heartbroken to watch him die. Upon waking, Mo Yan discovered Zhan Zhao gone and fell into a deep illness. Prince Ning brought her back to the Song capital and then to Shuzhong. When Mo Yan finally regained consciousness after half a month, Xiao Chen delivered the devastating news of Zhan Zhao's death.

Mo Yan was heartbroken, unable to comprehend his absence, as he had promised to stay with her. Xiao Chen then revealed that Zhan Zhao had agreed to go to Liao to obtain the seven-leaf sophora flower from Zhao Yu specifically to treat Mo Yan's illness. Devastated by this hidden sacrifice, Mo Yan cried out, "Why hid it from me for so long? . . . I'll never have a chance to thank him anymore?"

She wept uncontrollably in Xiao Chen's arms. With the Juque Sword, Mo Yan returned to Bianjing City, where every familiar street and corner brought back poignant memories of Zhan Zhao. At Kaifeng City Office, his presence was even more palpable, and the others hesitated to speak his name in front of her.

Bao Zheng expressed his concern, but Mo Yan, with tears in her eyes but feigning strength, declared her resolve to become a constable and protect the peace in Zhan Zhao's stead. Bao Zheng, touched by her determination, fulfilled his earlier promise and appointed her constable. Prince Ning reported to the Emperor, assuring him that Zhao Yu was well, alleviating the Emperor's guilt. A year passed, and Mo Yan, now Constable Mo, had become exceptionally diligent.

She no longer feared dead bodies and excelled at examining them, tirelessly patrolling the streets day and night due to staffing shortages. She even lightheartedly told a subordinate whose wife was due to "make it quick" so he could return to work. Prince Ning frequently found excuses to invite Mo Yan for meals, but she, aware of his affections, politely declined, asking him not to be too kind to her.

One day, he falsely claimed to have lost a jade paperweight, insisting only she could find it. Mo Yan arrived at his residence, and as rain began to fall, she was again lost in memories of Zhan Zhao. Exhausted, she eventually dozed off in the hall. Prince Ning found her sleeping and felt a pang of sympathy.

At dinner, he suggested they travel to Liao together for Zhao Yu's upcoming wedding to Yelv Hongji, hoping it would help Mo Yan confront Zhan Zhao's death and move forward. Mo Yan refused flatly, citing her busy schedule. Prince Ning threatened to complain to Bao Zheng about her dereliction of duty, but Mo Yan remained unmoved.

Mo Yan struggled to mask her grief over Zhan Zhao, a fact Ning Jin keenly observed. He urged her to confront her past by accompanying him to Liao, believing it was the only way for her to truly move on. Mo Yan, however, stubbornly claimed she had already come to terms with it.

Mo Yan reported the successful capture of the Thousand-Faced Bandit, a skilled creator of masks from human skin, who was responsible for previous cases and was now in jail awaiting interrogation. After her report, she requested Bao Zheng's permission to join Ning Jin on the tribute mission to Liao. Bao Zheng, citing pressing official duties in Kaifeng City and an important case for Mo Yan in Jiangnan, denied her request.

Undeterred, Ning Jin later spoke with Bao Zheng directly, questioning his refusal. Bao Zheng admitted his concern that Mo Yan would become emotionally volatile if she were to meet Zhan Zhao, stating that it was not yet time for them to reunite. Ning Jin countered that over a year of meticulous planning had stabilized the situation in Liao, and Mo Yan’s constant distraction made him reluctant to let her continue living in such a state of despair.

Recognizing the depth of Mo Yan’s unresolved sorrow, Bao Zheng reluctantly agreed. Ning Jin then affirmed that Mo Yan would accompany him, believing that facing the past was necessary. During their journey to Liao, Ning Jin suggested they camp at Yanxie Town for the night and visit a small courtyard they had once frequented. He informed Wu Zi Chu to notify Grand Preceptor Pang of the stop and to keep a close watch on him.

Grand Preceptor Pang, complaining of exhaustion from the bumpy road, chose to remain in his carriage. At the courtyard, Mo Yan was delighted to find Su Zui awaiting them. She expressed her joy, having guessed it would be him. Su Zui shared updates on their Second Brother, noting his happy marriage to Miss Bai. He then joked with Ning Jin about finding him a suitable wife, even a princess, back in the capital.

Su Zui, however, soon urged them to return to the main party quickly to avoid arousing Grand Preceptor Pang's suspicions. Upon arriving at the Datong Boarding House, Zhao Yu greeted Ning Jin and Grand Preceptor Pang warmly. She was particularly overjoyed to see Mo Yan. Yelv Pusanu, who was secretly Zhan Zhao in disguise, was also present. Some Liao soldiers mistakenly assumed Mo Yan was Ning Jin's concubine.

Mo Yan promptly corrected them, clarifying that her husband's surname was Zhan and she was not a concubine, words that deeply moved Zhan Zhao as he overheard them. Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Pang secretly met with Yelv Chongguang at Yelv Manor, reprimanding him for his repeated failures to instigate conflict between Song and Liao, which even led to the death of their long-standing informant, Madam Fang.

Yelv Chongguang defensively attributed his setbacks to a Song informant within his inner circle, which he claimed he was trying to eliminate. Grand Preceptor Pang threatened him, implying he could arrange a similar "accident" for Yelv Chongguang's deputy commissioner, Yelv Pusanu. Grand Preceptor Pang then issued a stern warning that with Princess Zhao Yu's wedding imminent, their meticulously planned scheme, a year in the making, absolutely could not fail this time.

Later, Zhao Yu confided in Su Zui, expressing her homesickness after seeing her uncle. She acknowledged the burden of her role, stating her need to flawlessly portray a happy princess for the sake of her loved ones. Su Zui reassured her, commending her efforts and thanking her for his companionship and protection over the past year. Zhao Yu observed that intimate relationships made deception harder and commented on Su Zui’s seemingly cold demeanor.

Su Zui explained that he had deliberately forced himself to be emotionless to prevent his eyes from betraying his true feelings. Their eyes met, and Su Zui, immersed in the moment, realized their mutual feelings and hastily looked away. Zhao Yu, seeing through his facade, told him he was not cold but merely used pretense and distance as a coping mechanism from years as an informant.

She encouraged him to embrace his true self now that he had their support, but Su Zui evaded her concern. As Mo Yan sat drinking in the courtyard, Yelv Pusanu (Zhan Zhao) approached her, urging her to let go of Zhan Zhao and accept his death, emphasizing that dwelling on the past would not make him happy. Mo Yan adamantly declared herself Zhan Zhao's wife, an unchangeable fact, and dismissed his advice, believing he couldn't understand her.

Drunk, Mo Yan stumbled, and Yelv Pusanu swiftly caught her. In his embrace, she instinctively felt it was Zhan Zhao, holding onto his hand as she drifted to sleep and murmuring for him not to abandon her. Once she was asleep, Zhan Zhao removed his mask and tenderly kissed her, silently expressing his deep longing.

A flashback revealed the truth: after being severely poisoned in the miasma forest, Zhan Zhao would have died had Su Zui not found him and, at the cost of losing all his own martial arts, expelled the toxins from Zhan Zhao's body. Zhan Zhao explained that he owed Su Zui his life and, to continue their mission of uncovering stolen money and aiding the struggling Song empire, he assumed Su Zui's identity as Yelv Pusanu.

He expressed his regret for letting her believe he was dead. The next morning, Zhan Zhao quietly left Mo Yan's room. Mo Yan awoke, reflecting on the night's events, and realized that Yelv Pusanu was indeed Zhan Zhao. She immediately sought him out, demanding he remove his mask. He refused, reiterating that revealing his identity would jeopardize their mission and again urged her to accept Zhan Zhao's death and believe he was only her Sixth Brother. Heartbroken, Mo Yan left.

Soon after, assassins (men in black) stormed the Datong Boarding House. Yelv Pusanu fought them, and Mo Yan recognized Zhan Zhao's distinctive fighting style. After defeating the attackers, Yelv Pusanu led Mo Yan into a secluded forest and removed his mask, confirming her suspicions. Overwhelmed by a mix of joy and resentment, Mo Yan bit his shoulder and cried into his embrace, pleading with him never to abandon her again.

Zhan Zhao apologized and promised that after Grand Preceptor Pang was overthrown, he would accompany her back to Shu and treat her to perch. They then shared a passionate kiss. Meanwhile, the surviving assassin leader reported his failure to Grand Preceptor Pang, confirming that the Liao man (Yelv Pusanu) had used Mo Yan's Juque Sword. Grand Preceptor Pang, now deeply suspicious, questioned if Zhan Zhao might still be alive, asking if the assassin had seen his body.

He instructed his subordinate to recuperate, hinting at further developments. Later, at a meal with Mo Yan, Ning Jin, and Zhao Yu, Mo Yan playfully revealed that Yelv Pusanu (whom Ning Jin and Zhao Yu still believed was Su Zui) had escorted her back to the Datong Boarding House and even kissed her. Ning Jin and Zhao Yu, relieved the secret was out, feigned surprise but quickly agreed such actions were "common" for a caring brother.

Mo Yan then pressed further, mentioning Yelv Pusanu had used the Juque Sword against the assassins that morning. Still playing along, Ning Jin and Zhao Yu again dismissed it as normal for a Han to possess such skills. Finally, Mo Yan dropped the act, confronting them for hiding the truth. Su Zui, who arrived at that moment still wearing his mask, was also told to stop pretending.

He explained that keeping Mo Yan in the dark was necessary because her worry would have made Zhan Zhao hesitant and distracted, jeopardizing his dangerous role as an informant, where "hesitations" or "distraction" were fatal flaws. He also revealed that Grand Preceptor Pang had already made a move and knew of the Juque Sword, making Zhan Zhao's exposure imminent. Ning Jin decided they must act before Grand Preceptor Pang could.

Su Zui then strictly warned Mo Yan not to meet Zhan Zhao privately again due to the extreme danger. Separately, Ning Jin visited Prince Hongji to discuss an urgent matter. At the same time, Grand Preceptor Pang paid another visit to Yelv Chongguang. He casually apologized for his subordinates' earlier altercation, attributing it to their youthful impulsiveness. Yelv Chongguang brushed it off as a minor family affair.

Grand Preceptor Pang then subtly suggested that Yelv Chongguang might be using private army without proper authorization. Grand Preceptor Pang, feigning a "bad habit" of being unable to proceed with "doubt in my heart," expressed skepticism about Yelv Chongguang's claim of having eliminated the Song informant. He specifically mentioned that his men observed Yelv Pusanu demonstrating "proficiency in the sword skills of Song" during the recent fight.

Yelv Chongguang quickly defended Yelv Pusanu as his trusted "right-hand man" involved in various "monetary dealings" and "gunpowder dealings with the Tibetan people," subtly implying that Grand Preceptor Pang's inquiry might be an attempt to reclaim stolen funds for Song. Grand Preceptor Pang, maintaining his pretext, then requested Yelv Chongguang to arrange a meal so he could personally meet Yelv Pusanu.

Prince Ning Jin had a risky strategy: he fully disclosed his intentions to Yelv Hongji, gambling on the kind of ruler Yelv Hongji aspired to be. Ning Jin affirmed Yelv Hongji's upright character and extensive learning, suggesting that if he became a wise monarch, it would benefit both Liao and Song. Yelv Hongji, however, retorted that a wise ruler could still execute people and wage war against Song.

Ning Jin countered by reminding him of Liao's depleted treasury after three military campaigns into Western Xia, warning that another war would lead to public discontent. He implied that Yelv Hongji’s cooperation would not only aid Song but, more importantly, help him consolidate his own power by removing Yelv Chongguang, whose presence disturbed his peace of mind. Yelv Hongji eventually agreed to cooperate but presented a condition: Yelv Pusanu must die in Liao.

Ning Jin worried this would alert Yelv Chongguang, but Yelv Hongji assured him he would handle Yelv Chongguang, emphasizing that Yelv Pusanu's death was paramount. He explained that Yelv Pusanu, as a spy, had fooled them for years, which was a blow to Liao’s prestige, and his death would solidify Yelv Hongji’s political authority and status as crown prince.

If his condition was met, Yelv Hongji promised to deal with Yelv Chongguang, help take down Grand Preceptor Pang, and ensure lasting peace between Liao and Song. He gave Ning Jin time to consider, instructing him to bring Yelv Pusanu when ready. Back at the Datong Boarding House, Ning Jin summoned Su Zui.

While initially trying to convince Su Zui to take Zhao Yu away for leisure, he soon revealed his true intention: Zhao Yu could not marry Yelv Hongji, who neither loved her nor could offer her happiness. Ning Jin urged Su Zui to take Zhao Yu and flee, reassuring him that as a prince, he would be safe. Su Zui, however, declined, citing his lack of wealth, status, and martial skills, which would prevent him from protecting Zhao Yu.

He pressed Ning Jin for the real reason. Ning Jin then disclosed Yelv Hongji’s demand for Yelv Pusanu’s death. Ning Jin admitted he had considered a look-alike but knew Yelv Hongji would see through it. Therefore, he insisted that Su Zui, Zhan Zhao, and Mo Yan must all leave, so that Yelv Pusanu would effectively cease to exist.

Su Zui firmly refused, asserting that his years as Yelv Pusanu were dedicated to stabilizing Song’s foundation, and he could not abandon Ning Jin or the mission. When Ning Jin mentioned Zhao Yu and her need for him, Su Zui reiterated that her wedding was inevitable and that, between national affairs and personal feelings, he would choose the former, believing Zhao Yu would do the same.

Before leaving, Su Zui asked Ning Jin to restrain Zhan Zhao, fearing that the appearance of another Yelv Pusanu elsewhere would jeopardize their plan. He also entrusted Zhan Zhao with Mo Yan’s care, mentioning that Mo Yan, his sister, was already married to Zhan Zhao. Su Zui then went alone to the Crown Prince’s Residence to meet Yelv Hongji. Yelv Hongji challenged him to show his true face, and Su Zui removed his mask, revealing himself as a Song man.

To prove his identity as the Yelv Pusanu who had spied for a decade, Su Zui recounted precise details: Yelv Chongguang’s serious illness five years prior, cured by Physician Zhang, and Yelv Chongguang’s handwritten calligraphy titled "Scorching Sun," gifted to Yelv Hongji three years ago for his birthday. Convinced, Yelv Hongji asked why Su Zui accepted his terms. Su Zui calmly stated he was willing to die for peace between the two nations, finding purpose in such a sacrifice.

Yelv Hongji admitted he had expected Ning Jin to resort to tricks, perhaps taking Ning Jin hostage. Su Zui dismissed this, declaring that Song men were not afraid of death. Yelv Hongji expressed regret that Su Zui, not being a Liao man or an informant, could not serve by his side. A servant then presented the poisoned wine. Without hesitation, Su Zui drank it, and Yelv Hongji pledged to uphold his promise.

Meanwhile, at the Datong Boarding House, Zhan Zhao and the others discovered Su Zui's absence. Ning Jin tried to prevent them from leaving, but at that moment, Su Zui reappeared, opening the door safely. Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhao Yu rushed to hug him. Su Zui explained that Yelv Hongji had sent him a message indicating that sincerity was the key and the deal was done. He realized the poisoned wine was merely a test.

Zhan Zhao admonished Su Zui for risking his life, but Su Zui asserted that if Yelv Hongji had been serious and he had not died, he would have had no peace. Moving past the scare, Mo Yan questioned Zhan Zhao about Grand Preceptor Pang inviting Yelv Pusanu to a banquet. Zhan Zhao explained it was to discuss relocating the stolen money.

He intended to accept the task, learn the money’s exact location, then inform Yelv Hongji to seize it, thereby toppling Grand Preceptor Pang. Mo Yan, recalling Pang’s recent assassination attempt, warned that it was a trap, a “Hongmen Banquet,” and urged Zhan Zhao not to go. Zhan Zhao argued that refusing would confirm Pang’s suspicions, and since Yelv Hongji had already validated Yelv Pusanu’s identity, they couldn't waste their efforts.

He declared, "The show must go on," and since Su Zui had just returned from Yelv Hongji, it was his turn to attend. Grand Preceptor Pang and Yelv Chongguang received Zhan Zhao, disguised as Yelv Pusanu. Grand Preceptor Pang, using a toast as an excuse, pressed Yelv Pusanu to remove his mask. Yelv Chongguang interjected, explaining Yelv Pusanu’s face was burned, hence the mask.

Grand Preceptor Pang feigned a joke, questioning how Yelv Chongguang knew it was the same person if the mask was always on, then apologized, but emphasized caution against spies. He then insisted Yelv Pusanu remove his mask for the sake of their shared venture of moving the money, an urging echoed by Yelv Chongguang. Zhan Zhao, in disguise, reluctantly agreed, saying his appearance might be frightening, then removed the mask.

Earlier, Mo Yan had made Zhan Zhao a human-skin mask, crafted to show severe burn injuries, identical to Su Zui’s, having learned the art of disguise from the Thousand-Faced Bandit in Kaifeng. This was to ensure his identity would pass scrutiny at the banquet. Grand Preceptor Pang observed Zhan Zhao's disguised face, appearing satisfied, and Yelv Chongguang told him to put the mask back on.

Mo Yan, worried Grand Preceptor Pang would not relent, tried to leave, but Ning Jin stopped her, asking about the human-skin mask she mentioned. She explained she learned it from the Thousand-Faced Bandit. Ning Jin, though impressed, still forbade her from going, insisting she would only endanger Zhan Zhao by distracting him. Outside the restaurant, Grand Preceptor Pang, Yelv Chongguang, and Zhan Zhao were leaving.

Grand Preceptor Pang bid Yelv Chongguang farewell, ominously stating he wouldn’t allow any errors on their journey. Suddenly, assassins attacked Yelv Chongguang. Zhan Zhao immediately protected him, fighting off the assailants. During the melee, Mo Yan, who was disguised among the assassins, intentionally wounded Zhan Zhao to solidify his trust with Yelv Chongguang. Yelv Chongguang then took the injured Zhan Zhao to his room for treatment and dismissed his men.

Later, Grand Preceptor Pang confronted Yelv Chongguang, questioning how he dared to show up. Grand Preceptor Pang asserted that he never truly intended to kill Yelv Chongguang, claiming his men were not ordered to deliver fatal blows and implying an unknown party among the attackers was the real threat. He then advised Yelv Chongguang to return to Song.

Yelv Chongguang accused Grand Preceptor Pang of taking his money without fulfilling his end of the bargain, but Grand Preceptor Pang countered that he never made a bad deal. He warned Yelv Chongguang against infighting, especially with the princess’s wedding imminent.

Yelv Chongguang boasted he could achieve his goals alone, but Grand Preceptor Pang scoffed, reminding him that he had been stripped of military power and, without Grand Preceptor Pang’s half of the tiger tally, Yelv Chongguang’s forces would be unable to enter the Imperial City. Grand Preceptor Pang concluded they needed each other, at least for the time being. With no other options, Yelv Chongguang reluctantly agreed to continue their original plan, vowing to settle scores later.

Back with Zhan Zhao, Mo Yan tenderly examined his wound, distraught and blaming herself. Zhan Zhao reassured her, stating that her carefully aimed stab had successfully driven a wedge between Grand Preceptor Pang and Yelv Chongguang and secured the location of the stolen money. He comforted her, promising they would overcome any future challenges, no matter how dangerous. Separately, Grand Preceptor Pang visited Yelv Hongji, already aware of Ning Jin’s attempts to turn Yelv Hongji against him.

Yelv Hongji asked if Grand Preceptor Pang feared capture, but Grand Preceptor Pang, a Song official, insisted only Song law applied to him, highlighting his solitary night visit as proof of sincerity. Yelv Hongji pressed, asking why Grand Preceptor Pang, who had previously colluded with Yelv Chongguang to seize the throne, had changed his mind. Grand Preceptor Pang explained Yelv Chongguang’s insatiable ambition and greed made him untrustworthy.

Yelv Hongji noted Yelv Chongguang’s diminished military power, suggesting he was no longer a threat. Grand Preceptor Pang, however, preferred to be cautious, wanting to completely crush Yelv Chongguang and keep him around only to bear the blame later. Yelv Hongji questioned Grand Preceptor Pang’s sincerity, suggesting he could hand him over to Song for political favors.

Grand Preceptor Pang, calling Yelv Hongji intelligent, presented a compelling financial incentive: if Yelv Hongji partnered with Song, Grand Preceptor Pang’s vast wealth would go to Song; but if he allied with Grand Preceptor Pang, they would divide the fortune, with Grand Preceptor Pang taking thirty percent and Yelv Hongji taking seventy. When Yelv Hongji worried about damaging his reputation by breaking a promise, Grand Preceptor Pang proposed eliminating "them" to prevent any leaks.

He outlined his plan: ambush the princess’s convoy on her way to the capital tomorrow, ensure her death, ignite a war between Liao and Song, and pin the blame on Yelv Chongguang. Once he conquered Song, Grand Preceptor Pang promised to deliver all promised terms, including ten cities, to Yelv Hongji.

Yelv Hongji questioned if his Liao troops were to die in battle just for seventy percent of the wealth, to which Grand Preceptor Pang pragmatically noted that war always involved casualties. Grand Preceptor Pang then sweetened the deal by offering the ten cities he had previously promised Yelv Chongguang to Yelv Hongji instead. Yelv Hongji’s face showed a subtle smile, indicating his approval, as he declared his sole concern was the welfare of his Liao people.

On the eve of her wedding, Zhao Yu tearfully adorned herself. Although Yelv Hongji had sent her a perfectly matched jade hairpin, she cherished the one that Su Zui had repaired more. Meanwhile, Zhan Zhao diligently recorded all the details of the stolen money transactions and Yelv Chongguang’s dealings with the Tibetan tribes regarding gunpowder.

Wu Zi Chu presented this critical intelligence to Ning Jin, who instructed him to deploy extra guards to ensure Zhao Yu's absolute safety along her journey from the Datong Boarding House to the palace the following day. Later, Zhao Yu found a despondent Su Zui drinking in his room. She confessed her feelings, knowing she was to be married the next day but desperate to know if he reciprocated.

Su Zui avoided her gaze and dismissed her affections, reminding her of her destiny as the Crown Princess and empress, contrasting it with his own humble status as a commoner. He asserted that her claims of not caring about status were merely a "game" for someone of her high standing, and that she would eventually yearn for her former luxurious life.

He then revealed his true motivations, explaining that his sole purpose in life was to protect Song and its people, and that her protection was merely incidental to his duty. With his back to her, Su Zui wished her happiness. Zhao Yu, heartbroken by his cold words and the revelation of his true feelings, looked at the hairpin she held, which she and Su Zui had once imbued with meaning, and which she had treasured as her life. Utterly devastated, she placed the hairpin on the table and fled, crying. As soon as she was gone, Su Zui turned, tears streaming down his own face.

Zhan Zhao helped Mo Yan hang lanterns, carefully guiding her to go along with the wind. While they were sharing a sweet moment, they saw Zhao Yu crying as she rushed out of Su Zui's room. Mo Yan immediately suspected that her sixth brother, Su Zui, had upset Zhao Yu, noting that he clearly liked the princess but wouldn't express it.

Determined to find out what happened, Mo Yan, with Zhan Zhao, confronted Su Zui, entering his room without knocking, causing Su Zui to quickly conceal a hairpin. To provoke Su Zui into action, Mo Yan emphasized the harsh realities of Princess Zhao Yu's impending marriage to Yelv Hongji.

She outlined the Liao customs for the wedding procession, including a convoy of ornate chariots and regalia, and mentioned that upon her ritual of sacrifice and ancestor veneration, Zhao Yu would be wed to Yelv Hongji and live in the palace forever after, unable to leave at will except for major rituals.

Mo Yan pressed Su Zui, asking if he truly disliked the Princess and if he intended for this to be their last meeting, warning him he would regret it for the rest of his life. Seeing Su Zui's continued silence, Zhan Zhao intervened, suggesting that Su Zui assume his identity as Yelv Pusanu to escort Princess Zhao Yu to her wedding. Su Zui, overwhelmed, simply told them to leave.

On the day of the wedding, Princess Zhao Yu donned her elaborate phoenix coronet and robes, though her heart held no joy. Earlier, Zhan Zhao had gone to find Su Zui, but Mo Yan was unaware of what they had discussed. Grand Preceptor Pang solemnly read the imperial decree, which proclaimed Yelv Hongji and Zhao Yu as a match made in heaven, wishing them a lifetime of affection and hoping for lasting alliance between Liao and Song.

After the decree, the escort ambassador, Yelv Pusanu, entered the Datong Boarding House to welcome Zhao Yu. Zhao Yu's father's voice echoed in her mind, reminding her to take care of herself in Liao and to remember her mission to preserve Song-Liao ties. She silently acknowledged that she had accomplished his mission. As Yelv Pusanu reached out to assist her, Zhao Yu recognized Su Zui’s voice beneath the mask, bringing a fleeting smile to her face.

Before stepping into the bridal carriage, she turned for one last, lingering look at Su Zui, aware that this journey marked the final connection between them. Su Zui, as Yelv Pusanu, led the bridal procession on horseback. Meanwhile, Mo Yan, Zhan Zhao, and Wu Zi Chu blended into the crowds, anticipating trouble and intercepting assassins who sought to disrupt the procession. From the rooftops, a group of assassins unleashed a volley of arrows.

Despite the efforts of a few individuals to fend them off, an arrow pierced Zhao Yu's bridal carriage. Su Zui, whose martial arts had been rendered useless, frantically tried to block the incoming arrows but failed to catch one, which struck Zhao Yu. She collapsed, injured. Su Zui rushed to her side, cradling her in his arms, as Zhao Yu found comfort in his presence.

Upon receiving news of the attack, Grand Preceptor Pang, believing his plan had succeeded, went to Yelv Hongji's palace and feigned outrage. He demanded the assassins be killed and their heads displayed on the city walls, even accusing Yelv Pusanu of being a failure. Yelv Hongji promised that he would take full responsibility and provide an explanation to Song.

Grand Preceptor Pang, however, aggressively threatened war, declaring that Song would not hesitate to fight for justice for the Princess and their nation. Ning Jin then mentioned that gunpowder had been found among the assassins, leading Yelv Hongji to suspect that the culprits were no ordinary people. Grand Preceptor Pang tried to caution against making hasty conclusions that might implicate the imperial family, but Yelv Chongguang retorted that Grand Preceptor Pang was overly worried.

At that moment, Wu Zi Chu arrived, escorting a Tibetan man involved in gunpowder trade. Ning Jin revealed that he had specifically sent Wu Zi Chu to investigate after the incident. The Tibetan man, under questioning, identified Yelv Chongguang, the Ruler of the South, as his trading partner. Ning Jin presented trade records as evidence, explicitly naming Yelv Chongguang. Cornered, Yelv Chongguang admitted to being speechless, claiming a conspiracy against him.

Yelv Hongji, convinced by the evidence, ordered his uncle, Yelv Chongguang, to be taken to prison and handed over to the Ministry of Royal Household after informing his father. Ning Jin then addressed Yelv Hongji, stating that he had helped eliminate Yelv Chongguang and now expected Yelv Hongji to return the favor by allowing Zhao Yu to return to Song once she recovered. Grand Preceptor Pang quickly objected, arguing that a marriage alliance could not simply be revoked.

The imperial physician delivered grim news: Princess Zhao Yu’s heart had been gravely injured, and she was mortally wounded. Everyone was overcome with sorrow. Xiao Guan Yin angrily demanded that the physician save the Princess, threatening to have him buried with her if he failed. When Zhao Yu regained consciousness, she sensed the sorrowful atmosphere and asked what was wrong.

Ning Jin, trying to spare her the truth, gently lied, assuring her that she was fine and would recover with rest in a year and a half. Zhao Yu expressed relief, then shared her deepest desire with Mo Yan: she no longer wished to be a princess; she simply wanted to live as Zhao Yu.

Mo Yan promised to support her in this, offering to spend time with her, to which Zhao Yu happily agreed, though she noted Mo Yan's unhappiness, commenting that it wasn't as if she were going to die. Seeing Su Zui arrive, Mo Yan gracefully created an opportunity for him and Zhao Yu to be alone. Su Zui, filled with guilt, confessed that he had failed to protect her.

Zhao Yu, however, assured him that she never blamed him and still wanted to hear his stories, asking him not to skimp on them next time. Su Zui promised her many stories. Zhao Yu then asked him to remove his mask, revealing his scarred face. She playfully called him ugly but then softly admitted that she still liked him, wondering aloud how wonderful it would be if he liked her too.

She spoke of her hopes for recovery, wanting to visit his homeland of Shuzhong and see its legendary Six Evils. As she spoke, her hand, reaching out to him, fell lifelessly. Mo Yan, from outside the room, cried out that the Princess had passed away. Overhearing this, Ning Jin’s eyes welled with tears. He declared that he would personally escort Zhao Yu’s body back to Song, marking the beginning of war between Liao and Song.

As the grand funeral procession for Princess Zhao Yu prepared to depart, Mo Yan advised Zhan Zhao to continue his covert operations, reminding him that in Grand Preceptor Pang’s eyes, he was already dead. Zhan Zhao agreed, explaining that he could not return to Song with the procession as Grand Preceptor Pang would surely have the Kaifeng City Office monitored.

This situation, he reasoned, allowed Mo Yan to move freely out of sight while he himself remained in Liao to work undetected, emphasizing that they must seize this moment. Mo Yan reassured him that she would not act recklessly. Meanwhile, Su Zui went to the prison to visit Yelv Chongguang. Yelv Chongguang, recognizing Su Zui's true identity, defiantly offered him a drink and challenged him to kill him.

Su Zui demanded to know why Yelv Chongguang had to kill the Princess. Yelv Chongguang coolly replied that action needed no reason; he simply felt it was appropriate. He lamented how his many years of plotting had led him to such a plight, regretting not keeping his gyrfalcon as a companion.

Yelv Chongguang then revealed that he had given the tiger tally, which allowed for the mobilization of a private army, to Grand Preceptor Pang, questioning if Su Zui and his allies could contend with such power. Su Zui accused him of continuing to aid evil.

Yelv Chongguang then questioned Su Zui, asking why, after being raised by him for so many years and being from Song, he hadn't used his identity as Yelv Pusanu and Yelv Chongguang's resources to destroy Liao. Su Zui, despite his hatred for Yelv Chongguang’s actions against Zhao Yu, calmly asserted that the innocent lives of the people, whether in Liao or Song, should not be involved.

He stated that he would not allow Song’s foundation to be built upon a sea of blood, highlighting this fundamental difference between them. Yelv Chongguang acknowledged his words, then declared that from that day forward, both Yelv Chongguang and Yelv Pusanu would die together, urging Su Zui to act. Su Zui, however, refused to kill him and instead left his Yelv Pusanu mask behind.

Yelv Chongguang, left alone, clutched the mask, remarking, "From now on, only you will be with me." Upon the return of Princess Zhao Yu's coffin to the capital, Bianjing, high officials donned mourning attire, and the Empress was so distraught she fainted. Su Zui, back from his mission in Liao, tried to purchase wine but was refused, as the entire city was observing a period of mourning for the Princess. As he persisted, a tavern owner offered him lees instead.

Soon after, Su Zui overheard a group of men disrespectfully discussing Princess Zhao Yu, insulting her memory. Enraged, Su Zui confronted them, but, having lost his martial arts and being intoxicated, he was easily beaten. Mo Yan tended to his injuries, but Su Zui remained consumed by grief, immediately seeking more alcohol upon waking. Mo Yan warned him that further drinking would be fatal, as the alcohol poisoned his heart.

Su Zui, however, felt he deserved to die, lamenting that he should have taken the arrow for Zhao Yu. Zhan Zhao urged him to recover and focus on his mission, reminding him of his past self—a noble hero who would face any adversity for his country. He pointed out that while Grand Preceptor Pang was plotting a rebellion, Su Zui was drowning his sorrows. Su Zui despairingly retorted that his martial arts were gone, leaving him useless as a hero.

Zhan Zhao highlighted that Princess Zhao Yu, despite her lack of martial arts, had also shown heroism by bravely going to a foreign land for the sake of peace. He implored Su Zui to pull himself together and complete his mission. Su Zui, torn, asked Zhan Zhao how one should choose between their beloved and their country, regretting that his mission for Song had cost him the only person who cared for him.

Meanwhile, Prince Ning Jin played chess with Bao Zheng, discussing the Emperor’s worsening cold and the increasingly tense military situation along the border. Prince Ning expressed his frustration, stating that both he and the Emperor had been marginalized by Grand Preceptor Pang, to which Bao Zheng offered no response. Grand Preceptor Pang, now in possession of the complete tiger tally, received a report from his subordinate, who had been spying on Prince Ning.

The subordinate informed him that while the Kaifeng City Office had been quiet, Prince Ning had visited Bao Zheng at his villa to play Go. The subordinate recounted that Prince Ning had sought Bao Zheng’s advice to prevent war between the two countries, but it seemed Bao Zheng had not devised any solutions. Grand Preceptor Pang's forces were ready outside Kaifeng City, awaiting his command. Grand Preceptor Pang then received a message via carrier pigeon. Reading it, he declared, "The time has come."

Grand Preceptor Pang, having received a fabricated message indicating that Pang Long had stationed his troops in Bazhou, held a clandestine meeting with the rebel leaders. He promised them ministerial posts and titles of nobility, asserting that the time was ripe for their ambitions, as the Imperial City's defenses were weak and everything they desired would soon be within their grasp.

He commanded archers to enter the palace first to occupy the watchtowers, while other generals were to lead their men, identified by triangle scarves on their chests, through Xihua Gate at seven in the morning. The rebels, kneeling before him, hailed his impending success. In the midst of a storm, Grand Preceptor Pang, accompanied by three ministers, sought an audience with the Emperor.

Feigning concern for the Emperor's health, which he claimed was declining due to overwork, Grand Preceptor Pang suggested the Emperor abdicate. When asked who should succeed him, Pang named the Second Prince, his eight-year-old grandson. This blatant display of ambition enraged the Emperor, who had previously only believed Pang to be greedy. As the Emperor ordered Pang's arrest, hidden guards revealed themselves, and Zhan Zhao held a sword to Pang's neck.

Pang, unfazed, reminded Official Bao to consider the Emperor's safety, and an arrow immediately pierced the desk in front of the monarch. Grand Preceptor Pang confessed his belief that the Emperor was too lenient, which he claimed had led Song to its current state. He envisioned a powerful Song under his rule, where "vermin" (those seeking disaster relief funds) would be eradicated, the state would be enriched, and its territory expanded.

The Emperor countered that he would protect every citizen of Song and would not whitewash any situation. Pang then revealed his alliance with Yelv Hongji of Liao, stating that their defeat was imminent. However, Zhao Yu, who suddenly appeared, refuted Pang's claim, explaining that Yelv Hongji aspired to be a benevolent ruler and had already ordered all the stolen money embezzled by Pang to be returned to Song. Zhao Yu declared that Pang had no escape route.

Pang was stunned to see Zhao Yu alive, realizing the elaborate deception. Zhao Yu, along with Prince Ning and Mo Yan, had orchestrated her fake death to draw out Grand Preceptor Pang and expose his treason. She had not informed Su Zui of the plan, believing he did not love her and wanting to release him from any perceived obligation.

Meanwhile, Su Zui, having regained his resolve, had quietly infiltrated the palace and single-handedly eliminated the archers hidden in the watchtowers. As other rebel forces outside the palace prepared to attack, Wu Zi Chu, acting on Prince Ning's orders, led his troops to engage them. Inside the hall, Mo Yan informed Grand Preceptor Pang that Zhan Zhao had captured Pang Long and brought him back to Kaifeng City Office, revealing that the "message" Pang had received was a fabrication.

Official Bao elaborated that the Song generals had feigned their deployment to the border, only to turn back and station themselves in Henan, awaiting orders. This strategy led Pang to believe the palace was undermanned, allowing them to capture his forces. Although confronted with his impending defeat, Grand Preceptor Pang remained defiant, claiming he had a final contingency. Mo Yan suddenly recalled that Jianxian Rock, if consumed over time, could induce a loss of sensation.

True to her fears, rebels who had taken Jianxian Rock surged into the hall, impervious to pain. During the ensuing chaos, Grand Preceptor Pang abducted the Emperor and Mo Yan. To delay Zhan Zhao, Grand Preceptor Pang bound Mo Yan in a water dungeon. Zhan Zhao desperately tried to sever the chains, even risking injury by gripping the blade. Mo Yan urged him to leave to save himself, but Zhan Zhao refused to abandon her.

As the water level rose, Mo Yan discovered a drainage port, offering a glimmer of hope. Once rescued, Mo Yan pressed Zhan Zhao to pursue Grand Preceptor Pang, but Zhan Zhao assured her that he had already called for backup. Grand Preceptor Pang, clutching the Imperial Jade Seal, attempted to flee the palace, only to find Xiao Chen and Duan Qingyi blocking his path.

The two skillfully neutralized the remaining rebels and apprehended Grand Preceptor Pang, bringing him back to Kaifeng City Office. There, Official Bao, renowned for his integrity and righteousness, presided over Pang's trial, leading to his execution by beheading. Zhao Yu, filled with anticipation, approached Su Zui, asking if he had anything to say. Su Zui remained silent, and a heartbroken Zhao Yu began to walk away, tears welling in her eyes.

Su Zui called out to her, then revealed his past: he was decreed at sixteen to serve the country, spending eight years as an informant in Liao. Now, free from his undercover identity, he was merely a commoner. He then confessed his love for her, and Zhao Yu, having longed for those words, turned and embraced him. Their wedding was a joyful occasion, attended by the Emperor and Empress in disguise, as well as Yelv Hongji and Xiao Guan Yin.

Su Zui's pre-wedding jitters were eased by playful banter from Xiao Chen and encouraging words from Mo Yan and Duan Qingyi. Later, Zhan Zhao requested a leave of absence from Official Bao, explaining that after years of diligently upholding the law, he wished to spend more time with Mo Yan, confident that new talent would emerge to serve the court. While reluctant to lose Zhan Zhao, Official Bao understood his desire for a peaceful life.

Mo Yan interjected, clarifying that it was merely a three-month vacation to Shuzhong, not a permanent departure, much to Official Bao's amusement. Official Bao jokingly warned Mo Yan, a self-proclaimed slacker, not to forget her return date. Prince Ning affectionately urged Mo Yan to return soon and playfully threatened Zhan Zhao with imprisonment if he dared to bully her.

Official Bao, arriving late to see them off, bid the departing couples—Zhan Zhao and Mo Yan, Xiao Chen and his wife, and Su Zui and Zhao Yu—a safe journey, reciting a poem to mark their farewell.